We are indebted to Mr.Henry Roadhouse for the earliest reference to the introduction of Methodism into Hillam. He wrote, "Hillam's lamp was lighted from her neighbour's flame", noting that the earnest souls who prayed for an awakening at Monk Fryston were moved to similar efforts for Hillam. By 1814, there were nineteen members, the most significant being Edward Ringrose, whose influence spread far beyond Hillam.

There was an early chapel, built in a 'retired position', as was the Methodist custom at the time - an effort to keep a low profile in the event of persecution. As in the neighbouring village, the mid-1840s was the chapel-building time. If Monk Fryston's was unusual in its shape, Hillam's was unusual in the degree of assistance received from the Anglican occupant of Hillam Hall, Mr.Daniel B.Mouncey. The following extract from an old Minute Book gives some indication of the part he played:
In the year 1845, Mr.Mouncey proposed to the Hillam Society that a New Wesleyan Chapel and Schoolroom should be erected in the village. He would give a suitable site, and subscribe £150 on condition that the Society should subscribe £150 more. Mr. Mouncey continued to retain the ownership of the site, and commenced the building which has been erected at his sole mansgement and oversight, no other party being desired or permitted to take any part in the affairs.

It says something for his foresight that, although he died over a year before it opened, the whole project went smoothly forward.

Rose Lea School, run for many years by Miss Fox and Miss Powell, was a Private Methodist School in Hillam, and had strong links with the chapel. It was a blow when the school closed, and a further one came when the chapel was declared unsafe. Worship continued in the Schoolroom for a time, and sustained attempts were made to try and secure another site. These were not successful, and in 1969, Monk Fryston became the centre for 'Hillam & Monk Fryston Methodist Church'.

The Editor is indebted to Richard Moody, Selby's local historian for compiling this history and for the photograph of Hillam Chapel below ( now demolished).

It is with much sadness that the local Metodists have made the decision to move forward and worship in other Churches around the area.

The final service was a Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving of Methodism in Hillam and Monk Fryston and took place in Monk Fryston Anglican Church on Sunday August 3rd 2008 at 3pm. Circuit staff led the worship and the Rev. Ken Marshall was guest speaker

Methodist chapel in Hillam - now demolished.