Building & Churchyard

Our history

Brede Chapel dates back to early Victorian times and became Trinity Methodist Church when three congregations combined to meet at Broad Oak in 2004.  More information can be found in the attached leaflet ‘Trinity Methodist Church, Broad Oak - A brief history’. 

The building has been thoroughly updated and renovated in recent years.  The pictures below show some areas before renovation, followed by the building as it is now, of course still retaining many historic features.

Access and facilities for the less able

Access ramps are available for both the front and the side entrance.  Within the building, all areas are on a single level.  One of the three toilets is fully accessible.  There is a hearing loop in the main worship area. 

Safety and fire precautions

The positions of smoke and heat detectors, fire doors and fire extinguishers are shown on the floor plan.  There is emergency lighting in appropriate locations. 

The building is checked regularly for Health & Safety and Fire Risk.  A copy of the latest assessments can be provided on application. 

A first aid kit and accident report book are kept in the labelled drawer in the kitchen.

Churchyard

The first burial took place in 1842.  Most of the gravestones were removed in 1959 (see ‘A Brief History’), but burials continued until 1995.  The burial register is headed ‘graves, steined and common’.  Steined graves were lined with brick or stone, which seems to have been a common practice in the Hastings area in the late 19th century. Ashes have been interred from 1965 to the present day.

Details of those commemorated in Trinity's graveyard, including information on the gravestones still visible, is shown on the attached pdf.  A separate pdf gives a commentary on the statistics. A plan of the churchyard showing individual plots can be provided by the Property Steward. 

In 2017, a Wildlife Garden was established in most of the grounds.