The first recorded Methodist sermon in the old fishing town of Brixham was preached in the Fish Market in 1810 by William Trampleasure, the grey- bearded superintendent of the newly formed Torquay Wesleyan Circuit. By 1812 regular meetings for worship were being held in a room, which led with growing numbers to the building of Fore Street chapel in 1816 on the site of a former quarry. Seating 600, its Georgian style was based on the Mint at Exeter. Fifty years later it was extended to the rear to provide for growing numbers of Sunday School scholars. A separate Sunday School building was added opposite in1883. This was demolished and replaced by the Christian Community Centre in 1974.

The chapel itself was modernised in1894, with new Victorian-style pews, gas heating and lighting, and the Sunday School accommodation incorporated into the worship area. Further renovations were made in the late 1980s and 2015, giving improved access for the disabled. The bicentenary was celebrated in 2016 with a gala dinner.

During the ministry in Brixham of the Anglican hymnwriter Rev. Henry Francis Lyte, author of 'Praise my soul' and 'Abide with me', his wife worshipped at the Fore Street chapel.

Category: Place
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