[former] Primitive Methodist Chapel, Castle Hill, Whitchurch This former chapel was bought by the Masons in 1972 and became the "North Shropshire Masonic Rooms" which it still is (2023). The chapel in the photograph was built in 1866 (on a site adjoining their former chapel), to a design by Mr Denham of Wem and built by Messrs Powell of Prees. The foundation stone laying took place on Wednesday 13th June. Its opening services took place on the 16th & 23rd December 1866. The chapel measured 45 ft long & 33 ft wide and had a gallery, platform & 17 windows, and seating for 500 worshippers and was built at a cost of about £700-£800. The building was registered for the solemnization of marriages on 15th January 1870. The chapel in the photograph replaced a former chapel built by the Primitives who had only been formed into a society in Whitchurch in the spring of 1839. This former chapel was built in 1840 and measured 30 ft by 25 ft. Its opening services took place on 27th December 1840 and 3rd January 1841. In the 1851 census return was described as having seating for 164 worshippers. On Census Sunday 30 March 1851 there were 99 worshippers at their afternoon service and 62 at their evening one. In addition there were 29 children at their Sunday School. Grid ref: SJ 541415.

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