A History Of The Life Of The Church 1979

Banner Cross  Methodist Church – A history of the life of the church.     

Introduction (July 1979).        

In celebrating fifty years of life and worship in our present Church building – and the story of Methodism in Banner Cross goes back much further than that – we are looking back over a period in which many changes have occurred, and the rate of change has been increasing. New housing estates now cover what was once farm land and open countryside. Trams that rattled up to Ecclesall have been replaced by a less frequent bus service and, more significantly, by private cars. Members of the Church have moved away and others have taken their place. The migration of families shows no signs of decreasing.

But just as in the Second World war the Church learned how to cope with the restrictive conditions of blackout and bombing, so now we are learning to cope with change and making opportunity out of necessity.

We are learning to spot new faces and welcome new friends, to invite them to appropriate groups in the Church and make them feel at home with as quickly as possible. Most of those who move into this area are young families with children. We want each family to be part of the whole Church family. More than ever we need good neighbourliness, caring, and welcome for strangers. Over the years we have become more outward-looking.

Together with the restructuring of the Church`s organisation, this social mobility has caused more frequent changes in job opportunity in the Church when new stewards, secretaries, and other officials have to be found. More people are often required in the busy life of the Church. Once again  change has meant new opportunities.

We do not know what the next fifty years hold in store for us, but we are confident that no matter what changes have to be made, we shall seize the opportunity to make the best of them, for the highest welfare of the Church and our service in the community as we go on telling the Good News about Jesus Christ.

 Ivor Mann - Minister.

Our Beginings:   1900.

At the turn of the century most of the residential development in our part of the city, did not extend much beyond Hunter`s Bar, the area of land up to Banner Cross consisting mostly of farmland isolated halls and houses.

Soon plans were made for a close-density housing estate with new roads, and in view of this some of the members of the HANOVER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH considered the extension of the Circuit work higher up the hill. In 1902 a new Trust was formed. As a result of their efforts, land was purchased for the first Church/School Room building in Glenalmond Road. The building was opened on 27^th June 1907 at a cost of £3,034, including the site. The day was very wet and many attending the opening would have had to walk up the hill from Hunter`s Bar. Trams were extended to Banner Cross in 1908, after one year`s life of the first Church, and further extended to the top of Millhouses Lane in 1922, surviving until 1954 when buses took over.

Our Sunday School commenced in 1904 and used Greystones Council School until the Glenalmond Road building was available. The first Minister was Rev. W. H. Wheeldon, and was followed by Revs. T.W. Coleman, W. Richardson and F. Spencer.

THE NEW BANNER CROSS CHURCH building, Ecclesall Road South & Blair Athol Road.              

In 1921 an Extension Scheme was inaugurated to provide funds for the building of the new Church, the membership at the time being about 200. By 1928 funds in hand had reached a total of £5000 and the Trustees sanctioned an expenditure of £10,000  for the building of a new Church, with Lecture Hall, additional rooms for Sunday School and other work.

The plans of the Church were entrusted to Mr. W.J. Hale, FRIBA, and the tender of Messrs.W. Marlow & Sons Ltd. Of £7434 was accepted for the building, while a contract for the organ was placed with Mr. Albert Keats. The barns and other out-buildings of Cedar Farm had to be demolished. The stone-laying took place on 21^st April, 1928. Some 34 members from different Churches in the Circuit and District took part.

On the 30^th June, 1928, there was a separate “brick-laying “ ceremony organised through the Sunday School. About 70 scholars and young people laid bricks which helped to form the wall between the present Beginners and Primary Department rooms. Souvenirs were presented to those taking part, several still remaining in the service of the Church 50 years later.

The present Church was opened on 13^th July 1929. The ceremony at the front doors was carried out by Mrs. S. Bottom, and the Dedicatory Prayer given by Rev/ R. Pyke (an ex-President of the United Methodist Church Conference). A tea was held in the School Room followed by a Public Meeting in the Church in the evening.

The first hymn to be sung in the Church was “All people that on earth do dwell”, which includes the verse:

“ O enter then His gates with praise,

Approach with joy His courts unto,

Praise, Laud, and Bless His name always,

For it is seemly so to do.”

The service ended with “This, this is the God we adore.”

