Thurlby Church






Methodism was introduced to the village around 1810 by the Wesleyans but a society was also formed by the Wesleyan Reform Union around 1851.

The Wesleyans built a chapel to seat 240 which opened on a site in High Street (almost opposite the present chapel) in 1832 whilst an existing private chapel in Crown Lane was let to the Wesleyan Reform Union from 1851. The latter subsequently known as United Methodists, built their own chapel, known as Top chapel, to seat 100 in 1861 at the junction of the Green and Northorpe Lane.

The Wesleyans original building on High Street was sold in 1912 for L50 and used as a barn until demolished some years later. The present chapel on the corner of High Street and Chapel lane opened in 1912 the architect being William Hinson of Stamford.

In 1974 Top Chapel closed and the two congregations merged. The building was first used as a workshop and then in 1995 converted to a dwelling known as' Kirkton House'.

In 1977 a hall was added to the present chapel and further improvements have been carried our since. Fund raising for a major modernization of the access and community facilities is currently in hand.

This is an active congregation with about 80 members and new group of 40 children known as Livewire recently commenced.