Village church closes its doors for last time after 16 years

It was the end of an era for a West Norfolk community this week as one of its churches closed its doors for good.

Worshippers gathered for the final time at the Methodist Church in Terrington St John on Sunday, 16 years after the Ely Row building first opened.

It is hoped that a new community use will be found for the building, which was the village’s Sunday school before becoming a place of worship, in the future.

But, for now, the remaining members of its congregation will attend services at the St James Methodist Church in nearby Marshland St James.

A candle, which will be taken there, was blessed during the service.

Revd Adam Stevenson, Superintendent Minister of the Fens Circuit, said: “The Methodist Circuit gives thanks for the life and witness of Terrington St John Methodist Church and shares in the sadness of closing a place of worship with cherished memories of people, life events and activities made here.

“As we continue to respond to the changing landscape of Church life and activity in society we remind ourselves of who we are and what we are about - to offer our praise and worship to God.”

Revd Stevenson led the service alongside the church’s current minister, the Rev Debbie Caulk.

More than 70 Methodists from around the region joined the church’s remaining congregation for the final service.

The event was also attended by members of the village’s St John the Baptist parish church, who have worshipped alongside the Methodists on a monthly basis for the past decade.

It is hoped that the building could find a future use as a new village hall, though plans are understood to be at an early stage.