Weekend of celebrations at popular church

A MUCH-LOVED community church—which will close its doors later this year—is hosting a weekend of activities to celebrate its importance in the village.

Services and activities at Furlong Road Methodist Church in Bolton are set to transfer to the neighbouring church hall in the autumn after the repair bill priced members out of the 180-year-old building.

The church needs a new roof, new heating system and repairs to guttering and drains and with work estimated at around £80,000, a decision was taken to move into the church hall next door and convert it into a chapel.

Fund-raising is already underway for the project and this weekend, the community is invited to a number of events to celebrate the heritage of the church.

One of the organisers Brenda Jones said: “People are really looking forward to the weekend and we are hoping for a lovely occasion.

“There has been a lot of interest in it in the village and people are coming from as far afield as London.

“A lot of work has gone into it and it will be a great opportunity for people to come together share their memories and their stories about the church.”

The church will be open to visitors from tomorrow until Sunday when memorabilia from the church’s 180-year history will be on display.

There will also be a prayer tree where people can hang their prayers and memories as part of the celebrations.

The first service of the weekend will take place tomorrow at 6.30pm which will be a thanksgiving service taken by Rev Alistair Sharp and Pastor Jonathan Hood.

On Saturday, residents can enjoy a coffee and catch up event from 10am until 12.30pm. This will feature a bring and buy sale, crafts, home-made cakes and children’s activities including face-painting.

Later the same day, the Barnburgh Singers will perform a concert at 7pm.

On Sunday, a family service will take place at 10.30am led by brownies and guides with refreshments to follow.

The weekend will finish with a celebration service at 6pm taken again by Rev Alistair Sharp and Pastor Jonathan Hood.

All the activities are free of charge.

Services will continue as normal after the celebration weekend until a date is set for the move.

Once in the new building, services will continue as before.