Holt Methodist Church, in Norfolk, underwhelms, and then surprises. It’s pretty much unique amongst Methodist churches, built more like an Anglican church, allegedly to outdo the local Anglican.
Attractive on the exterior, it underwhelms when you find the sanctuary has a low, 1980s suspended ceiling of polystyrene tiles. Why on earth would anybody have done that? Actually, they did it to keep the heat in.
Wind your way up the tower, avoid the pigeon droppings in what used to be the choir gallery, turn around, and you see the picture at the top of this blog. There, above the suspended ceiling, hidden from view, is a wonderful rose window, clerestories and a beautiful arched wooden ceiling.
We’ve just recently won National Lottery Heritage Funding to put right this wrong, and to do much else besides. The Light and Life for All appeal will pave the way for much more community use – from respite dinners for young carers, to, hopefully, adult education classes, cream teas for the lonely and isolated, concerts, heritage visits, space for dementia support and bereavement care.
For me, the place is almost a symbol of Methodism, and its huge potential. Everywhere I go, I find Methodist churches, mostly run by older people, and mostly saying things like, “Well, we’re old, we can’t do very much”.
Push a bit harder and you find they’re actually doing lots. They’re involved in the local foodbank, or facilitating domestic violence support groups, or opening the church for people with all kinds of needs. I keep finding Methodist churches full of kind, caring, liberal-minded, inclusive, welcoming people, who just don’t know how special they are. Whose works are hidden in plain sight.
At Holt the new minister, just a Probationer, in his first church, has made a real impact on the place. Congregations have increased. At another of our clients, in Wetherby, the church almost closed 15 years ago, I’m told. Now about 30 local groups use it, with about 700 people passing through the doors each week. As a result, the congregation numbers 150, with between 60 and 100 there every Sunday.
We’re told that church attendance is growing. Even the Prime Minister wished us all a Happy Easter. In Methodism, churches are growing by supporting their communities. Faith is expressed in actions – by their deeds you really will know them. This practical, accepting, open-minded faith that you find in Methodism is just what society is looking for. I look around, and I see so much potential.
