Home > Eccleshill Methodist Church
Eccleshill Methodist ChurchNorman Lane, Eccleshill, BRADFORD, BD2 2JZ [map]
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Details of preachers are given in the Circuit Plan (pdf)
| Mon | Tues | Weds | Thurs | Fri |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Townswomen's Guild (2nd Monday in each month) |
Day Care Centre Music Group Slimming World |
Day Care Centre Woodcraft Folk (children 7 to 12 years) |
Space for God Rainbows Brownies GuidesRangers (fortnightly) Zumba dancing |
Ladies group (fortnightly) |
Eccleshill Methodists have moved almost full circle, in village locations, since the start of Methodism in the district, at the Lands Lane Chapel, in 1775. In 1776 John Wesley preached there and remarked in his journal
"I preached at Eccleshill to a people just sprung out of the dust, exceeding artless and exceeding earnest, many of whom already seemed to have been saved from sin. Oh, why do we not encourage all to expect this blessing every hour".
In 1938 a 'breakaway' group formed the Victoria Road Church and the Wesleyans opened their church at Stoney Lane in 1856. During the war the two churches worked together and in 1946 became one church in the Stoney Lane premises. As time went on the larger premises became difficult to maintain and it was agreed to 'downsize' and join the Primitive church on Norman Lane which is dated 1911. A new Sunday School was built in 1965 and the old all-purpose building was transformed into the present Church in 1967.
During the years members have moved on, feeding other societies in Bradford and beyond. Many of our members have become local preachers and there is at least one clergyman who came to our Sunday School. From our members we have provided three Bradford Lord Mayors, Thomas Edward Hall, Paul Hockney and Allan Irving Hillary, and one Local Councillor, Norman Todd. Another note of interest - the world famous artist David Hockney attended Sunday School in the Stoney Lane Days.
In July 2005, the church was refurbished to include a small meeting room and kitchen making it easier to serve refreshments after services.
We have a very successful Day Care Centre for the Elderly on Tuesday and Wednesday each week. We are just coming up to our 10th Anniversary.
The Centre is funded by Social Services and we have close and regular contact with the social workers who very often bring us new clients in need of socialising, to relieve the loneliness of being housebound and living alone. We cater for upwards of 40 elderly people a week. The clients (we are taught to call them this) are brought in by mini-bus in the morning and are taken home again later in the afternoon. During the time they are with us we try to give them something to do. We have a number of dedicated domino players, a few who enjoy a good game of scrabble, we do quizzes and word-searches, all of which helps to keep the brain active. We also do craft work with them - knitting, sewing, toy-making, helping to keep sometimes arthritic fingers moving. We take them out for lunch occasionally and on day trips. We also bring speakers in to give information on safety in the home etc, etc, etc. The best part of the day is 12 noon when dinner is ready. We have an excellent cook who provides very varied home cooked menus. We have a Co-ordinator and an Assistant Co-ordinator, who goes out with the mini-bus to bring the clients in. Both are really dedicated to their jobs and to the clients, and we must not forget the lady who comes in to clean up after us. Last, but certainly not least, we have a dedicated team of volunteers. Without these loyal and dedicated workers we would find it very difficult to carry on this vital work in the community.
Rainbows meet for 50 minutes each week. The girls are aged between 5 and 6 years. They enjoy playing games and making things.
Brownies meet for one and a half hours. The girls are aged between 7 and 10 years. They enjoy playing games, singing and making things (including baking) but also have to work to pass badges. They are sometimes taken away on 'camping' holidays, They also enjoy sleepovers occasionally although this does not always include sleep (for the leaders at least). The Guider who leads them would love to have another adult to help her each week.
Guide numbers are very low at the moment but we still meet from 6.00 - 7.30 pm each Thursday. The age range is 10 - 14. Activities include camping holidays, sleepovers, games, badge work, drama and dance.
Girls 14 and over can join Rangers or become Young Leaders to help with the younger girls. Rangers usually meet fortnightly. The meetings are very informal with the girls sitting and chatting but also include outdoor activities and visits to the theatre.
The music group meet on Tuesday evenings for approximately one hour; they sing and play wind instruments, occasionally taking part in church services. Anyone interested in joining would be very welcome.
The ladies group meet fortnightly on a Friday. This is a social group who make banners, posters and items for the different curch services and pavement cafes etc.
Although well used, the Church Hall is available for children's parties etc.
