Methodist church celebrates 200 years of worship

In 2017, Reepham Methodist Church is celebrating 200 years of worship and service in Reepham.
 

 
Wesley Piercy’s history of the chapel tells of how some land was purchased in 1816 by William Bircham and his trustee George Wymer, and by 1817 a small chapel had been built on what is now Station Road.
 
Later in the 19th century there were three Methodist Chapels in Reepham: Primitive, Wesleyan and United. They finally merged into one Methodist church in 1932, retaining the Wesleyan Chapel and schoolroom on Station Road.
 
During the coming year we will be celebrating the 200th anniversary with a series of special events beginning on 18 February with a Valentine’s tea dance, then a concert of Music for a Spring Afternoon on 18 March.
 
On 27 May there will be an 1817-style tea party and the following day, Sunday 28 May, a celebration service of worship. There will also be a two-day flower festival on Saturday/Sunday 15-16 July.
 
We will sing every one of the 790 hymns and songs in the new Methodist hymnbook, Singing the Faith, at some time during the year. This is quite a challenge as some of the newer songs are unfamiliar, but money raised by sponsorship will go to All We Can – the Methodist development charity to support the rebuilding of life in Haiti following the earthquake in 2010 and the devastating hurricane in 2016.
 
All are welcome at these celebration events, which will be advertised during the year; further details from Stephanie Chapman 01603 879554.
 
Our year of celebration began when we welcomed the Parish Church congregation on Sunday 15 January for the annual united covenant service. The service was led by our Minister, Revd Seung-Wook Jung, and the Rector, Revd Canon Margaret Dean, preached.
 
Michael Price
 

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