The New Connexion Methodists seceded from the old society on some points respecting the management of the funds, throwing open their financial matters to the knowledge and supervision of the people, and the general government of their societies. They have a large place of worship in Pepper-street, which is fronted with stone, and supported by four Corinthian pillars. The ministers are itinerant, and receive their appointment from the annual conference.
The Octagon Chapel
is situated in Foregate-street, and, as already stated, was built in 1765, by the Wesleyan Methodists. Upon their removal to St. John-street, it was purchased, and has since that time been occupied by its present possessors. The congregation was collected by the labours of the late Rev. P. Oliver, a clergyman of the Established Church, who embraced the doctrines of the celebrated Mr. Whitefield. This gentleman (says Hemingway, from whom we quote) converted some outbuildings near his house in Boughton into a chapel, where he officiated until his death without any other reward than the gratification of diffusing among his poor neighbours, according to the best of his judgment, the spirit and principles of evangelical truth. At his death he bequeathed the chapel to his congregation for a term of years; but upon their removal to the Octagon, they sold their interest in it, and it has since been occasionally used as a place of worship by the Independents of Queen-street. The congregation at the Octagon is in connection with the societies which were under the patronage of the late Countess of Huntingdon. The present minister is the Rev. W. Evans.
The Baptist Chapel
is situated in Hamilton-place; it is a small brick building, erected in 1806.
The Welsh Calvinistic Chapel
stands on the north side of Commonhall-street; it was opened for public service on the 12th November, 1820. The public service is conducted in the Welsh language.
Commonhall Street
was erected in 1841, by the congregation of the late Mr. Jonathan Wilcoxon, who officiated in an adjoining room, without pecuniary emolument, for thirty-seven years. After his death the congregation united themselves with the Independents.