Mexborough and Swinton Times December 9, 1939

Churches Join Forces

Nonconformist Amalgamation at Kilnhurst

The amalgamation of Kilnhurst’s two nonconformist churches, St. Luke’s Wesleyan Church, and the Bethel Methodist Church was celebrated at the Bethel Methodist Church, which has been redecorated and renovated at an estimated cost of £.100, on Tuesday when a reopening service was held. The Rev. William Wallace, superintendent of the Sheffield Mission, was present, Mr. H. E. Key presided, supported by the Rev. E. S. Rowe, circuit minister. Miss Joyce Mitchell was soloist.

Mr. H. E. Key said he was delighted that, in Kilnhurst, they had decided to pool their resources and work together, and he hoped the pew venture would be attended with God’s richest blessings. They had a glorious future ahead of them if they only realised it. Another reason he was glad to be there was to congratulate them, not only on the amalgamation spiritually, but also to comment on the splendid result of the renovation scheme. They had a beautiful church and he hoped it would not be long before it. was filled.

There was no reason why it should not be one of the happy results of the amalgamation and renovations. He was pleased to meet Mr. Wallace who had been doing good work in Leeds, Sheffield, and other places.

The Rev. W. Wallace congratulated the church members and their efforts for Methodism and outlined the work done by the Methodist Church.

Representatives from Wath, Swinton, Mexborough, West Melton and Piccadilly attended, in addition to many members of the Bethel and St. Luke’s Churches. The Rev. and Mrs. D. Edgar of Mexborough, were also present.

A tea followed and a meeting was held in the evening when the Rev. Wm. Wallace was the speaker, Mr. S. Hinchliffe (Mexborough) presided and Miss Jessie Mitchell was soloist. The Rev. E. S. Rowe was also present.

At the evening meeting the Rev. W. Wallace said the young people of this generation said that the church was old-fashioned and that they could do without it. They regarded it as a luxury rather than as a necessity. The reason was in his opinion, that the great ideals for which the church was brought into being, were being forgotten and ignored. But the Church would be victorious because it was an absolute necessity.

A financial statement presented by Mr. Flavell, showed that the renovation scheme had cost £120. A bazaar had realised £100 and the proceeds of the day, including £5 18 10d in gift envelopes, amounted to £13 13s. They only needed £6 7s to cover the cost of the scheme.