Our History
Kingsthorpe Methodist Church was formed in 1977 with the amalgamation of the Central and Osborne Road Methodist Societies. Central Methodist Church (on Regent Square) felt the call to re-locate further north to witness and serve the Kingsthorpe area, and in 1975 the Welford Road building (originally a cinema known as the Ritz) was purchased by the Methodist Church.
Central Methodist Church closed and joined with Osborne Road Methodist Church which was already in Kingsthorpe but in a relatively small building. Worship and other activities took place at Osborne Road while the conversion of the Welford Road building took place. Following a significant amount of work, services and all other activities moved from Osborne Road to the new building; initially worshipping in the Hall while further work took place in what was to become the Worship Area. Finally work was completed and the official opening took place on 26th January 1980.
Kingsthorpe Methodist Church then became a ‘Centre of Faith and Care’ and served the community of Kingsthorpe for the next 36 years. A whole range of activities took place in the building during this time. The church sponsored Youth Work, Girls’ Brigade, Boys’ Brigade, Youth Clubs, Toddler and Playgroups. It also worked with those of more mature years through Women’s and Men’s meetings, Badminton Club and Home Alone Lunches as well as regular Friday and Saturday Coffee mornings. The premises was also hired out to community groups including NHS Blood Donor Sessions, Community Opportunities for people with learning disabilities, Line Dancing, Keep Fit, Badminton, Karate Training and a number of one-off events such as sales.
During the early part of the 21st century it became increasingly apparent that there were a number of problems with the building, the most significant of which was rain water ingress. The total cost to resolve all of these issues was not a viable solution, so other options for the future were explored. In the summer of 2015 the decision was made to plan to vacate the building and the final service was held on 7th February 2016.
In spite of the building being closed Kingsthorpe Methodist Church members continued to meet and worship together. A service took place at the Pastures Community Centre on the 1st Sunday of the month and for the rest of the month the members shared worship with Kingsthorpe Baptist Church Eventually plans for the demolition of the old building and redevelopment of the site (to include a Church and community facility) were drawn up and they were just about to be put into action when Covid struck!
Post Covid, the members of Kingsthorpe Methodist Church re-evaluated whether the redevelopment project was the best way forward particularly in respect of the growing relationship and partnership with Kingsthorpe Baptist Church. After much thought and prayer on Sunday the 29th of January 2023 both churches voted unanimously to accept a proposal that the two worshipping communities join together and form a single Christian fellowship in Kingsthorpe. Going forward a Joint Leadership Team has been set up and a Local Ecumenical Partnership (with a brand new church name) is being formed which we hope will come into being on the 1st of September 2024.
In the long term both Kingsthorpe Methodist and Kingsthorpe Baptist Church seeks to fulfil its mission and witness in the Kingsthorpe area.