The membership at this time was around 225, and Rev. F. Spencer was followed by Rev. T.E. Clarke, who was particularly active in work for young people. During 1931 Mr. John R. Walker passed to higher service. He had served as Choir Secretary, Sunday School Superintendent, Church Steward and Secretary & Treasurer of the Trustees. In the same year, the trustees purchased No. 339 Millhouses Lane for use as a manse, and Rev. T. E. Clarke moved from Adelaide Road at Nether Edge. He will be remembered for his Morris “bull-nosed” open touring car, which was very often made available for transporting both adults and scholars.

With the opening of the new premises, the Sunday School was able to embark on a full-graded School of five departments. Connexional Sunday School demonstrators from London visited the Sunday School and were able to give, and receive, ideas for greater efficiency.

After the First World War a large wooden “Institute” hut was erected on the site of the present rose garden. It was used for Sunday afternoon classes, and for social meetings during the week. Having served its purpose it was dismantled and sold in 1937, the Lecture Hall taking its place.

1932 saw the union of the Wesleyan, Primitive and United Methodist Churches to form the one Methodist Church, our Church becoming part of the new Ecclesall Circuit. Rev. P Madge moved into the new manse, being followed in 1936 by Rev. F.L. Himes. He was responsible for arranging a “book-stall” for the sale of Christian and other literature. Dr. L. Burrows, Bishop of Sheffield spoke at a week night Society Meeting.

World War II.     

Rev. Harold E. Hamlin came in 1938 when black clouds were beginning to gather over Europe, and the Second World War was only a year away. Some 50 of our young men and women were called to the Forces, and we have cause to thank God that they were all spared to return back. Two were taken prisoner, and two were wounded. Several older members served in the Civil Defence and other services. Some were injured in the Air Raids on Sheffield.

The Church was never “blacked-out”. Afternoon services were held at 3.30pm in place of the evening services. A number of “house meetings” for younger members took place in different parts of the district on Sunday evenings, with rooms sometimes bursting at the seams. One of the vestries was used as a City Library several days a week, and the School Room was used as a Rest Centre. Mr. Hamlin was remembered for his great care in keeping in touch with all the members serving the Forces, and was responsible for starting “News Letters” distributed through the Church and School. He was succeeded in 1945 by Rev. R. T. Wagstaffe.

AFTER THE WAR.     

A Debt Reduction Scheme was inaugurated for a five-year period to liquidate an overdraft. Mr. Wagstaffe left us in 1948, to be followed by Rev. Harold Tomlinson.

About this time the Church boiler burst and it became necessary to purchase a new one. Loans were obtained from Trustees and others to cover the cost of £300.

In 1950 the Local Education Committee was becoming short of day-school accommodation in our district, and the Trustees therefore agreed to rent the School Room, No. 2 Vestry, and the Primary Room to them. Some inconvenience was caused to our Church work by having a day school on our premises with space taken up by regulation type desks, complete with ink wells.

In 1952 the School Room was entirely rewired and new fittings installed, and a large programme of re-decoration of all the premises was carried out. In 1954 it was decided to build a suitable house for the caretakers at 157 Blair Athol Road at the rear of the Church.

One of the notable events during Mr. Tomlinson`s ministry was the formation of “Family Services” which were very well attended.

Rev. John Skidmore, B. A. , came as Minister in 1955. Large scale interior decorations were carried out in 1957 in readiness for the visit of the President of Conference, Rev. Dr. Harold Roberts, who preached the sermon in the BBC broadcasting service. A new Trust was formed in 1958 incorporating the Church and the Manse into one Deed. Assistance by money, and help in kind was given to the Dore Methodist Church on the occasion of their Church extension.

ANOTHER UNION.    

Rev. John A. Clayton followed in 1962. Detailed printed weekly notices were issued, coupled with small sermonettes compiled by the Minister. Extensive carpeting was provided in the Church. At this period Greystones and Montgomery Methodist Churches were closed and several of their members were welcomed to our Church. We still use the former Greystones vestry safe. (See the short history of Greystones Methodist Church at the end of this history).

The coke-fired boiler became unserviceable and was replaced by a new gas-fired boiler with equipment costing £1,400. The kitchen was modernised, and a new system of lighting installed in the Church.

