Stainforth Methodist Church Centenary

Stainforth Methodist Church – Centenary Celebrations

Methodism
in Stainforth commenced with the establishment of a Wesleyan Methodist Chapel
on Briars Lane in 1820, followed by the addition of a school room.Subsequently,
in 1870, a Primitive Methodist Chapel and school room were constructed on
Silver Street.

In
1925, aided by the South Yorkshire Coalfield Mission, a new Wesleyan Methodist
Church and Sunday School rooms were completed at the current Church Road
location.

The
union of Wesleyan, Primitive, and United Methodist churches in 1932 formed what
is now known as The Methodist Church.

During
the 1960s, the main sanctuary on Church Road was demolished, and the existing
school room was renovated to serve as the present worship area.The
centenary of the Silver Street chapel was commemorated in 1970. However, the
chapel closed in 1972, resulting in the unification of both congregations at
Church Road.

In
2004, significant refurbishment was undertaken at the Church Road building,
modernizing the church and adding facilities including office space for the
Citizens Advice Bureau and Job Centre.

Margaret
provides some information- Interesting to read the reasons for building a chapel, seating nearly 500
people, a large school room and other smaller rooms. The building had central heating, padded tip
up chairs, office and a bathroom for the minister. (We have some copies
of the booklet available)

A similar publication was printed when the church
was 80. The information is mainly from the Doncaster Gazette of February 1924 and
13th November 1925. Interesting to read the sermons from various ministers,
Coalfield Clergy and the connexion.

The land was purchased from Hatfield Main Colliery
for £100. The money came from various sources, Coalfields Mission and local
people whose names & amounts donated were published in the Gazette.
Some well-known people from Hull gave generous donations. We were
surprised by the generous donations from local people and those who had no
connection with Stainforth.

2025 marked the Centenary of Methodism in
Stainforth, celebrated with an afternoon service on Sunday, 2nd November, led
by former Superintendent Minister Rev Chris Hawke and her husband Robin. All of the hymns we sung were chosen by
members of the congregation.

Post-service activities included sharing a
commemorative cake and refreshments, providing attendees with the opportunity
to engage and reflect on the church's heritage.

On Wednesday 5th November 2025 we hosted a celebration lunch which consisted
of cold and hot food, plus cheeses and desserts and another Anniversary cake.
We were joined by members, friends, Stainforth CAB and the Smile Group.

Time to chat and remember.

Photographs and memorabilia were on display, which
proved to be of interest to many.

Thank you to all who attended and helped during
that week.

Thank you to all who in the past, members, friends,
volunteers, clergy and Local Preachers who have supported the Stainforth
cause. God Bless

CONGRATULTIONS Stainforth Methodist Church!