Castle Community Church celebrates a New Beginning
Caption: Castle Community Church - Mrs Margaret Bunter cuts the ribbon - pictured with Revd Alma Fritchley
Castle Community Church, in Northwich, held a Service of Celebration on Sunday 6th August 2023. This was its first service in their principal place of worship since May 2022 because of major roofing repairs.
Castle Community Church is a Local Ecumenical Partnership bringing together the former Castle Methodist Church and Northwich United Reformed Church.
The service was led by URC Minister Rev Alma Fritchley with the organ played by former Winsford Verdin Comprehensive School music teacher, Bridget Dimbleby Tombacco.
The service included a special hymn composed by hymn writer Rev Dr Jan Berry: “Here in this place we come to sing your praise, to pray, and find the healing that you give”.
Rev Alma Fritchley said:
“Whilst we have been worshiping in our School Room since May 2022, returning to the Sanctuary of the church was an emotional experience for both myself and the congregation.
“The thunder of the organ and the ability to serve bread and wine from our communion table again was a sacramental pleasure and I found it very moving.
“It was also a joy to sing a hymn of celebration specially written for the occasion.”
Caption: Castle Community Church Revd Alma Fritchley takes communion
John Hulme, long-time resident of Northwich and church trustee, said:
“The scaffolding is now down, and we were able to raise the roof in a service of celebration as we start a new beginning for the church.
“We are back in business, and it was quite extraordinary to have a hymn written specifically for our church.
“Many do not realise that the church is not just open on a Sunday but also has a Monday Tiny Tots group, a Tuesday Knit and Natter afternoon, monthly Friday coffee mornings, a Walking Group and provides a hub for the local PCSO and local councillor’s surgeries.
“The church is proud to serve its community on Castle.”
Further details also at CastleCommunityChurch.org.uk