Church set to close its doors after 120 years
A CONGREGATION in South Yorkshire is vowing to ‘go out on a high’ as they see their 120-yearold church close its doors for the final time this summer.
The church family at Trinity Firvale Methodist Church, in Sheffield, took the difficult decision last year to cease to worship in 2017.
The move was made because of the large upkeep costs of the Grade II listed building, which outweighed expected income.
In recent years, the numbers of members had decreased, as did the number of regular bookings from groups and clubs.
Trinity was built in 1898 for a cost of £10,000, over half of which was raised at the foundation stone-laying ceremony, and opened on November 2, 1899. During its history, three other local churches closed and joined with Trinity.
The current congregation will be moving to other Methodist churches nearby, while many of the community groups which used the venue have found alternative accommodation.
Members of Trinity Firvale Methodist Church are organising a special weekend of events in June to celebrate the life and work of the church and the community it serves.
Minister the Rev Gareth Jones said: “It was a hard choice to close, but one to which we feel God has led us to and one that we know does not mean the end of any of our faith journeys.
“We want everyone who has ever been connected with the church to come and celebrate with us.”