Congregational Chapel, Sutton Veny
Nonconformist worship in Sutton Veny began in the late 17th century when a small group worshipped at the Baptist Church at Crockerton Green. This building was just within the Sutton Veny parish boundary until 1934. In the late 18th century one of the villagers moved to Warminster in order to attend the preaching of the gospel at the Common Close Meeting. He returned to Sutton Veny to spread the Word, and a house was soon licensed for preaching.
In 1793 support for the church was strong enough to warrant the building of a chapel near Dymock's Lane, funded by subscription. The Imber family were particularly enthusiastic. Edward Imber gave land for the chapel, three of the family appeared in the first trust deed, and William led the church as first deacon until 1829. The building of this chapel met with some opposition in the village, and one farmer threatened to pull down the walls as they were being erected. It is said that he died in mysterious circumstances the night before he intended to do it.
A schoolroom and burial ground were added to the chapel in 1818. In 1800 the average attendance at the chapel on Sunday mornings was 116, in the afternoons 151, and in the evenings 300. In 1829 the regular congregation was estimated to be 100.
In 1793 support for the church was strong enough to warrant the building of a chapel near Dymock's Lane, funded by subscription. The Imber family were particularly enthusiastic. Edward Imber gave land for the chapel, three of the family appeared in the first trust deed, and William led the church as first deacon until 1829. The building of this chapel met with some opposition in the village, and one farmer threatened to pull down the walls as they were being erected. It is said that he died in mysterious circumstances the night before he intended to do it.
A schoolroom and burial ground were added to the chapel in 1818. In 1800 the average attendance at the chapel on Sunday mornings was 116, in the afternoons 151, and in the evenings 300. In 1829 the regular congregation was estimated to be 100.
The chapel was rebuilt in Romanesque style in the late 19th century. Its logbook at this period, with its list of meetings, lectures and tea parties, illustrates vividly the social and educational importance of the congregation within the parish. In the 20th century the congregation gradually dwindled. In 1962 the figure was just eight, and the chapel had no resident minister. The chapel was demolished in 1970.