In 1866 the local paper reported that 'During the thunderstorms on Sunday last [Feb. 3rd] Chacewater Church which had been repaired, was struck by lightning which split the wall from the ground to the roof. Several windows were smashed into hundreds of pieces, being hurled from the west end up to the pulpit, a distance of 90ft.'
Of the original Church only the lofty tower with battlements, the second highest in Cornwall, now remains. The Church was rebuilt and completed in 1892 from the design of Edward Sedding of Plymouth. There was no gallery and the seating was reduced to 500. One has to remember that Chacewater was a tough mining area with a much larger population than it is now. The cost of the new building was £2,500. The nave is 45ft high, it has a barrel roof, and is separated from the aisles by arcades of granite arches and polyphant piers.
Archdeacon Cornish congratulated the Rev. R.F. Fraser-frizell on the successful way Chacewater Church had been restored. It was a glory to the county. It was re-dedicated by the Bishop of Truro on December 10th 1892. The pulpit of Serpentine Marble is in memory of George Wilkinson, once Bishop of Truro.
The oak statue of St Paul, originally a lectern, was executed by Mr. Harry Hems of Exeter. The East and stained glass window was installed by Pearson having come from the old Parish Church of St Mary which was being transformed into the new Cathedral. Its bright colours make a nice touch in the grey Church.
The theme of the window is a missionary. Looking carefully at the symbols you can see the figures of Our Lord, St Philip, St John the less and St Simon the Zealot.
In other windows on one side of the Church can be seen Our Lady with child, Martha, a soldier of World War I, St Francis of Assisi and Dorcas.
