NEWS that the church is dying did not appear to have reached Epsom where more than 400 people crowded into the newly refurbished worship area for a service of celebration and dedication led by the minister, the Rev David Winwood, and the Co-Chair of the London District, the Rev Jenny Impey. The preacher was the Rev Tom Stuckey and there were special musical items by the choirs of the Chinese congregation and the Brazilian fellowship which are part of the life of the church. In the congregation were civic leaders, circuit ministers, ministers of other Epsom churches, and former ministers, the Revs Michael Meech, David Bridge, Alan Bradley, David Coote and the Rev Dr Peter Graves. It was announced that the cost of more than £1.5 million had already been raised and that the church was now raising money for a new youth hall to accommodate the 500 young people who belong to the church, many of them in the uniformed organisations. The preacher at the two Sunday morning services was the Rev David Bridge. The first was a service of Holy Communion and the second a parade service for which the church was again nearly filled to capacity.
The celebrations will continue throughout the year when special events will include a flower festival, a visit by the National Methodist Youth Brass Band, an international weekend and a “Minister’s Jazz Nite”.
With thanks from the Methodist Recorder
A few photographs of the Official Dedication of Epsom Methodist Church after the redevelopment.
