Methodist church may be torn down

From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Saturday 6th Jul 2002.

A CRUMBLING turn of the century Methodist church is facing demolition.

The church in Rodbourne Road was built in 1900 to cope with a congregation of 220.

These days, the number of regular church-goers is only about 30 and they can't afford the upkeep of the aging building.

A planning application has been lodged to create a car park and outdoor area on the church site where the church currently stands.

Services will be held in the 1957 hall next door.

It is proposed to renovate and convert the hall and improve disabled facilities.

In January an application was lodged to extend the hall and create a more attractive facade.

But this was dropped on the grounds of being too expensive.

Reverend Janet Evans said: "The hall will be converted into a multi-purpose hall and chapel.

"On Sundays it will be used as a chapel and the rest of the time it will be used for our various other activities.

"It should cover our needs without the enormous costs attached to maintaining a chapel that's started to crumble.

"The chapel is costing too much to run."

In February 2001, it cost nearly £1,000 to make the building safe after masonry fell on the public footpath. The building is also expensive to heat.

The minister said: "It is very sad.

"The building has been there for 100 years and it's a bit of a landmark, but it's past its former glory.

"At the turn of the century church attendance right across the country was far greater.

"We want to be concentrating on doing things in the community and creating a community presence rather than looking after a dead building."

In recent years, Methodist churches in Gorse Hill, Ferndale Road and Manchester Road have all closed.

If planning permission is granted for the hall conversion the old church could be demolished by the end of the summer.

For information about Rod-bourne Methodist Church activities call (01793) 700424.

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