Grid Reference: 40474343

This garage is all that marks the site of the former Sawood Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, demolished in 1952. The chapel did not have its own graveyard. Sawood Methodists are buried in the graveyard (photo right) of the 1805 Lowertown Methodist Chapel.

A Methodist Society is believed to have existed in Sawood long before 1836. However in that year a Sunday School was built, registered for worship in 1854, and later extended in 1872.

Sawood was at its height at the turn of the twentieth century. We read in the Keighley News of July 1902 "The Sunday-school anniversary services were held in the open air on Sunday last, the preacher being the Rev. W. Terry Coppin, of Oakworth. An augmented choir sang special hymns, with orchestral accompaniments, under the capable leadership of Mr. Joseph Robertshaw, including the anthems “This is the day which the Lord has made,” sung at the afternoon service, and “Give thanks to our God,” at the evening service. Much disappointment was caused by the enforced absence of Messrs. Micah and James Clough, who for the last sixty years have never once missed taking a leading part in the instrumental work at these anniversary services. The collections amounted to £30 1s 2½d."

Building works were undertaken upon the centenary in 1936. The chapel on that occasion was re-opened by Mrs Sarah Coates, aged 82 years, described as the oldest surviving member of the chapel.

Following the demolition of the chapel the Sawood Methodists met in the former Horkinstone Baptist School of 1863. The Society disbanded in 1997 and joined the Oxenhope Methodists.