Early Methodist Christmas
The Methodist Church has two seasonal events following on from their weekend of “Methodist Memories” at the end of September. The weekend saw record numbers attending the main three events.
The ‘Sharing Memories’ featured several displays with pictures, objects & memories going back over 130 years (links to pictures and some memories.)
A booklet addressing the church’s history over the past 139 years was also on display. One interesting section addresses the first documented knowledge of Methodists in the village. It was in the form of a letter from the Church 0f England rector to the Bishop of Chelmsford at the time:
There is only one place of worship not of the Church of England in this Parish. It is fragmented by a Sect who professes to be followers of John Wesley and call themselves Armenian Methodists. You do not enquire the number but the person who officiates as clerk at the meetings states it to be one or two and twenty belonging to this Parish.
I am,
Your obedient Servant
Wm Sims (Rector)
West Bergholt 22nd July 1829
The quiz, a regular event normally attended by less than 10 teams, saw 15 pre-booked and others on the night. At the end of the weekend, it was time for the final service in the Methodist Church which saw around 100 from the village and local churches attend. You can read a fuller account below.
Christmas Events Weekend 1st/2nd December
Coffee Morning
Taking place on Saturday 1st December between 10 am – 12 noon in the Church Hall, there will be a range of stalls, coffee & mince pies.
Gift & Parade Service
The following day sees the uniformed organisations in the village parade at the Church Hall for the 11 am service. Those attending are invited to bring a wrapped gift for those most in need. Please mark them male/female adult/child as appropriate. These will then be distributed by the church.
The Last Service in the Church
What a wonderful celebration of the life of our Methodist Church here in West Bergholt we had at our “Methodist Memories“ weekend at the end of September.
Our Chapel was opened on October 23rd 1879 with a congregation of over 100 and with much rejoicing. Who would have thought there would be such a memorable weekend, almost 139 years later, when we held our final service to a full church; joyful singing ringing out again with memories of old and young? A poignant moving service was led by our Minister, Rev Ken Chalmers. We processed the Bible, Baptism Font, Sacraments and Registers from the church as we Methodists continue our journey in another place.
Displays & History
We have received many positive comments about the whole weekend and the displays of the history of the church. A great deal of research was undertaken by our small group of members. This enabled our secretary, Kathy Bamforth, to update the history originally written by Len Polley. You can obtain a copy from Kathy (241266) and it will shortly also be available online.
Thank you to all, who visited and signed our visitors ’ book, supported our wonderful quiz night and enjoyed sharing your memories and our hospitality over cakes and tea in the hall. Thanks also to all the village groups and hall users for their support and contributions to the displays.
The future
We are now starting the process of clearing the Chapel ready for the eventual sale. Please contact Judith (241969) if you are interested in obtaining items from the Chapel.
We continue to resource the hall for the foreseeable future for all groups’, as well as our own, regular weekly activities. We look forward to welcoming you to our Christmas celebration activities.
As a church we are now a class of Mile End Methodist church attending Sunday morning services with them at 10:30 am. If you would like to join us and need a lift please phone Judith (241969) or Andrew (242511). As a new venture, we are holding a monthly mid-week service in the hall on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 11-00am. All are welcome.