By Saul Cooke-Black

A FINAL afternoon service was held at Cashes Green Methodist Church, Stroud, on Sunday May 10 to a packed out congregation.

The church, which has served the area since 1901, has been forced to close because of underground water seepage, leaving it with bills running into tens of thousands of pounds.

Rev Dr. Simon Topping, Minister at Cashes Green Methodist Church, said: "It was an emotional last service. The church was really packed, with a lot of people who had been married here coming back for it. We also had a number of community members who have attended the church for all their lives.

"When we were told the price of the repair work we were left with no choice. We met up a number of times to talk about it but it was just not realistic.

"We hope that many of our members will be able to find new homes at other nearby churches."

Members of the congregation will now split between other churches in the area, although a group will continue to meet at one of the congregants' homes.

Mr Topping added: "We give thanks for the dedication and commitment of so many people who have done so many things here over the years. The Sunday School, the Sunday Bunch, the Girls’ Brigade, the Choir, the Youth Club, the plays, the flowers, the craft festivals and Christingle services are just some of the many events which filled the church.

"The physical building has become a constraint, yet is full of memories and potential in other ways.

"We shall continue to be “living stones” and meet as a Bible Study group at St. Albans Stroud."

Gloucestershire's Methodist Superintendent Rev James Tebbut said: "Today we have mixed feelings and tears, plus a sense of frustration. Thank you to you all who have served.

"This is a new chapter. Take that goodness and faithfulness with you and share it."

A service was also held in the morning to celebrate the 114th anniversary of the church, conducted by Rev Andrew Prout who undertook his training whilst at the church between 1995 and 1997.