 |
|
Churches - Changes
New Churches
Resolution 7 New Churches
Assembly receives the churches and mission projects listed below as local churches and mission projects of the United Reformed Church.
Caversham Village Church, Local
Ecumenical Partnership
Caversham Village Church has been a Local Ecumenical Partnership for some years, between the Church of England, the Baptist Church and the Methodist Church. There are a number of United Reformed Church members at Caversham Village Church. There has been some co-operation between that church and St Paul’s United Reformed Church in Reading. The Ecumenical Partnership does include the issues we would expect and the Synod is happy that this church should be received as a member church of the United Reformed Church.
The Walthamstow United Reformed Asian Christian Church Thames North
This Urdu-speaking church was established more than eight years ago. In that time the fellowship has grown to include some eighty families. The congregation is gathered from a wide area and is mainly of Pakistani background and Presbyterian tradition.
The church gathers for worship in the premises of Marsh Street and Trinity United Reformed Church, Walthamstow, London El 7.
As well as worship, the church is committed to a thriving programme of work amongst children and young people, to offering pastoral care and support, and to mission and evangelism within the Asian community.
The development over recent years of a close relationship between this church and the Roding District Council and Thames North Synod has been a cause of mutual delight and enrichment.
Haven Christian Centre, Littleover, Derby East Midlands
he Centre is a church plant at Heatherton Village, which is on the southwest side of Derby close to the A38. Christian concern for the area has grown in recent years. About 15 years ago the city of Derby produced a development plan which included a large housing scheme. Weekly meetings for Bible study, together with occasional Sunday worship, commenced in a home with representation from Anglicans, Methodists, Baptists, Pentecostals, the Salvation Army and the URC.
About 5 years ago, the Anglican, Methodist and Baptist Churches in Littleover set up a working party to investigate the possibility of developing the existing small worshipping community. As a result, these Churches, together with those who were already meeting, set up a local ecumenical partnership. Since this time, discussions have taken place which allowed the inclusion of the URC in the partnership from November 1998.
This work of building the new Church Centre, which will be the only focus for Christians Worship in the area, will already be under way by July 1999.
New Mission Projects
Bloomsbury, Birmingham West Midlands
1.1 When the closure of Bloomsbury was being considered (see Church Closures), the District felt that to preserve the benefits of the continuing community project and a URC presence in the area, the appropriate way forward would be to constitute the work as a Mission Project.
1.2 This approach was endorsed by the District Council and by Synod on 10 October 1998. Currently a management committee under the convenorship of the Revd Paul Whittle is developing plans for the appropriate way forward and the District has agreed to half scope the Project for five years in the first instance. The CRCW post is to continue.
Claydon Old Chapel, Suffolk Eastern
In the 1980s, the life of Claydon Chapel had dwindled to a few elderly people. At the same time, the two Parishes of Claydon and Barham had been condensed to one centred on St Mary’s Barham. Then, new house building began and still continues, with the present population numbering around 5,000. There is primary and secondary schooling, two sets of sheltered housing - more being built - two nursing homes, a doctor’s surgery, shops, eating places and groups of industrial premises. Individual members from Christ Church and Castle Hill United Reformed Churches (Ipswich) see a responsibility to revive the Christian witness there - in a form relevant to present and coming generations.
The decision has been taken to discontinue the existing church (see under church closures), and to make a new start as a Mission Project, recognising the opportunities presented in the new situation. The Parish Church congregation and leadership see the value in sharing in this and are working with them as are two Methodist friends.
After five years work and now having received partnership funding of £10,000 from Rural Churches in Community Service - a Millennium Commission Project - they are now in a position to carry out our building scheme for a new kitchen and toilets. This will enable the Chapel to be used more fully by groups of all ages from the Church and Community in Claydon and Barham and neighbouring areas.
The plan in hope is for a Celebration Service and Tea in June. Regular activities include a Wednesday youth drop-in and Friday Prayers.
Closure of Local Churches
Resolution 8 Closure of Local Churches
The Assembly receives notice of the closure of the local churches listed below and gives thanks to God for their worship, witness, and service throughout their history.
Bootle Northern
The Non-conformist cause in the West Cumbrian village of Bootle began in 1780. A chapel was built for Mr Joseph Whitridge, on behalf of the Countess of Huntingdon’s Connexion. Following the disintegration of that organisation, Bootle Church eventually joined the Congregational Union and in 1972 became a United Reformed Church.
For many years, membership figures had struggled to reach double figures and ministry was provided from the nearby town of Whitehaven. Unfortunately, Bootle was on the very edge of the Northern Province and it was sometimes felt to suffer because of this remoteness. In recent years, members began to explore other options and in 1996 all the members resigned en masse. Many joined a new Church, set up by Rural Ministries (Datchet Evangelical Fellowship). Difficult negotiations ensued, during which the URC asserted its continuing presence in Bootle, until the eventual sale of the chapel to Rural Ministries.
The Northern Synod resolved to close Bootle United Reformed Church with effect from 21 January 1999. A continuing Non-conformist presence in the village continues in the form of Bootle Evangelical Church, which meets in the chapel purchased from the URC.
