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Midsomer Norton |
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Methodist Church |
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History notes |
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Historically Midsomer Norton was a market town but mining of the North Somerset Coalfield has played a large part in its history. Norton Hill Colliery closed in 1966 and was alleged to be the most productive mine in the whole of the coalfield. The coal seams were very narrow and production was expensive and eventually competition from elsewhere forced the closure of the last remaining mines in the neighbourhood in 1973. The Methodist Church has stood on the High Street since 1859, replacing a previous church, in Rackvernal Road which was built in 1775. Methodists in Midsomer Norton probably started meeting around 1750, holding services in a weaver's cottage and later in a larger room in a farmhouse. Rev John Wesley, the founder of Methodism first visited the town in 1767, preaching in the Parish Church of St John the Baptist. Over the years there have been Methodist Churches at Welton (1858 - 1935 & 1935 - 1987), Redfield Road (1877 - 1990) and Stones Cross (1907 - 1963) In 2009 the Church celebrated the 150th anniversary of the building with various events. The church is open from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm Monday to Saturday. Services are 10.30 am and 6.00 pm on Sundays with various other events occurring during the week. |