Rev. R. T. F. Williams, B. D. came in 1969. In 1970 the main Church was re-decorated in readiness for an Easter television service. The Cross now on the rear wall was provided by the BBC. A new Trust was formed in 1971, and new stacking chairs and tables obtained. Alterations were carried out at the Manse and the smaller rooms of our premises were renovated. The Manse was later sold to Ecclesall Circuit for a reduced price of £2,000.

TODAY.     

Our present Minister Rev. Ivor F. Mann, B. D., came in 1976. During 1977 electric action was installed in the organ and an extra rank of pipes for the Great Organ. The cost, including complete renovation being £3,400.

Under the Methodist Church act, 1976, the managing Trusteeship automatically passed to the newly formed Church Council. During the first 50 years or so long-serving members of the Trust included such names as:-

C. J. Fowkes, J. E. Ditcher, O. P. High, Sydney Smith, J. Woodcock, A. Siddall, K. E. Metcalf, R. S. Smith, R. Cattell, N. Ryan, all being in touch  with the detailed upkeep of the premises. At a special service, Rev. J. A. Clayton thanked all the outgoing Trustees for their services.

Mr. P.E. Metcalf and Mr. J. Shelley were continued over to the newly named Church Council, which co-ordinates the work of the Church Family, Neighbourhood, World Service and Mission, Finance, and Property Committees. All up-to-date names of officers are given in the list issued each year, and details of the work of the Committees included in the Annual Church Report.

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL.       

As stated earlier, the Sunday School and three Anniversaries were held there until the premises in Glenalmond Road were opened in 1907. The “big” Sunday School was held in the main hall, with the Primary at the back, and the Senior Girls in the small corner vestry.

The Sunday School is 75 years of age this year, 1979.

1929-1979.      

With the opening of the 1929 extensions, the Sunday School was able to expand into a fully integrated five-Departmental system, thereby allowing greater opportunities for suitable lessons to be given to the various age groups.

During the last 50 years the number of scholars on the books has varied between 150 and 200, along with 40/50 officers and teachers, so a considerable number of boys and girls have passed through our Sunday School to take their place in the world.

The School and its teachers are to be congratulated on the high number of successful entrants it has provided in the Annual Scripture Examinations. Much effort has been given to helping the National Children`s Home and other worthy causes.

Each Whitsuntide there is the usual “walk and sing”. 50 years ago this took place at King Edward VII School, then for some years in a sloping field at the rear of Psalter Lane Methodist Church, and in recent years in Endcliffe Park.

On Whit Monday afternoon it was the custom for many years to hold Sports and Games in a field at the back of the Church leading up to Dobbin Hill. Later, these were held in Banner Cross Hall “park” and more recently at the Bents Green Open Air School playing fields, opposite the present Ringinglow Fire Station. A special bus was ordered to transport scholars(3 to a seat) up to the field. Mr. Hartland Booth`s lorry was loaded high with tables and crockery. Teachers and others prepared a tea, and in its most popular period 200 to 300 mouths were fed in the large hut on the field. Scholars – and Ministers – had a fine time running round the field!

Until approximately 10 years ago, it was the custom to hold a traditional type of Sunday School Anniversary Service, using a specially erected platform in the Church, three times on two successive Sundays. The general theme was “Praise in Song and Verse”. With over 120 singers  make the Sunday School their including some of the choir, and a 400 strong congregation, a joyful noise was made unto the Lord. This was partially revived for 1979.

The Sunday School Queen and Captain Ceremony continues to be an annual event.

Within the last decade, largely through the wishes of parents, the Sunday School has changed its meeting time from the afternoon to morning. It is usual for the top three Departments to come into the first part of the Morning Church Service, then proceed for their lessons in their own rooms. As the teachers cannot be in two places at once, most make the Sunday School their priority, thereby perhaps giving up being part of the Choir, or acting as Door Stewards etc. They also lose any benefit they may receive from the Minister`s or local Preachers` sermons.

Around 50 years ago there were both morning and afternoon Sunday Schools outside the hours of Church Services, so often teachers would be present at four sessions on a Sunday!!

Throughout its history, the Sunday School has always been on the look-out for new scholars to join its ranks. It has attractive premises in which to work, it has a keen and efficient staff of officers and teachers, and with these considerations in mind, they deserve our help and support.

THE CHOIR.      

