Abbey Road, Bourne, Lincolnshire.

Minister. Rev Dr Daniel Mwailu MA. PhD 01778 422258
(e mail: dkm308@aol.com)

Senior Steward Mr Chris Templeman   Tel: 01778 425492

Church Stewards
Mr Chris Templeman     425492
Mr Tom Laryea             395859
Mrs Lynda Connellan      424120
Mr Roger Macey             425336

Methodism came to South Lincolnshire in the early 1800s, and was brought to Bourne in 1809, The first meeting being held at the home of John Brown, who’s cottage was in Star Lane,(now known as Abbey Road) and was probably situated on the present chapel front garden. The certificate to preach was issued in 1810.

Over the following years the membership began to grow, the church council aquiring more land until in 1812 at a cost of L200 a chapel was built and remained in use, latterly as the Sunday school building until being demolished in 1964 to make way for the new schoolroom.

In 1841 the present chapel was constructed at a cost of £1200 by Thomas Pilkington a John Knox Scotsman who had settled in Bourne and it was opened by Robert Newton in 1842 amidst great rejoicing. Originally able to accommodate some 434 persons after the balcony was added the church continued to serve the Methodist Society until in 1987 after a structural survey was undertaken it was reported that in the opinion of the surveyors the building was unsafe. The Harvest Festival services of 1987 were the last to be held in the chapel, the congregation moving to the Church hall and Sunday School, the purchase of a Portakabin provided extra space.

After many meetings and lively discussions a final plan for the chapel was drawn up and in 1995 building started with the chapel re-opened on the 6th October 1995.

Today the Methodist Society in Bourne is very much involved in the life of the town , offering Sunday services ,but also ministering to the local population through various weekday activities such as Boy’s and Girl’s brigade, Social Club ,Scrabble and Art clubs, Meetings for Men and Women with subjects to suit each. On Thursdays coffee is served in the morning this being followed by lunches at midday, a short service is held in the Church at one o’clock. Saturday morning offers shoppers in the town the opportunity to meet with friends whilst taking coffee in the Church hall.

It is hoped that with the next phase of building the additional space in the Church building will be available for outside organisations to take advantage of so by allowing ministry to continue in the town and surrounding area.