CULCHETH Methodist Church is marking 50 years since it first opened its door in May, 1966.
The church – then considered to be quite futuristic in design – was built after local people raised enough money through personal giving, alongside a grant from the central Methodist Church, to buy land at the corner of Burton Close for the grand sum of £825 in 1962.
Building work on the current church began two years later.
Prior to construction of the church, services had been held at what was then Culcheth Secondary School on Warrington Road since 1958.
The hall was opened in September 1965 and the Church was dedicated on May 19, 1966.
In the 50 years since, an organ was commissioned, the current foyer added, the courtyard was filled with a glazed conservatory and a multi-use games pitch was included in the garden.
The building has been filled with, among many other things, a nursery, pre-school, Scout and Guide groups, choirs, fellowship and bible study groups, as well as weekly services.
The church is celebrating its anniversary with a number of events. Throughout May, an exhibition of photographs, memorabilia and documents will be on display. A number of previous ministers and church members have returned to preach in this anniversary year, including Rev Paul Martin and Rev Phillip Berry on May 15. The anniversary weekend will include an activity day and a special service and lunch on May 21 and May 22.
A leaflet about the events is available in the church foyer and further information can be found on the web at www.leighandhindley.org.uk.
Pictured: Culcheth Methodist Church shortly after it opened.
