St George's Church to close down>video
THE lights will go out on a 71-year-old east Hull church in two weeks.
St George's Church in Marfleet Lane will hold its last service on Sunday, November 1, after the building was forced to close because of electrical problems, which have made it uninsurable.
Now, the Reverend Alison Gilchrist is urging present and past parishioners to celebrate the church's life and share stories at the final service.
The Church of England church, which is one of four in the area belonging to the Marfleet Team Ministry, has about 20 in its congregation, some of who have worshipped there for decades.
Over the years, it has been a meeting point for Brownies, Guides and Scout groups, as well as a Mothers' Union. Church Warden Monica Pool, 79, a member of the flock for 47 years, said it will be missed.
She said: "I've been going since I was young, as have my family and my children.
"There are many people who have been going for decades, for whom it is the end of an era.
"Of course, there used to be more church-goers, but people don't go to church like they used to."
But Rev Gilchrist is determined the service will be a happy one.
She said: "It's a shame the church is closing, but the service will be a celebration of all the church has been.
"A church is more than just a building – it's about the people.
"We are now looking forward to a new future."
Rev Gilchrist is hoping a new building and community space – such as a recreational park – can be built at the block of land between Carden Avenue and Marfleet Lane.
The rectory at the rear of the church will remain, as will the Greenhut project in Marfleet Lane, which features a second-hand shop and a small drop-in coffee bar. The Marfleet team is made up of three other churches in the parish – St Philip's, St Hilda's and St Giles.
St George's was opened by the Archbishop of York in 1938 and became licensed to perform marriages 10 years later.
If you would like to speak at the service, which starts at 10.30am, or if you would like to get involved in the church's future, call Rev Gilchrist on (01482) 799100 or 07708 415716.
4 Comments
by Kevin, Harpenden
Friday, October 23 2009, 8:03PM
“The Featherstone family have a long connection with this Church, from my Grandma laying a first brick to my mother still attending, and various uncles and aunts joining the choir, acting as sides-persons etc. As for many others, it takes away part of the family history. Let's hope that some kind of centre might survive for future religious and secular activities. A decaying church perhaps, but if so its not been the best means of drawing people in. Rather than abandoning the effort, time for a fresh start.”
by David, Waterlooville, Hampshire.
Wednesday, October 21 2009, 2:01PM
“It¿s a shame that a place that gave pleasure to many people and has done over the years has fallen into disrepair. In the past I have helped out with Christmas Fairs etc to raise funds. It was and still is at the moment, a place my mother, who still attends and father before he died, found a happy and peaceful place to go. It¿s sad that another piece of the past disappears from East Hull.”
by A Gilchrist, Hull
Wednesday, October 21 2009, 10:48AM
“We, as a church, are exploring, with the community, the very best way forward for all concerned.”
by Nigel, Redruth, Cornwall
Wednesday, October 21 2009, 9:10AM
“Could not this church be taken over by a "Community Investment Programme" and turned into a multi-use and multi-faith centre. Including such things as NHS services?”