METHODISM
The Methodist Church began in the 18th Century as a revival movement in the Church of England – John Wesley and others wanted to encourage people to take their faith more seriously and put it into action helping the poor, but above all to experience the love of God and the forgiveness of Jesus Christ. John Wesley famously reported his own experience of a day when this came alive for him, writing: ‘I felt my heart strangely warmed….and I felt I did trust Christ, and Christ alone for my salvation’. (Wesley’s Journal 24th May 1738).
The movement grew, especially in the newly industrial areas like Lindley. Methodists began worshipping in one of the cottages on West Street in 1773 and built their first church (our current church centre building) in 1795.
By the middle of the 19th Century, following lively disagreements about some of the details of church life, there were three Methodist churches in Lindley, but in 1960 they came together again. The Methodist Church played a large part in encouraging the choral tradition we’re so proud of in Huddersfield, and it is still active in helping those who are disadvantaged (particularly Huddersfield Methodist Mission in the town centre – see huddersfieldmission.org.uk).
Some people who worship at Lindley Methodist Church can trace their roots back to the early days, but they would agree that what matters is faith in Jesus Christ and knowledge of God’s love now – available through the power of the Holy Spirit to anyone who asks.
A few Wesley quotes:
You can find out more about the national Methodist Church by going to http://www.methodist.org.uk/
The movement grew, especially in the newly industrial areas like Lindley. Methodists began worshipping in one of the cottages on West Street in 1773 and built their first church (our current church centre building) in 1795.
By the middle of the 19th Century, following lively disagreements about some of the details of church life, there were three Methodist churches in Lindley, but in 1960 they came together again. The Methodist Church played a large part in encouraging the choral tradition we’re so proud of in Huddersfield, and it is still active in helping those who are disadvantaged (particularly Huddersfield Methodist Mission in the town centre – see huddersfieldmission.org.uk).
Some people who worship at Lindley Methodist Church can trace their roots back to the early days, but they would agree that what matters is faith in Jesus Christ and knowledge of God’s love now – available through the power of the Holy Spirit to anyone who asks.
A few Wesley quotes:
- “Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may. Herein all the children of God may unite, notwithstanding these smaller differences.” Sermon 39
- Having, First, gained all you can, and, Secondly saved all you can, Then give all you can.” Sermon 50
- “It cannot be that the people should grow in grace unless they give themselves to reading. A reading people will always be a knowing people.” —from a letter in the Works of John Wesley
- Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.” -this quote is often attributed to John Wesley although it can’t be found in his existing writings.
You can find out more about the national Methodist Church by going to http://www.methodist.org.uk/