THIS year marks 150 years since miners and farm-workers in the hamlet of Peasedown decided to build a Methodist Chapel (1874).

They quarried the rock and did the building themselves at a cost of £324. The chapel thrived, and in 1889 the building was too small for the congregation so the present chapel was added to what is now called the schoolroom, this cost another £400.

Since then, extensions and renovations have made the church building what it is now.

The church is a busy, friendly caring, worshipping community of Christians: the week begins with a service of praise and worship each Sunday at 10.30am followed by a time of informal fellowship with tea and coffee.

There are several bible and study groups during the week which meet in people’s houses or the church.

On Wednesday mornings the Seeds toddler group fills the church as scores of mums and dads bring their little ones for fun and friendship.

At 11am every Thursday there is a Meet the Neighbours coffee morning where all are welcome to come and enjoy coffee, biscuits and a chat. That evening at 6pm the Lighthouse children’s group is held for Years 3 – 6 followed by a group for the older children at 7pm.

Messy Church events are also held for children of all ages once or twice a term.

Friday is also busy. There is a Lunch Club on the first Friday of each month which is well-attended; and every week we host the Food Bank from midday to 2pm.

On the third Saturday of every month, the Repair Café is open.

A church spokesperson said: “The church does all these things to show their Love of God to the community, to be an example of caring for all and to try to be the people that Jesus wanted us to be, people who “go into all the world and preach the gospel.

“Our Methodist predecessors in Peasedown St John did so, and we hope to continue spreading the Good News of God’s love for another 150 years.”

Visit www.peasedownmethodist.co.uk.