Sadly in recent years the Chapel has been under secret attack from Dry Rot and Woodworm, especially during the lockdown periods during the pandemic when the Chapel was closed for safety for many months. A recent expert report shows extensive spread, that has caused significant damage and structural integrity issues with flooring/staircases inside the building. The report has estimated the repairs and total renovation of the building ( including the much overdue restoration of the beautiful stained glass windows) would be around £500,000. As you can imagine this is a huge sum of money for such a small community such as Mousehole, COVID-19 had a significant impact on our ability to produce income from the use of both buildings, and our own fundraising events regularly held each year.

St. Clements Chapel is now the oldest surviving, Grade II* listed, and still functioning Methodist Chapel in the whole of Cornwall. It would be heartbreaking for our congregation, which span generations of regular attendees, and for our community to lose such a rich and integral piece of its history.

Instruction to build a Chapel were given by Rev J Taylor in 1783, this original building was then enlarged in 1813, but just 20 years later, the building was deemed insufficient for the number of attendees, so the original building was demolished to make way for a larger one. The vestries were added in 1878.

1898-1905 saw many improvements and a complete renovation. In 1987 the former Mount Zion Chapel amalgamated with St Clements, and thus a new society in Mousehole was born.

ou may also be aware that Mousehole sustained a great loss when eight of its men gave their lives in an attempt to save the lives of others. The bravery of the crew of the Solomon Browne Lifeboat is commemorated in an area inside the Chapel. Mr T Waters dismantled the old free seats on one side of the pulpit, and from these an octagonal table was made, with the name of a man on each panel, with the top of the table bearing the insignia or the RNLI. The names are as follows: Trevelyan, Stephen, Nigel, John, Barry, Charles, Kevin and Gary. A lectern and cross were also made. Personal gifts for this area consist of a piano, ship's bell, carpet, a flower stand, silken rope, copper plaque, a memorial poem and the installation of amplification. Flowers are constantly provided by the bereaved families.

There are 10 beautiful stained glass windows that will be restored as part of this project. They are, The Talents, I Am The Good Shepherd, I Am The Light Of The World, Follow Me, Blessed Are The Peacemakers, John Wesley, Blessed Are The Pure In Heart, John Wycliffe, Lay Hold On Eternal Life, John Bunyan.

A 3 window panel was added to the screen to commemorate the loss of the men of Mousehole in both World Wars.

With your help we can continue to be guardians of such a vital part of our community, I am sure if you have visited Mousehole, you will agree it is an absolutely stunning location, and the loss of such a large piece of the skyline would be felt all over the world, not just locally.

The renovation of the Chapel, can also bring the building into the 21st Century, making it a more versatile space for use within our community, alongside being a place of worship.

The initial target is small, but all donations big and small are gratefully received!