Station Road, Knowle, Solihull, West Midlands B93 0HN

The foundation stone of the chapel was laid by William Hood on 17 October, 1834, and five months later the ‘building was ready for worship.

The Green posters advertising the opening read :

Knowle Independent

Chapel 2

“New Independent Chapel Knowle.  

The above chapel will be opened for Public Worship on Tuesday, March 10th, 1835, when three Sermons ‘will be preached; that in the morning by the

Rev. T. East of Birmingham

That in the Afternoon by the

Rev. J. Sibree, of Coventry

And that in the Evening by the

Rev. J. .A. James of Birmingham

The services to commence at Eleven, Three and Six o’clock. A Collection will be made after each Service, towards defraying the expence (sic) incurred by the erection of the Chapel.”

In addition to the building costs a further £100 debt had to be cleared.  It was caused by the purchase of land, trust deeds and suchlike, and was cleared within a few years. The opening services were well attended - whether by local inhabitants is a debatable point . The three sermons were preached on the respective texts, Matthew xi 28, Jeremiah xxiii 29, and John iii 3. Regular Sunday afternoon services were held and also an occasional week-night service.

Next