Denomination: Methodist Church
In 2002, the small congregation of the Englefield Green Methodist Church made the decision to cease worshipping in the Methodist church and to unite with the local Anglican parish church.
Paradoxically, this allowed a new, clearer vision and purpose for the Methodist church building to be conceived, in the spirit of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. Wesley was responsible for founding orphanages, lending societies, schools and other initiatives concerned with social justice and the welfare of communities.
Many of the Methodists had lived in the village most of their lives and were well aware of the needs of their community. They decided that they wanted to do something to make a difference. Through the new joint Church Council at St. Jude’s United Church, it was decided that the former Methodist building should be kept, that it should be brought under a sharing agreement, and that a major refurbishment of the premises should be embarked on so that a “hub” for the community, in the sense described above, could be developed.
Paradoxically, this allowed a new, clearer vision and purpose for the Methodist church building to be conceived, in the spirit of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. Wesley was responsible for founding orphanages, lending societies, schools and other initiatives concerned with social justice and the welfare of communities.
Many of the Methodists had lived in the village most of their lives and were well aware of the needs of their community. They decided that they wanted to do something to make a difference. Through the new joint Church Council at St. Jude’s United Church, it was decided that the former Methodist building should be kept, that it should be brought under a sharing agreement, and that a major refurbishment of the premises should be embarked on so that a “hub” for the community, in the sense described above, could be developed.
