ON October 28 and 29 West Down Chapel, between Yeoford and Cheriton Bishop will celebrate the 175th anniversary of its Christian witness.

In October 1839 the first meetings took place in West Down Cottage next to the present Chapel.

Such was the increase in numbers attending the services that it was decided to remove a ceiling and floor above and turn the remaining upper storey into a balcony.

In 1887 the present chapel was built and a few years later the little burial ground was purchased.

Over the last 40 years a new Sunday School room and toilet have been built, the entrance lobby extended, the kitchen up-dated and a baptistry was installed.

The service times on Sundays have remained unaltered over the years and are at 11am for morning worship and Holy Communion, followed by the afternoon service at 3pm. Invited local preachers lead the service and speak.

These times were chosen, it is said, originally to suit the mainly farming congregation who walked to the service at 11am.

They took a packed lunch which they ate on-site before they then took part in the 3pm service. Following this they then walked home in time to do the afternoon milking and other farm tasks. Although only a few of the current congregation are involved in farming and few people walk to West Down now, the service times still seem to suit.

During the period from October to May there is a regular Prayer meeting and Bible Study each Monday evening.

Throughout the 175 years, one thing has remained of paramount importance and that is the public reading and teaching of the Scriptures and the encouragement of Christians in their faith.

The church has had a strong interest in outreach and supports various Christian missionary organisations such as Compassion, Mercy Ships, the London City Mission, etc and individuals such as Chrissie Mulindabigbe (nee Hayman) a missionary from Bow working in Rwanda.

To celebrate their 175th anniversary there will be a special Thanksgiving meeting at West Down Chapel on the afternoon of Tuesday, October 28, followed by a fellowship dinner. These two meetings are by invitation only.

However, on Wednesday, October 29, at 7.30pm in the Village Hall at Cheriton Bishop, everyone is invited, when Exeter Male Voice Praise will present a programme of song and music. The Rev David Cole will chair the service.