Talbot Lane Methodist Church
Talbot Lane Methodist Church
The year 2011 marks the 250th anniversary of a methodist church on the site of the present Talbot Lane Methodist Church.
Although Methodist worship had taken place in Rotherham in private homes and rooms, the first ever purpose-built Methodist Church, called the Octagon Chapel was completed in July 1761. Thursday 30 July 1761 was the date of the first service held there. The Octagon proved too small for a growing congregation, and it was replaced in 1806 by a much larger classical style chapel with seats for around 850 and later enlarged to accommodate about 1,500. Unfortunately that building burnt down in 1901 due to a fire in the organ loft.
The present day Talbot Lane Methodist Church was built on the site, being completed in 1903, so it is mere 108 years old in 2011.
From details supplied by Barrie Thomas
Events
Saturday 30 July 2011
3pm there will be an organ recital on the original Harrison and Harrison organ, by David Oldfield GRNCM, ARCO(CHM), LRAM, FVCM, FGMS, FASC, PGCE.
Sunday 31 July
11.15am service led by Rev. Derek Hinchliffe, who was minister at Talbot Lane 1988 - 1992. 2pm there will be a drama about how Methodism at Talbot Lane started. Following that, there will be a Songs of Praise, with hymns that may have been written around 1761.
All details can be found on the website - www.friendsoftalbotlane.co.uk.