Volume Eleven - Pre-Victorian to the Present Day - some more aspects - The Growth of Wesleyan Methodism at Penarth . . .

A large company took tea in an adjoining room, used as a temporary chapel, and ultimately the ceremony was gone through. The Rev. P. Budd opened the proceedings by giving out a hymn, after which, the Rev. J. J. Page read a portion of Scripture, and the Rev. R. Bentley offered up an appropriate prayer. Mr. Wm. Price then read the document, which stated the contents of the bottle, which was laid in a hollow space underneath the stone. He then presented. (on behalf of the committee, a splendid silver trowel, with an ivory handle), to Miss Morgan of Barry, which bore the following inscription :- Presented to Miss Morgan, on the occasion of her laying this foundation stone of the Wesleyan chapel, Penarth, October 7th, 1863."

Miss Morgan then proceeded to lay the stone, which she did in a most gracious manner. The mortar was spread, the level applied, the mallet was used, and sounds of it heard, which called forth the shouts of the surrounding company- Miss Morgan then declared the stone to be well and truly laid in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

The assembly then repaired to the Calvinistic chapel, (kindly lent for the occasion), when the Rev. Peter Budd delivered an excellent sermon, which concluded the proceedings of the day. The collections at the laying of the stone, and after the sermon, amounted to £67 8s. 3d.

We append a description of the building. It is to be in the Gothic style, and will be carried out in Penarth blue lias stone, with Bath, Forest, and Bridgend stone dressings. The principal dimensions are, chapel, in the clear, including entrance lobby, 60 feet by 46 feet, and 26 feet for the springing of the roof. Galleries are not to be erected at present, but are provided for.

The accommodation as now designed is for about 500 persons. There is to be a large school-room at the back attached to the chapel, and entered from it, 48 feet by 24 feet and there are also two good vestries. An the rooms will be well ventilated.

The original tender was £ 1,930, but there will be some few omissions to reduce the cost. The builder is Mr. Thomas Shelper, of Roath ; the architect, C. E. Bernard, Esq. -  Cardiff Times [019] [361] 9th October 1863.