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It was in 1747 that John Wesley
preached for the first time in Congleton. In 1766 land was
purchased in Wagg Street on which was built the first chapel, which had
seating for 400. A number of buildings later and with the passing
of almost two centuries, this brings us to the challenges faced in the
mid 60s when a small patch of woodworm was discovered. During the
remedial work two big cracks were uncovered, running down the
walls: the weight of the roof joists and slates had been too much
for the structure. The 150 year old building was declared unsafe
and had to be demolished.
The new chapel as we see it today was dedicated in 1968 when the
Methodist congregations of Brook Street, Queen Street and Wagg Street
joined together to form Trinity Methodist Church. The adjacent
Church Hall and Manse were retained.
But "bricks and mortar doth not a Church make" and the benefit of
bringing together the three Societies was further enhanced as the
population of the town grew dramatically in the late 60s and 70s.
With a membership of approximately 200, Trinity is one of the larger
Methodist Churches. The building also holds a highly respected position
for its design which in the 60s was the first in the area to deviate
from traditional designs.
Over the last 40 years much change has occurred as the people of
Trinity have sought to meet the needs of a changing community.
When Danesford (now occupied by New Life Church, Congleton) was an NCH
(National Children's Homes) school [see footnote],
our worship included many of the boys and staff, and a number of our
members took on positions of responsibility for the school. A
Youth Club was held every night and for a while we had a full-time
Youth Leader. Whilst Daneside Theatre was being built our
Church Hall became the base, not only for Trinity
Operatic Society, but also for other such town societies.
Today, many groups are centred on the site with activities as diverse as the
Congleton Youth
Orchestra,
the Contact Centre and the various uniformed organisations for young
people. The establishment of the Circuit Pastoral Centre in Westwood
House has provided a base from which Circuit life may be co-ordinated more effectively.
When John Wesley
came to Congleton it was quite out of order for a cleric of the
established Church to preach in the open-air but it met an important
need. Today we are looking to see how in the 21st century we use our
site, its buildings and our people in such a way that God's name may be
glorified and the love of Christ shared with all.
Footnote: NCH is now known as 'Action for Children'
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