188 Years of The Stanhill Methodist Church

Project, the residents focusing on the village heritage and the chapel working on Methodist heritage and the Christian aspect of the project. All agreed and Richard was the driving force of the project. Meetings and actions took place. In the meantime life went on in the church. 2013 September 13th/15th A Hobbies Exhibition. Entries from the community as well as members from the church. Displays of Photography, Crafts, Reading, Model Making, Allotment to name but a few. October 12th of the same year a one day Scarecrow Festival was held. Entries from the community and other churches. Another day to remember. During 2013 ‘Brew Day for the Community’ started. Morning Coffee and in the afternoon table games and a good ‘camp’ !! The mornings were not well attended so after a period time it was decided to have a 2pm session only. Speakers & entertainers were invited. Numbers built up of ladies and men. In 2015 The Stanhill Village Heritage Project was established to celebrate the incredible historic significance of this small village. There is a heritage trail, website and a replica of the first Spinning Jenny. A rich programme of workshops, talks and demonstrations took place at the Stanhill Methodist Church. Groups who visited have come from near and far. The Trefoil Guilds from Oswaldtwistle, Whalley and Rossendale. Mothers and Others and the Men’s Regnal from Cambridge St. Friends from the Bacup Methodist Church. Carers Link from Accrington. The children from West End Primary School, just to name but a few. Heritage Services were held once or twice a year as well as Heritage week ends. Many different displays have been of Methodism from John Wesley to the present day. The POW camp at Knuzden, where the Rev. Joseph Howe, minister of the Oswaldtwistle Methodist Churches including Stanhill, was the Padre. 2017 was the dedication of the new kitchen. So modern and practical. A great entertainment space with cafe type tables and chairs. Sometimes known as the ‘hospitality suite’ !!

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