FRIENDS OF TALBOT LANE

Forthcoming attractions at Talbot Lane

TALBOT LANE 250th ANNIVERSARY YEAR 2011

               July 1761 in Rotherham was a ground-breaking time. It was in this month that the first ever purpose built Methodist Church was completed, (soon to be known as the Octagon because of its shape).

               Thursday 30 July 1761 was the date of the first service held there, and this started 250 years of worship on the site of what is now Talbot Lane Methodist Church, Moorgate Street, Rotherham. [opposite the Town Hall]

              The Octagon is long gone, as it proved too small for growing congregations, and it was replaced in 1806 by a much larger classical style Chapel with seats for around 850 and later enlarged to accommodate about 1,500.  Unfortunately that building burnt down in 1901.

             The current Church is a mere 108 years old in 2011, being completed in 1903.

             We are proud custodians of an original 1904 Harrison & Harrison three-manual organ which is currently under-used and we welcome approaches from groups or individuals who could help us in this respect. Maybe even a Choir and Organist who might practice there or perhaps give recitals.

                 The church has a web site: www.friendsoftalbotlane.co.uk  and this is being kept updated with all upcoming events. There is also an email address for you to contact us. This is: barrie.thomas@friendsoftalbotlane.co.uk

                 Please do get in touch and support us if you can.

One of our Friends, John Bristow, has taken a number of Photo's of the Flower Festival held on 26 June,  set them to music and uploaded them to U tube. If you would like to see them open U tube and type in Talbot Lane Church Flower Festival upgraded version,  Turn on your speakers and sit back and enjoy!

COMMEMORATIVE  BONE CHINA MUGS

 THESE ARE AVAILABLE  FROM THE CHURCH  AT £5.00 EACH

There's Life at Talbot Lane

It's hard to be a Christian when there is so much to do, On Sundays it's a day of rest, but you know that's not true.      While others have a lie in, you're fixing microphones, you're singing Hymns and saying Prayers, or selling cards or scones.

The Organists both left for Heaven, so now it's up to Anne, to swing her feet,  pull out stops and play the best she can. If She should take a holiday, the singing would fall flat, We'd have to play c.d's or tapes, or just sit round and chat.

Its hard to be a Christian, and that's just IN the Church, 'cause folks go off without a word and leave you in the lurch,   The own arrangements are the dread of Stewards one & all, for everyone is out or busy, if they give a call.

The building is too cold or hot, the Hymns too short or long, Too modern or old fashioned and all the tunes are wrong. The Preacher doesn't half go on about us being sinners, When all we want to do is to go and eat our Sunday dinners.

 But this is home and we are friends, and though we have a grumble, our differences and foibles just help to keep us humble. Its hard to be  a Christian, but we really love each other and I for one say praise the Lord for Sister and for Brother .

I hope you're not offended by my rambling observations, but if you didn't laugh you'd cry in many situations.          God has a sense of humour , you say how can I tell? Well, just look in the mirror at a member of TL

Talbot Lane  250TH ANNIVERSARY JULY 2100

John Wesley hard the call of GOD to preach throughout the nation,

One day he came to Rotherham, proclaiming free salvation.

A few believed but suffered much, as was the mobs intention.

Those early Methodists were feared for breaking with convention.

Through all the changing scenes of life, they worked with all their might,

until a Preaching House was built upon this very  site.

One time , a donkey stood to hear this novel type of teaching, 

I wish he could have written what he thought of Wesley's preaching!

Thank God for those who Worshiped here and lived the Gospel story,

for all the Saints who trod the path of Holiness to Glory.

Of course, not everything went well- as when the organ tuner

did a good job  but should have quenched his candle sooner!

Yet God still works His purpose out in this our generation,

that love divine excels all love in every situation.

A thousand ages in Gods sight are like an evening gone,

the present, past and future to Him appear as one.

The tie that binds in Christian love is blest and won't be broken,

His promise firm, his mercy sure, the word the Lord has spoken.

All praise to our redeeming Lord- we bring our adoration,

for wedding days, for Christmas plays  and every celebration.

Now we still have a charge to keep, a Gospel to proclaim,

a dying world to reconcile  to God through Jesus' name.

So keep the Faith, and with Gods help, an ever open door,

That light may shine from Talbot Lane, now and for evermore.

The above poems  written by a member of Talbot Lane and  Lay Preacher, Ruth Sadler, and published with her kind permission. She is happy for  copies to be made but wishes them to be used in full, not in part in any reproduction.

We have been given  a copy of the Talbot Lane  Methodist Church and Friendship House Diamond Jubilee [1903--1963]  celebration programme by Mr Peter Frost, if any one would like a copy please see Barrie or Anne Thomas.

One of out Church Members, Mr Brian Havard has produced a Brochure in celebration of Talbot Lane 250 yr celebration of Worship on the same site. The brochure also includes  a number of stunning photos from the last Flower Festival.

 If you have not got a copy We strongly advise that you get one soon, from either Brian or any of the Church Stewards. Cost? a very reasonable £2!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Donations are always welcome, and should be forwarded by cheque to  the Treasurer, Talbot Lane Methodist Church, Moorgate Street, Rotherham, S. Yorks. S60 2EY. Receipts will be sent if requested. Cheques should be made payable to Friends of Talbot Lane.

For regular donations, a direct debit form can be sent to you. Please request by e-mail to  barrie.thomas@friendsoftalbotlane.co.uk


Your contributions can be increased by the use of gift aid, by which the tax office gives us another 25p in the pound, at no extra cost to you. Please let us know if we are able to include you in this scheme.

Talbot Lane Methodist Church is a registered charity.

CONTACT US

If you would like to contact us with any questions, memories, information or suggestions for fund raising, you can e-mail us at  barrie.thomas@friendsoftalbotlane.co.uk

We look forward to hearing from you.