Scholes Wesleyan / United Methodist Free Church

The villagers of Scholes had their first place of worship in 1824 when the Wesleyan Methodist chapel on Scholes Lane (then known as Webster Lane) was built. At this time it was a small chapel and in 1849, following the division in Methodism the premises were taken over by the United Methodist Free Church and in 1879 a new chapel was built at a cost of £2,200. Not long after, the building was found to be affected by subsidence and had to close down. The congregation split between the Wesleyans, who held services at Prospect Mill and the reformers joined the United Methodist Free Church members who were already meeting at the Temperance Hall.

An article appeared in the local papers on Saturday 29 Mar 1879 regarding the opening of the new chapel, which reads:
The services in connection with the opening of a new chapel, built by the United Methodist Free Church at Scholes, were commenced on Monday evening, when a sermon was preached by the Rev. W. Jansen Davies, Congregational Minister of Cleckheaton. The attendance at the service was very good.
The present structure has been erected upon the site of a smaller chapel belonging to the above denomination, which was the only Dissenters' chapel in Scholes. The chapel, which is in the classic style of architecture, is faced with delph stone, relieved with ashlar dressings. On the ground floor is a school room, 36ft by 38ft, the gallery being reserved for the congregation.
The internal dimensions of the chapel are 51ft 3in by 38ft, and it is capable of seating 250 persons. The total cost of the building, including the boundary walls, organ and other incidental expenses, is £2000.
The various contracts have been carried out under the superintendence of Mr. R. F. Rogerson, architect, Brighouse. The building is warmed by hot air, on a new and improved principle by which previous to passing into the chapel, vestries and the school, it is made to pass through water and thus becomes moistened whilst retaining its warmth.
The new building is a considerable improvement upon the old chapel.

In 1891, after repair, the chapel reopened and remained in use until 1967. It was finally demolished in 1970.

Baptism records are available for this location from 1879 to 1906, however there are some specific baptism records in the "Cleckheaton Circuit" dating back to 1837 that state the baptisms took place at this chapel. A separate button has been added for these. This project is complete.

Burial records are available for this location from 1898 to 1965. This project is complete.