April 19th, 1924

OPENING OF NEW WESLEYAN CHURCH

Thursday last week was a red letter day in the history of Wesleyan Methodism in the village, the occasion being the opening of the new church. A large number gathered together in spite of the inclement weather, including Wesleyan friends from the Kendal, Lancaster, and Ulverston circuits. A closing service was held in the old chapel, where the Rev. F. J. Mann (superintendent, Kendal) gave a short address, and prayers were offered by the Rev. T. J. Bellis (Kendal). The large company then formed into procession, and, headed by the choir, proceeded to the new church. The opening ceremony was performed by Mrs. J. Sly, of Morecambe, and as the choir sang the hymn “All People that on earth do dwell”, the congregation entered the building. Mrs. Sly was presented with a gold key by Mrs. Brinnand, the oldest member, and Belle Woodend, the youngest Sunday School scholar, presented her with a bouquet. The Rev. J. F. Mann moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mrs. Sly, and this was seconded by Mr. W. F. Pennington. After the announcements, the congregation joined in the recital of the Apostles‟ Creed, and the Rev. G. Bramwell Evans gave an address from the text: “For God so loved the world”. The collection at the service realised £54. – Over 200 persons partook of tea provided in the Parish Hall by the committee and helpers. At the evening meeting the new church was taxed to its utmost capacity, the chairman being Dr. W. B. Cockill, of Kendal. The choir sang the opening hymn, “Lord of the worlds above”, and the prayers were offered by the Rev. E. P. Picken (Ambleside), followed by the hymn, “Glorious things of Thee are spoken”. The Chairman congratulated the members who had worked so hard and erected such a beautiful place in which to come to worship God. It was a distinct credit to them, and the village generally. Speaking of improvements which had taken place in the village during the past few years, he said he thought he was correct in saying that Holme was one of the most improved villages in the country, and the ratepayers were to be congratulated on bringing that about. It was a Christian-like act, and would be fully repaid. That new church was the last improvement and, when they looked round and compared that building with the one they had just left, they felt certain that God would bless them for their earnest endeavours. – The Rev. G. Bramwell Evans (Carlisle) delivered an address again, taking for his subject “Progress”. During the evening, Messrs. J. Garth and E. B. Nowell (Kendal) rendered solos and a duet, with Miss Roberts as accompanist. Votes of thanks were accorded the speakers and vocalists on the proposition of the Rev. F. J. Mann, seconded by the Rev. E. P. Picken. The Secretary (Mr. D. Morphy, Elmsfield) announced that the takings for the day had realised over £80, all of which would be devoted to the building fund. A supper was afterwards provided in the Parish Hall. The first services were conducted in the new church on Sunday, the Rev. F. J. Mann officiating. Special music was rendered by the augmented choir, and Mrs. J. H. Roberts sang solos both morning and evening. The collections realised £5 2s. 6d. The organist both on Thursday and Sunday was Mr. M. Topping.