Set on the Cornish surf coast, the now trendy village of Polzeath holds a surprising tale of faith, hardship, and resilience. While beautiful churches like St Minver, St Enodoc and St Endellion dominate the surrounding North Cornwall landscape, another spiritual force took root here: Methodism. A faith intricately linked with the rise and fall of a local mining industry that few locals today know much about.

Early photos of Polzeath show its beautiful beach surrounded by fields running down to spectacular cliffs. There’s just a scattering of houses in these black and white images with little hint at the building boom that has hit this area in recent years. There’s little to no evidence of the 18th and 19th centuries waves of miners who came and went here, lured by the promise of work but often faced with economic hardships as the mines closed. As the Polzeath area mines mostly closed by the 1860’s the rest of Cornwall was facing difficult times too, with one fifth of all Cornishmen leaving the country and moving overseas to places like Australia and America by 1900. 

In this landscape of struggle, Methodism offered a beacon of hope. Its emphasis on personal faith, community support, and social activism resonating deeply. Preachers like John Wesley and George Whitefield ignited spiritual revival throughout Cornwall through open-air meetings and fostered  a sense of belonging and solidarity which made Cornwall a stronghold for the faith.

Unlike the established Anglican churches, Methodism embraced a decentralized structure, allowing for the creation of local chapels closer to the people. In Polzeath, the aptly named "Tin Tabernacle" was built just steps away from the mine's accounts office by the beach, symbolizing the faith's connection to the miners' lives. This chapel wasn't just a place of worship; it served as a hub for education, community activities, and practical assistance. As the only “village hall” in Polzeath its legacy even extended worldwide when it was used for two weeks in 1923  by Carl Jung to host his influential Polzeath seminars.

Methodism's emphasis on equality and inclusivity further resonated with the Cornish spirit, offering a stark contrast to the hierarchical structures of the time. By the late 19th century, it had surpassed Anglicanism as the dominant faith in Cornwall, deeply ingrained in the fabric of communities like Polzeath and nearby Rock, where a Methodist chapel was built in 1902.

Today, while the mines in and around Polzeath are long gone and forgotten, their legacy lives on in the strong community spirit of Polzeath’s Tubestation. The "Tin Tabernacle" was rebuilt in brick in the 1930’s and today the renamed community building stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and its ability to unite a community through both good and bad times.

Regardless of one's beliefs, Polzeath’s Tubestation stands as a beacon of unity, reminding us all of the power of community and shared values. Each Sunday, it fills with those coming for the service and those just wanting a friendly chat over a cuppa afterwards. On weekdays, the welcoming cafe and gathering space fosters connections among residents and visitors alike.

This enduring sense of warmth and inclusivity serves as a powerful testament to the enduring impact of Methodism's message and what the Polzeath miners inadvertently left behind.