During the 50 years since the opening of the 1929 Church building, the Choir has played a leading role and rendered great service. Indeed some members have remained loyal singers throughout the years. Others who have passed on are remembered with great affection for their devoted service. The action of the Sunday School some years ago in moving from afternoon to morning school caused some difficulty for Choir members. At the time, several of they and the Choir Master were all teachers, and as a result some members left the Choir for Sunday School, and others had to leave the Sunday School.

MRS. Nall acted as organist for many years until her death, and was followed by Mrs. Pyke and Mr. E Marrison has acted as deputy on numerous occasions. Our present organists are Mr. A. Normington and Mr. P. Metcalf, to whom the Church and Choir are greatly indebted, particularly for the way they handled the temperamental instrument before it was rebuilt in 1977.

Mr. J. W. Branford served as Choir Master for a long period. Mr. C. J. Fowkes then served for a number of years, and is still in the Choir. On Mr. Fowkes` retirement, Miss Joyce D. F. Cooper took over the position, which she still holds.

All the above Organists and Choir Masters/Mistresses were and are of this congregation and voluntary workers.

It has always been the aim of the Choir to attain the highest standards of music possible, whilst remembering that they are not just performers, but leaders of some sections of worship. Suggestions for hymns, anthems and introits have always been followed up. Over the years the Choir has been very fortunate in having a number of good soloists in different sections.

Cantatas and Oratorios have been sung on special occasions – a long list including Messiah, Elijah, Hymn of Praise, Holy City, Olivet to Calvary, Crucifixion, and the newest work, Night of Miracles. For some of these, the Choir has been augmented.

It has been the custom for many years for the Choir to sing a “big work” just before Easter and in November, and for carols to be prepared for the Annual Carol Service. For the last few years, the Choir has sung at the United Service at Ecclesall Parish Church at the year end.

There have also been two very important Good Friday services, both of which were mainly led by the Choir. One was broadcast by Radio Sheffield, and the other was televised live by the BBC. There was a radio service from the Church in 1957 when Rev. Dr. Harold Roberts, President of Conference, was the preacher.

Let us give thanks for all the sacred music that has been contributed to the worship by all choir members, past and present, during these last 50 years.

WOMEN`S FELLOWSHIP.        

Each Monday afternoon, there is a meeting of ladies of the Church in Women`s Fellowship,  previously called the Women`s Meeting. Starting with about 30 members in 1907, it has grown into a class now numbering over 70 members, all of whom enjoy a happy, caring fellowship.

The present President is Mrs. T. Cole, the Secretary – Mrs. J. E. Pegg, and the Treasurer – Mrs. A. Hill.

Meetings vary from Missionary to Social afternoons, speakers from the Circuit and other Churches and denominations who give helpful and informative talks, and a regular monthly meeting taken by the Minister.

The Fellowship supports the Church, Circuit and District in all departments, runs many efforts to support the British & Foreign Bible Society, Women`s Work, Middlewood Hospital Fair and other causes. It is affiliated to the Women`s Fellowship Movement of Methodism. A number of members also belong to the Sheffield & District Methodist Women`s Luncheon Club.

This is a lively, active and happy fellowship, and new members would be very welcome at any of the meetings on a Monday.

MISSIONARY WORK:  1929-1979.      

Banner Cross members have always given very generously to all aspects of OVERSEAS MISSIONARY Work. Each year the Anniversary has been held  in the Autumn, with a special preacher, usually one recently returned from overseas, and this has been followed by a Monday evening meeting. One of the earliest Secretaries was Mr. Alfred Beighton, who was followed by Mr. Ken E. Metcalf, Mr. Warren and Mrs. Gwen Metcalf. The work is now being carried on by  Mr. Tony Fawthrop.

WOMEN`S WORK.       

Previously known as the Women`s Auxiliary, has also been well supported. Meetings have been held each month in connection with the Women`s Fellowship, and from time to time there have been addresses from missionary speakers, or appropriate films. The Presidents were Mrs. Tomlinson, Mrs. Skidmore, Mrs. Clayton, Mrs. Williams and Miss Jessie Baker.

The group has organised many successful fund-raising efforts, and much baking has been done for coffee mornings and Bring and Buy Stalls. Jumble Sales have also been held.

J.M.A.       

