One of Cornwall’s oldest Cornish Methodist churches is preparing to celebrate its 200th anniversary in style with a string of celebratory events.

Opened on Easter Sunday in 1824, Leek Seed Chapel at St Blazey Gate was founded thanks to the determination of one man. William Stephens, also known as The Old Gardener, set about raising enough money to open a meeting house for the worship of God in the district.

Now a listed building sited on the A390, Leek Seed Chapel acquired its distinctive name after three young men decided to rob Gardener Stephens of funds that had been raised to build the church. They caught up with him while he was in his cottage but were frightened away after he threatened to set the pile of ‘gunpowder’ on his desk alight. None of the three realised that the ‘gunpowder’ was, in fact, a pile of leek seeds.

Gardener Stephens died on December 22, 16 months before the chapel’s opening ceremony. A plaque is to be placed in the church to mark the the 200th birthday of his brainchild. Special bags featuring a picture of Leek Seed, as well as his name, have also been produced to mark the occasion.

Events to mark the bicentenary include a flower and memorabilia festival to be visited by Methodist Conference president Gillian Newton; a number of services taken by previous Leek Seed ministers; a concert by Imerys Mid Cornwall and Frampton Cotterrel Male Voice Choirs; and entertainment from Bert Biscoe and friends.

The fun will begin tomorrow when the 1st Leek Seed Girls Brigade will hold a 200th anniversary meeting, during which they will make a special presentation to church members. On Good Friday, the 11am Sunday service will be led by district chair Lorraine Mellor, while on Easter Sunday there will be a circuit afternoon tea and an evening service taken by Rev Paul Benney.

The flower and memorabilia festival will be held in the chapel from April 26 to 28, and will include an opening ceremony performance by Biscovey Junior School choir, a quilt exhibition and a joint morning service with St Mary’s parish church, led by Rev Canon Paul Arthur.

Rev Shaun Sanders, whose family have long worshipped at Leek Seed, will lead the service on May 26; while former ministers taking services will be Rev Bryan Ede (June 30), Rev David Hull (July 28), Rev Danny Wheadon (August 25) and Rev Nigel Young (Harvest Festival, September 22).

The Male Voice Choir concert is due to be held on June 15 at 7.30pm, with Bert Biscoe and Friends entertaining on September 21 at 6pm.