Methodist Church Gravesend - Milton Road, Gravesend, Kent, UK
N 51° 26.508 E 000° 22.342
31U E 317391 N 5702231
This Methodist church stands on the north east side of Milton Street and is a few metres west of the Clock Tower. The church opened in July 1906. The "then" photos shows the church just prior to opening in 1906.
Waymark Code: WMH0GA
Location: South East England, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 05/02/2013
Views: 2
The Methodist church's website gives a brief history:
"The Early Days
There have been Methodists in Gravesend since the early days of Methodism, indeed, as far back as I77I a room was rented by the twenty or so members of the Society and John Wesley himself preached at the opening service to a crowded congregation.
This first enthusiasm was short-lived however and, although one or two members still met as often as possible, it was considered by the authorities at Rochester, that “Gravesend was too wicked a town for much good to be done” and an application for a regular preacher was refused.
In 1807 a further application was made, this time it was approved and regular services began to be held.
These were so successful that the need was soon felt for a permanent building.
The First Wesleyan Chapel in Gravesend
Early in I8I2 a meeting was held to consider the matter. From then on events moved swiftly; in spite of the uncertainties brought about by the Napoleonic War.
The new church was completed and the opening services held just six months after the decision to build had been taken.
In the years that followed the church went from strength to strength. So much so, in fact, that by the end of the century the premises had become quite inadequate for its needs.
After much thought it was decided to rebuild the church and to include Sunday School Class Rooms and all other necessary accommodation on one site.
The cost of this was estimated to be £9000, but there was no hesitation, and by I906 the Church and adjoining premises, as we know them today, had been built.
At the time of the opening some £5000 had already been collected - a wonderful effort in three years - but the debt was not finally extinguished until I920.
In 2006 we celebrated the centenary of our present building.
The website also lists times of services:
"Sunday Services
11.00 am Morning Worship
11.00 am Junior Church
6.30 pm Evening Worship
6.00 pm 10:22 - Youth Church for 10 - 22 year olds"