The first Secretary of the J.M.A. was Mr. Alfred Beighton. He was associated, with his son, in the organisation of the work of the children who collected week by week. Mr. Beighton was succeeded by Mr. Peter Metcalf, and then by Mr. Michael Sharp. At that time there were about forty collectors. The work was subsequently carried on most enthusiastically by Mr. & Mrs. Vic. Gilbert, who have now been succeeded by Mr. & Mrs. Derrick Jones. Each year the children have been presented with their awards usually by a speaker who has served overseas. This used to take place as part of the afternoon Sunday School, but is now held during the Morning Service. Collectors have also attended Circuit J. M. A. gatherings.

One Fifth of the money collected is allocated to  HOME MISSIONS, for which we also hold Anniversaries with special speakers.

MEN`S FELLOWSHIP.      

At a time when Churches all over the country were closing down Men`s Fellowship meetings, Banner Cross took the bold step of setting one up, and the first meeting took place on 13<sup>th</sup> October, 1970. The first Secretary was Mr. Ken Metcalf. The President has always been the Minister of the Church, and during the tear there is usually a joint meeting with the Men`s Fellowships from other Churches in the Circuit.

Attendances appear to have been remarkably stable over the years, although it is by no means the same people that come to each meeting. Although a newcomer  compared with many other of the organisations at Banner Cross Methodist Church, it serves a useful purpose as one of the fellowship groups in the Church where men can meet together, share each other`s experiences and learn more about the world that we live in. The present Secretary is Mr. Tony Fawthrop.

TUESDAY FELLOWSHIP.      

Thirty years ago, and for many subsequent years, the Tuesday Fellowship was virtually the Minister`s Class, and had a fairly regular  pattern of hymn, prayer and Bible Study. Since then, many things have changed, but the day and time remain the same – Tuesday at 7.45pm.

 In the earlier days it was the Minister who prepared the passage to be studied, and how wonderfully blessed we were to have such thoughtful, helpful Ministers. On one very special occasion the Rev. Dr. J Alexander Findlay honoured us with his distinguished presence, and his scholarship. In these days it was  very unusual for any member of the class to speak, although a bold person would make a comment or ask a question, sometimes to the irritation of other members!

We always met in the Beginner`s Room, but now things have changed. We no longer meet on Church premises, but move around to each other`s homes. The group is led by various members, and subjects other Bible Study have become a feature, as has also the cup of tea at the end!

A pleasant change has been the inclusion in the group of friends from other Churches – an Anglican, a Roman Catholic, a Quaker and a friend from the Salvation Army have attended from time to time, to our mutual enrichment and benefit now that there is fairly free discussion amongst us.

There have been many changes and developments, in particular the eight 0`clock prayer fellowship which has become a feature, at which we remember those in special need among us or known to us, and may have been wonderfully helped in this way.

The members attending the Tuesday fellowship have never been large, but most who have attended have found strength and help there, and for some, friendships have been formed, and there has been increased knowledge of others who attend the same church. The small group does play an important part in a church as large as Banner Cross.

THE GOOD SAMARITANS.          

After a preliminary meeting in February, 1952, a Lodge of the League of Good Samaritans was formed in June, 1952, and the number given to it was No. 57.

Its first Chairman, or Worthy Chief, as he was then called, was Mr. George Wardle, and the membership of 18 included such men as Mr. C. Woodcock, Mr. E. Lewis, Mr. L. Hancock, Mr. S. Foster, and Mr. J. Cooper to mention but a few. Each member, on being accepted, agrees to uphold the ideals of the League based on the Parable of the Good Samaritan, and not to divulge the names of the recipients of help given by the League.

The Lodge normally meets every fortnight, usually on a Monday, to hear reports of visits made, to discuss the needs of people visited and to arrange visits or help. Each year a Samaritan Service is held in Banner Cross M.C., usually in May. There is a Conference of Regional Groups of Lodges held each year and two members  of Banner Cross Lodge have been Regional Chairman. These were Mr. E. Lewis and Mr. S. Hall. A National Conference is also held annually. Mr. Eric Broome is the present Secretary.

The Rev. Harold Tomlinson was our Minister at the founding of the Lodge, and the Samaritans were able to  share with him in his pastoral visiting of the sick, as they have done with all subsequent Ministers, without whose help the work would be so much more difficult.

