Shropshire & Marches
Methodist Circuit

Members, family and friends of Wem Methodist came together in June to mark the chapel’s centenary with a weekend of activities. A celebratory Coffee Morning kicked off the events. The history of the church was honoured by an entertaining review of church life in, ‘Through the Decades’, which was followed by a Faith Tea.

Sunday morning’s Service, led by Revd. Hilary Cooke, was themed ‘Seize the Day’. Revd. Cooke poignantly encouraged the congregation to enjoy reflecting on past times and even debate whether they were better days, but to be in the present and look to the future. The Service was followed by refreshments which included a celebration cake.

Saturday Special worship Lead, Ann Johnson, who has been a member of Wem Chapel for 61 years, remarked that the weekend was, “Exhausting but totally uplifting.” She added, “Throughout the weekend, we were joined by over 300 people, many from the Town, other churches and chapels and the Circuit, as well as Town Councillors. People who had attended this church in the past, returned to help us celebrate and to catch up with long lost friends. We received lovely, best wishes cards from the Parish Church’s congregation and from those unable to join us. People took great interest in the various displays which included Junior Church and Shell Club memorabilia. The display of wedding photographs, the oldest dating back to 1940, generated much discussion and the outdoor decorations and window display highlighted our celebrations to the community.” Ann and her family have attended Wem Chapel since it was built in 1926. Her family ancestors attended the previous local Methodist church, and her great-grandfather was caretaker at the present church for many years.

Special thanks go to the working party and all those who helped to make the weekend an enjoyable and memorable one.

The weekend raised £646.40 (excluding the Sunday collection and Gift Day donations,) for Church funds.