St Andrew’s Wallsend, Newcastle Northern
St Andrew’s has its roots in a community of Huguenot refugees who brought glass, alkali and chemical industries to the banks of the Tyne in the early eighteenth century. With some Scottish Presbyterians, they established a congregation that had its formal foundation in 1815.
The church developed and maintained a vibrant and effective witness through a long period of prosperity, and a caring and supportive ministry for the community when traditional industries declined and times became hard.
In recent times a small membership, burdened with a large and unmanageable building, worked imaginatively to create the basis of local ecumenical partnership in the area. This plan was sadly frustrated by the inability of two Methodist churches to talk to each other, and St Andrew’s was left with no option but closure. The final service was held on 28 June 1998.
Witton, Blackburn North Western
The church at Witton, in Blackburn, has had no more than 30 members for many years. Now having only 20, all elderly, and the premises requiring considerable maintenance, they have taken the brave decision to close in May 1999.
All the remaining members will join the Blackburn Ragged School which became a local church of the URC in 1995. The pastor of this lively church, which is close by, has been giving oversight to Witton for the past five years. The members are assured of a warm and open welcome.
Bloomsbury, Birmingham West Midlands
1.1 Bloomsbury Church, situated in the deprived inner city area of Nechells, developed from the move of Saltley Congregational Church to the present site in 1959. Twenty years later it was joined there by some members of the previous Presbyterian Church at Longacre, Nechells, when it had a membership of about 22. Limited ministerial oversight was provided, and from 1987-89 there was quarter scoped ministry.
1.2 In 1989 a CRCW was appointed, and a half time Methodist minister provided, an arrangement that continued until 1998. The community project developed many facilities for the neighbourhood including an under-five’s resource centre, a playgroup and toy library, a women’s group, a mutual support group for those with mental health problems, and several other activities.
1.3 Meanwhile the church congregation was declining with fewer than 10 active members, of whom only 2 lived locally. After discussion and reviews by the District, the remaining members agreed unanimously in April 1998 to close from 31 July 1998, and a service to mark its witness was held on 26 July 1998.
Combs, Suffolk Eastern
Combs was a rural backwater where Dissenters met hiding from the authorities. A house church was established there in 1696. In 1719, the people of Combs helped to form the Independent Chapel, Stowmarket.
Combs Chapel was one of seven causes under the direction of the Independent Chapel, Stowmarket with a common membership, Deacons’ (then Elders’) and Church Meetings. It was an extremely effective way of ministering to people living in five hundred square miles of Suffolk. The chapel was built after folk had been meeting in a local barn since 1862. The big and grand occasions were held in Stowmarket.
The original chapel was replaced with a prefabricated building in 1969, and when that began to deteriorate, with most people journeying the two miles to Stowmarket United Reformed Church, it was decided to cease having a separate building within the village.
A Service of Thanksgiving for its Life and Witness was held on Sunday, 11th October 1992. Non-conformist church life continues in the village somewhat as it did in 1686 - in people’s homes, with a monthly coffee morning and an occasional service and event. The former congregation, with others from the village, fully participates in the life of the Stowmarket town church.
John Canham was a son of Combs. In 1820, aged 22, when he was a foreman to a leather-seller and shoemaker, he offered himself for service with the London Missionary Society, subsequently serving in Madagascar where he worked in the schools and also introduced the craft of tanning.
Great Finborough, Suffolk Eastern
As at Combs, Great Finborough was one of the seven causes under the direction of the Independent Chapel, Stowmarket with a common membership, Deacons’ (then Elders’) and Church Meetings.
The chapel was built in 1810 on land given by the village squire to the Dissenters of his household and tenant farmers. He emphasised the advantage it was to them of not having to travel the five miles into Stowmarket, but helped him in having his servants close at hand, even in their free time!
The squire presided over the affairs of all estate families who sought his approval for everything they did, including marriages. A sign of this accord was the presence of the ‘Master’ as the couple left the chapel. Riding a white stallion he would toss them a guinea, and grant the groom the privilege of being in work an hour later the next day: 6:00am!
Electricity had been recently installed, together with running water and main drains. A keyboard organ complemented the harmonium, the tortoise stove and earth closet were gone, but the style of worship and perceived mission remained unchanged. The great occasions in the church’s year were those of the agricultural calendar.
The remaining member regularly worshipping at Great Finborough died, and was buried from the chapel, which was her wish. The chapel’s life came to a close with all giving thanks to God for all that had been, and with villagers and farm folk now preferring to worship at Stowmarket. The final service was that of a Harvest Thanksgiving on Sunday 22nd September 1996.
Claydon Old Chapel, Suffolk Eastern
Claydon Chapel had been founded as an outreach from Tacket Street Congregational Church, Ipswich in the 1840s. It had been active in the village, especially with children, until the 1960s. In the 1980s, the life of Claydon Chapel had dwindled to a few elderly people. However, with the development of new housing, opportunities are apparent for a new start. The decision has therefore been taken to discontinue the existing church, and to initiate a Mission Project there.