Services have also been held in the homes of elderly people who were unable to get to Church, and at Christmas gift parcels and boxes of biscuits are distributed among the elderly or lonely people. In addition, spiritual and financial help have been given to many people outside the church, and the purpose of the Samaritans is to meet the needs of men and women who may require it.

Each member makes a financial contribution at each meeting he attends, and in the early days of the Lodge a Concert was held from time to time in the School Room, with the aid of friends, to raise money to carry out the work. We are fortunate in receiving gifts from well-wishers which enable us to extend our giving considerably.

With the passing of the years the number of members of the Lodge has dwindled to 7, 4 of whom are over 70, but we have found that through the work, not only comfort and help have been brought to many, but spiritual uplift and strength have been brought to all who have taken part. This truly is a worthwhile venture.

YOUNG WIVES.       

Following a successful meeting during the Cambridge Students Campaign a number of young wives met to discuss the formation of a Young Wives` Club at Banner Cross. Approval being given by the Leaders` Meeting, the first meeting was held on 19^th Sept, 1961. 86 letters and programmes were sent out and as a result 46 ladies enrolled with a subsequent average attendance of 29. The meetings were held weekly on a Tuesday afternoon, a crèche being provided…Mrs. Scougall and helpers often looking after as many as 20 children.

In 1966 it was decided to drop the afternoon meetings in favour of an evening meeting to be held on the second  and fourth Mondays in each month. The meetings have continued to the present time.

Each year, the Young Wives have raised money for a variety of needs such as the Port Reitz Fund ( Christian school in Kenya), the local Hospital Appeal and Homes for the Aged 50/50 Appeal. This year our effort is for the International Year of the Child. There are 40 members on our books this year with an average attendance of 25. Our aims now are the same as the first meeting in 1961: “To provide an opportunity for the young wives of the Church and neighbourhood to meet in fellowship.”

CONTACT CLUB.        

This meeting was formed to widen the scope of an earlier Parents and Teachers Association which met monthly for many years.    As its name indicates it is an organisation whereby members and friends may meet together in a social way. Meetings and outings are held mostly monthly, and include such items as coach trips, car rallies, craft evenings and the like. The Annual Dinner is a well-prepared and enjoyable occasion.

NEW FRIENDS.       

This is a bi-monthly gathering for the under forties, to enable those of this age group, many of whom are newcomers to the area, to get to know one another better. Up to 60 younger people have been to the gatherings which began in 1978, and have been mainly social in nature – illustrated talks, films, a Barn Dance and a Pie and Pea Supper. This has enabled new friendships to be formed and old  friendships to grow and deepen.

THE BOYS` BRIGADE – 8^th SHEFFIELD COMPANY.          

The Boys` Brigade movement was founded in 1883, and we are now steadily drawing towards our centenary. During that time many things have changed, for better or worse, but our basic principles have remained unchanged. We still depend upon what King George VI called “the twin pillars of religion and discipline”, with our bible class, opening and closing services, drill and uniform.

Our Company has not been doing too badly of late, this year we won three trophies – the 1^st District Cricket Cup, the Battalion Individual Swimming Cup, and finally, the National Seniors Project Cup. It is not only BB competitions we enter, but more and more we are getting involved with other youth competitions.

Competitions are only part of our Company programme, all of the boys carry out badge courses and the range is quite extensive. They cover such diverse subjects as arts, crafts, camping, drill, Christian Education, canoeing, expedition, safety etc. The object is for them to attain the Queen`s Badge or at least the President`s Badge; at the moment we have two boys very close to obtaining theirs.

Camp is the culmination of our year`s activities, and we encourage all our boys to attend. At no other time during the year can boys and officers live together in full BB fellowship. We are lucky to have our own camping equipment which we are beginning to bring up-to-date and renew.

The Company is very fortunate to have support from our Church members, support for which we are very thankful.

GIRL GUIDES.             

The Girl Guides at Banner Cross commenced in 1933 under the leadership of Miss Gladys Oram, who resigned in 1946 after 13 years service. The Company was then taken over by Miss Doris Arnold (known as Arnie to the Guides).

The Company has been a very happy one with many and varied interests. Camping holidays include visits to Guernsey (3 times), Holland, Switzerland and many places in England.

Competitions have been won at County, Division and District levels, including the National Song Festival at County level.

In the 50`s a refugee family in Germany received help for many years in the way of food parcels and clothing, and also two of the family of seven came over for holidays in Sheffield.

