Primitive Methodists in Houghton Regis

A Primitive Methodist Church in Houghton Regis was built in 1844 on the east side of King Street; there were 180 Free sittings. On 3rd January 1861 the Chapel was registered for worship by Richard Tearle who was described as being of Houghton Regis, plait dealer (Society Steward). On Good Friday 1862, the foundation stone was laid for a new Primitive Methodist chapel. The new chapel was opened on 14th September 1862. The new chapel was registered for worship on 28th March 1863 by Thomas Huckle of Luton, bonnet manufacturer (trustee). The registration for worship at Houghton Regis PM was cancelled on 4th September 1935. The Circuits for the church were Luton Primitive from 1845 to 1866 and Dunstable Victoria Square from 1866.

Ecclesiastical Census

On Sunday 30th March 1851 a census of all churches, chapels and preaching-houses of every denomination was undertaken in England and Wales. The local results were published by Bedfordshire Historical Records Society in 1975 as Volume 54, edited by D. W. Bushby. The return for Houghton Regis Primitive Methodist church noted the following pieces of information:

• The church had 180 sittings

The general congregation had been 70 in the morning, 88 in the afternoon, 138 in the evening

List of sources at Bedfordshire Archives: 

• MB2/HR2: Houghton Regis Primitive Methodist Chapel