St Andrews Methodist Church, Sheringham
East Runton Methodist Church - History
The first recording of t Methodist chapel in East Runton is from the Religious census of 1851 which gives the details for East Runton - "there is one separate and entire building" erected in 1845 and used exclusively for worship.
From reminiscenses of early days we learn that when this early church was built the whole village took up the scheme and with enthusiasm women and children helped bring up stones from the beach for the building. Part of this still exists behind the 1897 chapel.
The foundation stones for the current church were laid on 19th. April 1897. There were 6 stones laid. The inscriptions on them have now become very weatherworn and almost indecipherable.
But the details have been recorded and In the church hall can be found the details from these stones, in a frame on the wall.
The minister at the opening of the Church was Rev. J. H. Rose.
It is recorded that there was great consternation at the opening due to the non arrival of the ordered oil lamps and temporary ones had to obtained at the last minute.
The church continued to work through the wars and troops had attended services when based in the area.
In 1947 the church celebrated its Golden Jubilee with a special service in which
John "Teapot" West, a fisherman preacher from Sheringham (a colleague of Willie Long) spoke and recalled the early days.
The Sunday School in 1963 won the Methodist Recorder Challenge shield, this came about following a visit and lectures and from Miss Bosson, a Connexional Lecturer for Sunday Schools. Following her lectures on modern ways of Sunday School work, the church`s prayer group had prayed earnestly that her mission might be blessed. And what a wonderful answer it was to their prayers. It was another proof that "God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think".
Throughout the years, whenever work or improvements needed doing to the building, the members have fund-raised to achieve these.
The Wooden Cross over the pulpit was made by Lesley Love and dedicated on Good Friday 1986
The beautiful Stained Glass window in the church was designed and made by one of the church members, Mrs. Eveyln Hughes.
The Centenary of the chapel was celebrated in 1997 and a scheme was devised to focus on improvements to the auxiliary premises as a practical act of thanksgiving, this would involve redesigning the kitchen, re-locating the rear exit and incorporating a new toilet with internal access. These were all accomplished.
East Runton Events & Special services etc...