It would be almost impossible to say how many girls have gone through the Company. Many are now helping in Guiding in many parts of the country and here at home.

In 1968 the 27^th had grown too large, so a second Company, the 28^th, was formed out of 3 patrols of the 27^th. Mrs. Longden took over this Company with Gillian Metcalf (now Speed) as the assistant Guider. When Mrs. Longden moved with her family from Sheffield, Mrs. Jean Shelley joined the company as Guider. This Company grew very fast and we soon had two large Guide Companies. The Companies run completely independently, but have had joint holidays and often work together for particular efforts.

Between the two Companies there have been 31 Queen`s Guide Badges gained. Miss Arnold retired in April, 1979 after 33years service with the 27^th, and the Company now has Mrs. Nancy Grayson as its leader.

BROWNIES.        

We have two packs of Brownies. The 27^th being the original Pack which was started in the early 1930`s. The 91^st Pack transferred from Greystones Methodist Church in 1964 under the leadership of Mrs, Sylvia Graves. The present leaders are Mrs. Mary Metcalf in charge of the 27^th and Mrs. Katherine Warren in charge of the 91^st.

GREYSTONES METHODIST CHURCH, 1910 – 1964.        

Sunday, 5^th April, 1964, was an important landmark in the Church`s history at Banner Cross. On this day a majority of the members of the former Greystones Methodist Church were welcomed into the congregation at Banner Cross Methodist Church for the first time. Although not a large congregation, and handicapped by buildings by no means ideal for its work, the Greystones Church provided  an extensive programme of activities, and maintained a caring outreach into the neighbourhood.

The Greystones Church was built mainly as a result of Mr. W. H. Machin, who sought approval to extend Primitive Methodism into the District of Ecclesall and Endcliffe. Sunday Services were first held in Greystones County School on October, 1907, and so rapidly did the congregation increase that a weekday meeting was also held in the School. However, the members were required to find a building of their own within a limited period.

Despite difficulties and doubts, Endcliffe Primitive Methodist Centenary Memorial Church, as it was originally known, was opened in January, 1910, at a cost of £3,920. In the following April the Sunday School started in the temporary schoolroom building on land adjacent to the Church. This building still exists and former members will endorse the sentiments expressed by Mr. Machin “that never had any building of that description served the needs of a church more than our little Iron Room has done”.

On Good Friday, 1924, the electric organ was dedicated  and the installation had been made possible by the men of the church excavating the “blower” room under the Church floor. The members continued to be prepared to care for and improve the premises. Between 1953-5 the entire building was redecorated and all this work, except the Church ceiling, was carried out by the congregation.

During this period the Church was particularly healthy and active, with  strong youth organisations, and introduced regular joint services with St. Gabriel`s Church, open air services, full length film services and popular family services. A printed newsletter was distributed quarterly to 2,200 homes in the area and it was believed to have a larger circulation than any similar publication in Sheffield.

The Golden Jubilee of the Church was celebrated in 1960, when the principle preacher was the Rev. Douglas A. Griffiths, founder of the Methodist Association of Youth Clubs.

Although capable of continuing the work, the members, recognising the proximity of  other Methodist Churches in the area, decided to close the Church in 1964. It would be impossible to list all the lay people who contributed to the Methodist witness at Greystones, but E. T. Westby, F. L. Atkinson, J. W. Cordy, R. Walton and W. Rutter are some of the names particularly remembered for their long and devoted service to the Church.

The Church was fortunate to be under the pastoral care of a series of dedicated and respected Ministers, who served the congregation well. Between 1935 and 1964 the Ministers responsible for Greystones Church were:-

1935 – 41   Rev. George Percival

1941 – 43   Rev. F. Johnson

1943 – 45   Rev. A. A. Holbrook

1945 – 46   Rev. R. J. Hall

1946 – 53   Rev. John W. Thompson

1953 – 59   Rev. Stanley Beard

1959 – 64   Rev. Geoffrey Grice

Former Greystones members will look back with considerable nostalgia at the strenuous but happy days spent at the Church, and in particular, the strong family spirit which prevailed.

A fuller history of the Greystones Methodist Church is contained in the handbook which was published for the Golden Jubilee in 1960.

                                                                                                                Donald B. Ward.