: The Elland & Ryburn Circuit
Greetland & Lindwell
The area of Greetland is situated on the outskirts of Elland and has two ‘village’ Methodist churches within half a mile of each other. Each church has approximately 40 members but the differences in the buildings are significant. Greetland meet in a 25 year old multi-purpose building on a main road, while Lindwell is a traditional church building, parts of which date back to 1837, in a less accessible position on the outskirts of the village. The history of Greetland shouldn’t be ignored as Wesley preached there in the 18th century in a building which was eventually demolished due to dry rot.
Lindwell’s strength is based round its youth work, music and other activities with a good mix across the age groups. Greetland, on the other hand, is used for community-based activities but has a predominantly older age group of regulars in the congregation.
Both churches were not without their problems, particularly to Greetland in the short term, but many which could affect both churches in the medium to long term.
As a result of discussions that individual members had with the Minister of both churches, Reverend Robert Gee, a proposal was brought to both churches to consider the setting up of a joint Development Committee, with an equal number of members from both churches, to consider the future of Methodism in Greetland and how they may work closer together. Eight meetings were held in total and an early thought was that the churches should merge, but the two buildings should be kept.
It might be said that the discussions and proposals developed in a ‘businesslike’ way and that was certainly the case, but behind it all was a strong desire to be able to proclaim God’s way and the message of our Lord Jesus Christ not only now, but also well into the future. It was believed that could not have been guaranteed if the status quo had been maintained.
The merger took place on Easter Sunday at a Praise Service lead by our three newly appointed Worship Leaders, with the Message being given by our District Chairman, Reverend Peter Whittaker.
Since then there have been many meetings looking at the Church Family, Worship, Property and many other aspects of Church Life.
We are looking, as the Greetland and Lindwell Methodist Church, to provide a continuing witness for Methodism in Greetland.
We are looking to be there for all parts of the community and bring to them the strength of the Christian message.
We are looking to increase in ourselves the love of Jesus and Love and support of God, our Father that is there for us all.
Last modified: April 25th 2003
Copyright © 2003, The Elland & Ryburn Circuit of the Methodist Church
Use feedback to mail the Webmaster, choosing "Web site" from the dropdown, with questions or comments about this web site.