188 Years of The Stanhill Methodist Church

Stringed orchestra.

To recap on the Sermons and the changing format: Charles Hyatt from Oswaldtwistle, conducted the stringed orchestra, each one of them travelling from near and far – some from Blackpool, Barnoldswick, Gt. Harwood, Accrington. One of our church members, Gladys Smith, had played the violin in the orchestra since she was 10 years old with her father. Hymns were sung in different places in the village, interspersed with the guest minister giving mini-sermons. The last hymn and Benediction were held in the grounds of Stanhill Hall. Everyone then rushed home for dinner to return to chapel for the 2:30pm Service. The orchestra went back to the chapel kitchen where their dinner was made & served by Irene & Tom Neville with the help of some of their family. Always meat pie with all the trimmings, followed by apple pie & custard. Everyone back in time for the 2:30pm service– the minister having had lunch at the home of the steward. A buffet tea served by Doreen & John. Then the 6pm service. Doreen Hogan from Oswaldtwistle was the guest organist until Peter Wray took over as the resident organist in 1988.

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