A SPECIAL service will take place at Billy Bray’s Chapel on Sunday, June 7 at 2.30pm to commemorate the birthday of the legendary Cornish Methodist preacher.

Born on June 1, 1794 in Twelveheads, near Truro, Billy was raised by his pious Methodist grandfather. After leaving school, Billy worked as a miner but turned to religion following an accident in 1823.

His sermons were unconventional, enlivened by spontaneous outbursts of singing and dancing. Bray raised funds to build new Methodist chapels; the remaining example at Kerley Downs near Chacewater is nicknamed 'Three Eyes' chapel because of its three windows.

Sunday’s service will be led by Bristol Methodist minister Revd Dr David A Hull, a prominent critic of the British Methodist Church's shifts in traditional doctrine.