Report: Barbara Davies

Burscough Methodist Church is throwing its doors open to the community soon as it celebrates 150 years work and witness in the village.

And here are some of the highlights of its brilliant birthday weekend:

Saturday, 23rd March

* Exhibition of photographs, videos and memorabilia charting Church and Village life over the past 150 years with Michael Dawson and Burscough Hub * Displays and activities with the various groups currently meeting in the church premises * Entertainment and memorabilia * Light refreshments and soup lunch available * Everyone Welcome - Free admission

Sunday 24th March

*10.00am - Special Celebration Worship for all the family *6.30pm - Community Celebration Worship and 'Songs of Praise'

Burscough Methodist Church history*

The church was opened on 26 March 1869. Prior to the completion of the church building in 1869, the group had met in a room on Bridge Street which became too small for the growing congregation. Burscough Methodist Church was originally known as the "Wesleyan Chapel at Burscough"

Construction began on 20 July 1868 and the building completed under budget at a cost of £800 (worth approximately £444,000 in 2015). The building was officially opened on 26 March 1869 with a public ceremony and the church was said to be "filled to overflowing”.

The school next door to the church, Burscough Bridge Methodist School, was opened on 9 January 1871.

A significant renovation was undertaken at the church in 2014 at a cost of over £300,000 - changes made it accessible for wheel-chair users and created a reception area with lift and stair access to a first floor meeting room.

The 150th Anniversary of the church building also marks the launch of a new project to take us forward into the future!

Members want to replace the church hall, adjacent to the main building which has lasted well beyond its predicted 25 years; a new hall will offer more opportunities for existing and new users belonging to the Church and wider community.

‘Our Mission as the Methodist Church in Burscough is to be a worshiping, welcoming and witnessing presence, seeking to serve God and community in partnership with others.’

*Wikipedia