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.