ONE of Keighley's many lost places of worship, the impressive Victoria Park Wesleyan Methodist Chapel was built in 1891 "in the Italian style of architecture".
Replacing earlier premises, it was originally known as Eastwood New Wesleyan Chapel, but its proximity to the park encouraged its more popular title.
At its opening it could ordinarily seat 430 worshippers, but had the capacity to cram in another 130 "by means of loose benches etc". Its Sunday School could accommodate 300 scholars, with an "infant's room" for another hundred – though initially there were only 295 on the registers. They were instructed by 50 teachers.
After its official opening some 300 supporters sat down to tea and speeches.
But times - needless to say - change, and by 1977 the chapel was faced with demolition. However, the Victoria Park organ was bought by All Saints' Church at Highfield, whose enthusiastic organist, Richard Horner, spent 14 months of his spare time in its relocation and restoration.
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