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CHURCH CELEBRATIONS TINGED WITH SADNESS
Memorabilia display to mark 150th anniversary milestone will be followed by final service Report by Henry James
WHEN Digmoor Methodist Church celebrates its 150th anniversary later this year with a display of memorabilia, it will be a bitter-sweet occasion as it will also mark the final service at the Daniels Lane place of worship on Sunday, September 29. Falling numbers and difficulties in maintaining the church and adjoining hall have led the congregation to reluctantly make the decision to close. In 1869 Digmoor was a mining village with two pubs and a school based in a cottage. Then an influx of Methodists from chapels in neighbouring Skelmersdale and Stormy Corner began to hold open-air meetings and house services in the village. As numbers increased, a club room behind the Bowling Green Inn was hired but the new converts really wanted a place of their own to worship and they began to raise funds for a new School Chapel. And on Monday, September 27, 1869 a stone-laying ceremony was performed before the new church was officially
Digmoor Methodist Church (above) and (right) how it looked in 1931.
opened some seven-and-half months later on Monday, May 15, 1870. Over the years the original building was maintained and extended, and a new church building was erected in front of the school in 1931. Boasting its own choir, Digmoor Methodist Church has for many years had a strong musical tradition and many events have been held that celebrated the musical talents in the congregation. Sadly, in common with many churches and other places of worship, it has seen congregation numbers dwindling, finally prompting the decision to close.
Church officials though are determined that it will not be forgotten, and as well as the memorabilia display on the weekend of September 28/29, other events will be held to celebrate all that the Digmoor venue has been and meant over the years. Minister, Reverend Rachel Hope, said: “Digmoor Methodist Church has celebrated many baptisms and weddings and shared in the sadness of funerals, it has continued in its faithful witness and mission to the community for 150 years. “But it was with sadness that at the
beginning of the year, with falling numbers and difficulties in maintaining both buildings, a decision was made by the local congregation to close the church.” Meanwhile officials are appealing for anyone with photographs or items connected with the church or events held there over the years who is willing to loan them for the memorabilia display, to get in touch with Pauline Birchall on 01695 624646. All items loaned will be returned. The church will be open from 12.30pm on Sunday, September 29 with a final act of worship taking place at 4pm.
£1.27m cash boost for Skem sustainable packaging producer A SKELMERSDALE company which designs and manufactures sustainable packaging solutions has been boosted by a cash injection of £1.27m, part financed by the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund. Bosses at TrakRap, based in East Gillibrands, say they will use the funds - which also include six-figure contributions from existing shareholders and private investors - to expand the business and create “a significant number of new jobs.” Full story - Page 3
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