Harworth Chapel Centenary 2025

Harworth Methodist Chapel Centenary Anniversary

A special Centenary Service was held on Sunday 16th March 2025 celebrating 100 years of worship. The guest preacher was Alice Curry who had been Pastor at Harworth Methodist Chapel for several years prior to her retirement in 2023. Alice gave a history of World War I taking all the men from the villages, the Spanish flu which killed thousands and then the great depression of the 1930's. When many would hunker down and pull down the shutters the villagers of Harworth and Bircotes decided to build and open a church – a Methodist Chapel – being a place of hope, peace and the comfort of knowing Jesus Christ during a time of worry, loss and sadness.

Harworth Chapel went from strength to strength with groups for the community and activities including Women's Bright Hour and Girls Brigade, craft groups, coffee mornings, meals for Age Concern, Community Choir and the annual Entertainment Evening of singing, comedy and fun (to name but a few). During the service Alice encouraged people to share their memories. One memory being the annual Strawberry Tea Party's on the lawn in front of chapel bringing many local residents in to share in a bowl of strawberries and cream.

Lorna, the Organist told how she had been the organist from standing in to play at Sunday School up to today – 70 years of service to the chapel and congregation!!!

Alice spoke of the net that was cast from Harworth Methodist Chapel that goes far and wide. Everyone was given a piece of paper to make an origami fish to make – with the bible reading from John 21 v 1-27. The unbreakable net holding 153 different types of fish – just as Harworth Chapel as a church pull in and welcome people from Every Place.

Following the service, which was attended by the Harworth regulars, the Sunday School and friends from around the Circuit, a bring and share lunch was enjoyed in the hall. A special cake had been made and sat on a cloth embroidered with the names of the ladies from the Women's Bright Hour. There were photographs of past celebrations to reminisce.

It was a wonderful celebration of the life of Harworth Chapel. HAPPY BIRTHDAY and Congratulations.