Jireh Chapel, Malling Street
Jireh Chapel, Malling Street, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2RD
Former Calvinistic Independent chapel used by the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster from 1998 until it was taken on in January 2024 by a Strict Baptist congregation which formerly met at Brighton. The original Trust Deed states that the Chapel is a place of Christian worship to be 'frequented and enjoyed by a congregation of Protestant Dissenters of the Calvinistic persuasion professing’.
Listed Grade I, the Jireh Chapel dates from 1805, and was enlarged in 1827. The chapel is timber framed on a brick base, clad in red mathematical tiles and slate, under grey/blue Welsh slate roof. The main entrance is to the east, through a porch supported on two Tuscan columns. The preserved interior is almost entirely wooden, with fitted box and family pews and a handsome double decker octagonal pulpit at the western end of the chapel situated above the clerk’s desk, reached by a bridge from the western gallery. There is a balustraded communion area in front and gallery access situated in all four corners supported on wood columns, with corner staircases, plastered barrel-vaulted ceiling. The raked pews at the first floor incorporate unusual hinged rails to allow access to the front pews. Adjacent to the building on its west side is the Huntingdon tomb of Portland stone with ridged covering of panelled stone slabs c.1810. The memorial panels include an epitaph to John Jenkins, its first minister, William Huntington SS (sinner saved) a famous Calvinist preacher and Rev John Vinall.
Timings
- Friday 11 September:
- 10.00-12.00
- Saturday 12 September:
- 10.00-12.00
Location & directions
Jireh Chapel, Malling Street, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2RD
- Directions:
- The Chapel is situated between Phoenix Causeway and Malling Street, adjacent to the Phoenix public car park. Bus stops for 28 and 29 bus routes (serving Brighton, Crowborough, Uckfield, Tunbridge Wells, Eastbourne, Heathfield and Hailsham are located close by on Phoenix Causeway.
- Contact on day:
- Matthew Hyde
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
The chapel is on level ground adjacent to the Phoenix Causeway public car park, accessed from Harvey's Way. The chapel entrance is at the eastern end, nearest the rising downland and vehicular access to Cuilfail. The nearest public lavatory is in the Friar's Walk car park. Once inside the building care is needed to respect the fragile timber interior, including the benches to the pews. Cast iron gratings on the ground floor make walking unsuitable for anyone with narrow or stiletto heals. Access to the first floor gallery is possible with care using the handrails to the stairway.
Additional information
Members of the congregation will be on hand to provide a brief introduction to the history of the chapel and provide directions.
