St Just Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, “The Miners’ Cathedral” at 12 midnight on Thursday 31st August 2017 will close its doors for the last time.
That is the timescale the Church Council has agreed at a meeting on Friday 4th March 2016; unless in that time it can come up with a project for an alternative use. Suggestions under consideration include being part of an umbrella organisation perhaps celebrating the Mining Heritage of St Just, the Methodism Heritage, family history, local business history, performance centre, café, shop, art, craft exhibitions, workshops, play space or rehearsal space. St Just grew from the mines, and the Church Council feels it should still have a large presence as part of the Tin Coast.
All services, meetings, concerts, weddings, funerals, baptisms will take place as normal until that date.
This date will not mean the end of Methodism in St Just just the fact that the building cannot continue to be maintained on the income generated.
The minimum of repairs will be carried out on the roof leaving the building wind and water tight. However, it is with deep regret for the town that this iconic building will be left boarded up and fenced off.