On 25^th March, St Andrew’s Methodist Church celebrated its 100^th Anniversary.  It was a day many will remember.  Some folks travelled miles to be there, others more local.

Revd. Ros Murphy had been invited back to lead the service and she mentioned it was also the 200th anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade, but pointed out people are still sold today and spoke of the way some people are ‘enslaved’ to their past.  She also recounted the ways in which St Andrew’s had been so welcoming to many over the years, mentioning individuals and talked about various groups who use the building.  One of the groups is the SELPAR International Folk Dance Group who meet there during term-time Tuesdays at 7.30pm.  Ros called upon us to re-commit ourselves to God, if we felt we could.  She also commented on the atmosphere of the building, saying that many are touched by it.   At the end, we sang ‘Now Thank We All Our God’, which was also sung when the new building was dedicated 25 years ago.  

After the service, Revd. Victoria Bravette arrived, having led another service earlier; people greeted each other warmly, browsed photos and admired a model of the old Tin Chapel, which was erected as a temporary building for Cartland Road Methodist Church in 1906.  The photos took people down ‘memory lane’, one showed a number of former ministers, others showed disguised church members in a Pantomime, some showed views of the old building and new building. There were views of the Community work done by St Andrew’s, also a few shots of my late Aunt, Ellen Margaret Scorey, and the work she did with NCH and Biblelands.  A timeline of photographs and events was also on show.   A number of photographers were snapping away, as we mingled.

Some folks had to leave, but many stayed for the absolutely delicious buffet.  I especially liked the yummy trifley cake (well, once in a while is ok!)   Those who prepared the food did so beautifully.