The New Wesleyan Chapel laying the foundation stone - took place on 1/1/57, the ceremony performed by Rev. J C Symons.A well sealed bottle containing the following record which was read by Mr. Abbott was placed in the cavity prepared for it beneath the corner stone, together with a copy of the OMA 1/1/57. This Stone was laid as the foundation stone of the Beechworth Wesleyan Methodist Chapel by the Rev. John C Symons on the First day of January, 1857 being the twentieth year of the reign of Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria. His Excellency Sir Henry Barkly, Knt., Governor of this colony of Victoria. The Rev W. B.. Boyce, President of the Conference, Daniel J. Draper, Chairman of the Victoria District, John C Symons Superintendent of the Beechworth Circuit. Building committee- Messrs. C. Williams, E. Abbott, H. McLean, T. L. Reynolds, W. Gillard, J. Higgins and J. Taylor. Architects - Messrs Powell and Clarke. Builder. Mr. B. Jarvis. Cost £1400 hoped to be finished by 25 March. 60'x30' replacing the present building, not large enough and insufferably hot. Expected to hold 360 persons,... - Denise