Thorp Methodism has a long history, it existed as a society from 1763. In 1809, it was decided it was time to buld the first proper church on the present site at Idle. They had less than a quarter of the money needed but opened in 1810 with a debt which took years to clear. Around 1859, there was a great revival which provided the inspiration to build a bigger and even better chapel and this opened in 1871. The Sunday School had grown as well and land adjoining was purchased so that a new school could be built in 1903, which accommodated 600 scholars. Time took its toll on the fabric, so that both fine buildings had to be demolished and the present church built in 1983.