Christian Malford South Western
This church was situated on the edge of the village, near Chippenham. In earlier years, this church was thriving and lively with a large Sunday School. In recent years however the combination of the geographical position of the church and the relocation of many of the village people, has led to a steep decline in membership. The few remaining members experience difficulty in continuing to maintain the witness of the church and the church building. The final service was held on 27 September 1998 and the remaining members now worship at a local Methodist Church.
West Byfleet Wessex
On the 26th November 1903 the Pastor of Weybridge Congregational Church, supported by the Deacons and members there, resolved to serve the Lord Jesus Christ by forming a church at West Byfleet. Records held by the church give details of early baptisms and the last baptism, weddings and other information.
In the 1930s there were 25 young worshippers and many of the services in those days were led by New College student pastors. Prior to the war there were hopes of building a new church on a new site, but unfortunately with the coming of the war this did not materialise.
In 1963 the Revd George Thomas became part-time minister of the church and once more there were efforts made to relocate. The church was filled to capacity on Sunday mornings and for a while two morning services were held at 9.30am and at 11.00am. Members worked hard to maintain a very small church building, they built a portable pulpit and after the Revd John French’s short ministry came to an end a long succession of Interim Moderators did their best for the congregation remaining.
Co-operation extended to working with the Methodist circuit, unfortunately the current Circuit Superintendent felt that he was not able to give the attention required. One or two lay leaders kept the church congregation cared for pastorally, but eventually with the illness of some of those who held office it seemed the right thing was to close the cause.
It was not an easy decision to make, but it seemed to be the best way in the circumstances. The Revd Derek M Wales, the Moderator, conducted a final service with a full congregation of past and present members and friends on the 8th November 1998. Given another five years, the church would have celebrated its centenary.
Stoke Abbot Wessex
The Chapel opened for worship on the 5th October 1838, although Wood Mill, a now unidentified site
on the outskirts of the village served as a place of worship from 1786.
Memories of the church go back to 1907 when the Sunday School anniversary was celebrated. "Children enjoyed sports and games in a local meadow and there was a public tea." The evening meeting seems to have been presided over by the Mayor of Bridport. The following year celebrations within the Chapel including the golden wedding anniversary of a couple who had spent many, many years in the life of the church. They were presented with a silver tea set which is still held by the family. Memories go back to Lay preachers and others who had served along with co-operation and visits to churches at Broadwindsor, Beaminster, Venn and Salwayash.
The Revd Lionel Brown served as minister from 1942 to 1965 and there are those who remember him. He actually retired and lived in the area and only died in 1992. Way back in 1971 ecumenical working was taking place in that there were joint Rogation Services when prayers were led by members of the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, Quakers, as well as the then Congregational church. In more recent years services have been held once a month and these have been supported by members from other Chapels which have also closed.
It is always sad when the life of a church comes to an end, but obviously the Stoke Abbott congregation has served the community faithfully for many years and the church lives on through a Communion set being used by the present minister of Bridport, the Revd Brenda Russell, who uses it on visits to residential and nursing homes. A service of Thanksgiving was held on Sunday 14th February 1999.
East End Wessex
At a cost of £50 for the site and £150 to build, East End Chapel was established in 1810. The church ran coal and clothing clubs for the local poor, built school-rooms and organised treats to Bournemouth, and held flower festivals which brought visitors from miles around. In those times this was a busy Forest area with an iron foundry and rope factory nearby.
In the first world war the chapel was a regular sanctuary for Canadians based nearby and during the second world war the chapel was adopted by RAF and USAAF airmen, before they left to support the D Day invasion forces landing in Normandy.
A youth club with 32 young people was founded in the chapel in 1950 and the following year a Scout group was formed under the leadership of the Minister which, along with the women’s Bright Hour, made the chapel a significant hub of community activity.
With a declining congregation in recent years, URC membership now standing 4 the painful decision was taken to close the church.
The closing Thanksgiving service held on Easter Sunday, April 23rd, led by Revd Jane Weedon was marked with sorrow and tears. The Moderator of Wessex Province, Revd Derek Wales told a packed congregation of 85: ‘This church has been a place offering service and help to the needs of others for 188 years, proclaiming the Gospel of the Easter faith. Everyone is in need of a new beginning, things move on, and we grow in different ways.’
We give thanks to God for the life of this church.
Tabernacle, Rosemarket, Pembrokeshire Wales
In 1748 Howell Harris, on a visit to the village, recorded that ‘there was a breach made in Satan’s kingdom here... and love came down indeed.’ In the explosion of church growth in Pembrokeshire that followed, the present chapel was built in 1831 to house a congregation that was outgrowing its first farmhouse home. The census of 1861 recorded a total of 239 worshippers attending three services in the chapel on 30th March, while 21 people attended the single service at the village church. In 1997 a lively ecumenical group of a dozen people continued to worship in the chapel, matched by a similar number in the village church. The closure of the chapel coincides with that of the village school and post office. As we thank God for the richness of a way of life that has ended, the question of who will earth the love of God in Rosemarket in the next century remains.
|