Throughout the 19^th century, Methodism gained many followers across the country, and Wroughton proved to be no exception, for in the 1870’s it became obvious that a new and bigger chapel was needed in the village.  The North Wilts Herald dated 29^th June 1878 contained a report of the laying of the memorial stone of the new chapel, which was being built in the High Street.

The article stated that the chapel was to be constructed of the red bricks of the neighbourhood, relieved with horizontal bands of white and black bricks and Bath stone dressings. The dimensions were to be “39ft in length with a width of 27ft 6ins arranged so as to suit an extension in length at the back at a future period”. “The pews together with the rostrum and communion rail were to be executed in red deal, stained and varnished”. There was to be a gallery over the entrance and in all the chapel was being built to accommodate 240.

The weather on the afternoon of Wednesday 24^th June, the date chosen for the stone laying ceremony, “proved somewhat stormy” but this apparently had little effect on the attendance for “those interested mustered in good force”.

After a short service taken by the Rev N Stevens and a few words by the Rev W Calladine (Swindon) stating the circumstances, which had led to the gathering, the stone was laid by Mrs Slade of Newbury. Two unnamed members of the circuit were thanked for defraying the cost of the “beautiful trowel of exquisite workmanship” that had been used and thanks also went to Mr H Mason of Swindon for providing a suitable mallet.

A glass jar had been placed underneath the memorial stone. This contained copies of the North Wilts Herald, the Swindon Advertiser, Methodist Recorder, the current circuit plan, a placard of the day’s proceedings, a lithographic view of the chapel, the names of the architect (Mr 0 Baker of New Swindon), and the builder (Mr George Wiltshire of Bath Road, Swindon), the amount of accommodation the building would provide, its cost (£700), a list of subscribers, the names of all the members in the society at Wroughton and several current coins of the realm.

After a collection had been made and addresses had been given by several reverend gentlemen, the company adjourned to the old chapel where “upwards of a hundred sat down to a bountiful tea”, after which a meeting was held.

During the evening Mr James Murray of Hodson was called upon to say a few words. This he was only too pleased to do, as he had been present at the laying of the memorial stone for the present chapel over 50 years previously. He gave a very interesting talk on the early days of Methodism in our area. So interesting, in fact, that I have decided to save that for another time.

In the meantime it would be very pleasing to find out if the trowel and/or mallet used on this auspicious occasion are still being treasured by someone, have ended up in a museum or a private collection or have just disappeared for ever.

It would also be interesting to know if that time capsule is still in situ.