Fordhouses Methodist Church
Fordhouses Staffordshire

The Methodist Church in Fordhouses

To be the Church which displays the love of God and the teachings of Christ in a positive and welcoming manner and which demonstrates tolerance and care to people of all ages and from all backgrounds in accordance with the Christian ideals of this Methodist Church working in the Community.

 

https://www.wolverhamptoncircuit.co.uk/fordhouses-methodist-church  

 

Approaching from the south (Wolverhampton) on the A449 Stafford Road, turn left at the Marsh Lane /Three Tuns Lane round-a-bout, into Marsh lane.

Take the first right into Winchester Road.

Go past the Baptist Church at the junction of Newbury Road on the right and past Romsey Road on the left.

The church car park entrance is on the right just before the sharp left hand bend in Winchester Road.

Approaching from the north (Stafford) on the A449 Stafford Road, turn right at the at the Wobaston Road round-a-bout, into Wobaston Road.

Take the first left into Patshull Avenue.

Take the first left into Winchester Road.

The church car park entrance Is on the left just after the sharp right hand bend in Winchester Road.  

Monday

Playgroup 9.15am – 11am

Rainbows 6pm – 7pm

Brownies 6pm - 7.15pm

Guides 6pm – 7.15pm

Marston Singers 7.45pm – 9.45pm

Cubs (Bee Lane) 6.30pm – 8pm Group Scout Leader 07790767366 [email protected]

Scouts (Goodyears) 7.30pm-9pm Group Scout Leader 07790767366 [email protected]
Scout Hut


Tuesday

Weight Watchers 5pm – 7.30pm

Beavers (Goodyear 6pm - 7pm Group Scout Leader 07790767366 [email protected]
Scout Hut)

Wargames of W’ton 7.45pm-10.45pm

Cubs (Goodyear) 7pm – 8.30pm Group Scout Leader 07790767366 [email protected]
Scout Hut


Thursday

Playgroup 9.15am – 11am

Slimming World 4pm – 9pm

Beavers (Bee Lane) 5.45pm-6.45pm Group Scout Leader 07790767366 [email protected]
Scout Hut


Friday

Rachels Dance 6pm – 9.30pm

Scouts (Bee Lane) 7.30pm – 9pm Group Scout Leader 07790767366 [email protected]
Scout Hut


Saturday

Rachels Dance 10am - 12.30pm  

A potted history of The Methodist Church - Fordhouses

In 1935 Ernest and Ellen Bishop left South Wales and moved to Oxley, Wolverhampton. They attended Darlington St. Methodist Church before transferring to Bethesda Chapel, where Ernest began lobbying the Circuit for a Methodist Church in Fordhouses. Although members agreed in principle there were misgivings. Undeterred, Ernest began looking for a site.

Mr W. S. Kidson, a business man, local preacher and member of Darlington Street Methodist Church, owned land in Fordhouses which he donated for the building of a church. He also undertook to act as Treasurer and co-ordinate the project fundraising. The Circuit eventually agreed a building suitable for worship and social activities.

The church opened on the 25th July, 1940. Sunday services at 11.00am and 6.30pm with an afternoon Sunday school. Assisted by Pastor Pickard, the first minister appointed was Rev. William Rickard. Worship was conducted from a small table in the Church hall. Not until the 1950’s was a sanctuary created.

Throughout the war year’s part of the premises were requisitioned by the authorities for a Health Clinic. The Church resolutely opened every Sunday for worship; Sunday School, Scouts, Cubs, Guides and Brownies, a Drama group, Junior Missionary club and Guild Fellowship, Women’s Fellowship, a choir and monthly socials all prospered.

Over the following years, the Methodist format of Minister Rotation brought Fordhouses a diverse selection of Ministers. Notable visiting speakers were the eminent Methodist Ministers the Rev. Donald Soper and the Rev. Kenneth Thwaites. Both of who became national presidents of the Methodist church.

In 1969 funds were made available from the closure of another Methodist Church, for an enlargement of the Fordhouses premises including a purpose built Worship room. On Advent Sunday, the 28th November 1971 the new church opened, and in 1972 the Rev. Derek Kellington became minister.

The new church was well attended and the mid-week activities thrived. Church membership was high with no lack of volunteers to take on the many tasks within the life of the church. The 1930’s building became the Church hall and was extensively used for social activities by both the church and local organisations. A playgroup was formed, still in existence in 2014, together with a mother and toddlers club. Fund raising dinner dances were held and concerts by various choirs including the Marston Singers, who still continue their connection to the church with their weekly rehearsals.

In 1979 the Rev. Indigit Bhogal became the minister. Born a Sikh, Indigit became a Methodist and then a local preacher before being accepted for the Methodist ministry. He eventually went on to become President of the Methodist Conference for the year 2000.

In September 2006 the Rev. Richard Donogue ended his term at Fordhouses and the Rev Tony Kinch, and then Wolverhampton Circuit Superintendent assumed pastoral charge.

With the 1970’s building suffering repeated vandalism the church funds became almost exhausted. The decision was taken to close down the 1970’s rooms and return to the old 1930’s building. A Worship area was created which opened in September 2007. However, disillusioned by years of poor conditions many of the congregation had already left and by 2008 the Church was in a critical state.

A Steering Group was formed charged with looking at finance, property, fund raising and future planning to promote the Church within the Community. The basic Methodist principle of commitment and mission in the Community was defined and adopted. Five years on, by 2013, the achievements of this policy stand alone as testimony to the decision. Community and Uniformed Groups flourish, Sunday Worshippers welcomed, and a pro-active programme of events throughout the year, supports and raises funds for local and national charities.

Now, in 2014 The Church seeks to widen and progress its presence in Fordhouses. With the 1930’s building now in need of a well-earned rest, plans are in hand and awaiting approval from the Wolverhampton Circuit for building a new Methodist Church in Fordhouses to continue the vision of Ernest Bishop who followed his belief and his God, so many years ago.

Formulated: March 2014