Sad farewell for doomed church

t was the end of an era as worshippers packed into a long-standing church for the last time before the bulldozers move in.

Hundreds of parishioners flocked to Woodsetton Methodist Church, in Dudley, which has been standing for 125 years, for an emotional farewell service led by former vicar the Rev Colin Gardner and present pastor the Rev Pat Davies last night.

Members of the congregation lit candles, sang hymns, recited prayers and spoke fondly of the church's long past at the service, which was advertised as one of thanksgiving. But there was also a sombre tone to the proceedings and many worshippers struggled to hold back the tears.

The Rev Steve Jackson of the Tipton Methodist circuit told the service: "It is with so many mixed feelings that we come here.

"Today marks the end of an era. We are sad that we are leaving something behind but we are thankful for all that it has been to everyone here tonight."

Rebecca Bourne echoed those sentiments, saying that "our memories of Woodsetton will never close to us but will live on in our hearts and minds." Wyn Jones, who has been organist at Woodsetton for 38 years, said after the 90-minute service it was a "surreal" feeling to have played her last note at the church. "It was strange when I finished to think I won't play this organ again. I suppose we do now have to move on but I do feel sad that it is closing."

It was announced last December that the Parkes Hall Road church would be closing. The news was a body-blow to parishioners as it was delivered in the same week the church celebrated its 125th anniversary.

The congregation has been told the closure is necessary due to the cost of repairs, which would total £100,000.

Parishioners at last night's farewell service told how the Woodsetton church had been woven into the fabric of their lives.

Beatrice Walker, aged 87, was christened and married there and her father Joseph Worton was a member of the choir for more than 40 years.

Local preacher Jackie Humphries, aged 45, goes to Tipton Green Methodist Church and she said a number of Woodsetton parishioners had joined the congregation.

But she said it was a shame the 125-year-old building was being knocked down.

Ray Woodhouse, aged 82, a treasurer at the church for more than 30 years, said: "It was an uplifting service and I am privileged to have been here to share it with so many old friends, even if it is a very sad occasion."

The Rev Colin Gardner, a former vicar at the church for 16 years, had told the service he appreciated "how difficult it can be to move into another church family" but he urged parishioners to worship elsewhere.