Our History
The Dunster Circuit, of which Bossington became a part, was formed in 1811. Early plans show that services were held on Mondays in various homes: at Walnut Tree Cottage, 'Kitnor', and on Sundays the Bossington members met with the Porlock congregation. In due course the members agreed that they would endeavour to have their own building at Bossington.
An 1894 minute book gives the names of the appointed trustees. The Ministers at that time for the Minehead and Dunster Circuit were: Superintendent Rev William H. Major and Rev Joseph Johns. A plot was purchased for the sum of £8 ftom Sir Thomas Dyke Acland, Bart. Of Killerton and Holnicote. The architects, Foster and Wood of Bristol, drew the plans based on the lines of a barn, thus in keeping with the landscape, and the other buildings in the area. The Hines Brothers of Dunster tendered to build the Chapel for the sum of £244:13s, plus an extra £2:5s for haulage. The first stone laying was on 12th September 1894, preceded by a luncheon at Porlock, followed by a tea. Various methods of fund raising were used: donations, carol singing collections in Porlock and Bossington, and concerts.
The building was to have red local sandstone for the main quoins, and vitrified brick for the window and door quoins, the roof to be tiled. 54 chairs at 2s:9d were to be purchased. A coke stove was purchased for heating, and 3 paraffin lamps for light, a rostrum and communion rail.
The bank was to be Stuckey and Co. which had a sub branch at Porlock. Unfortunately towards the completion the original amount was found to be hardly adequate, but extra funds were made available and the building completed. 36 more chairs were purchased and a musical instrument (probably a harmonium), also 2 more lamps.
Easter Monday, 15th April 1895, the opening day arrived. There was a luncheon at Porlock, an afternoon service with tea at 5.15pm, followed by an evening meeting, the guest preacher for both services was Rev. F.B. Cowl of London.
Apart from the removal of a printed text: 'Prepare to meet thy God' over the communion table, the building remains unaltered, and there is no other Church in the Circuit where the preacher has such an inspiring view from the pulpit. It wasn't until 1952 that electricity was installed in the church.
In 1962 the chairs needed to be replaced, and an appeal resulted in the purchase of eighty chairs at a cost of £115. Other furnishings have been given over the years: the piano, carpet, the missal desk, the lectern and cross, the pulpit cushion and curtain.
From the beginning until the decline in population, there was a flourishing Sunday School, and a well-attended women's meeting each week.
The Anniversary has always been celebrated at Easter. In past years teas were served in the afternoon of Easter Monday, before the evening service. Today, supper is served afterwards.
Thanks are given to those who have supported the Church over the years, not only at the Anniversary, but also at Harvest, and Carol Services, Coffee mornings and Flower Festivals. The financial results of these events have helped to keep the fabric of the Church in good repair, and during the millennial year the Church was improved with the provision of a toilet and kitchen facilities, and the creation of a quiet garden with seats. Methodism has also been supported further afield.
The Church is a Grade II listed building, and it is hoped that it will be preserved for worship and witness for many more years. A building would be only an empty shell without those who breathe life into it week by week; Minister and Local Preachers, those who play the piano, the congregation, and not least those who maintain the grounds and the building. Bossington Methodist Church continues its Christian witness in the 21st Century with great faith.