THE president of the Methodist Church, Rev’d Steven J Wild, re-dedicated Studley Methodist Church last Sunday (May 22) after the completion of major work to adapt the building to provide access for all and to extend its community use.
The building has been transformed, with the steep front steps replaced with a street-level porch, leading to a new floor at the same level inside the building.
New stairs lead to the worship area on the top floor and the hall below and a lifting platform provides access for wheelchairs, pushchairs and the less able.
A new accessible toilet and kitchenette have been added to make the top floor independent.
The kitchen serving the hall has been enlarged and re-equipped while a staircase between the floors has been replaced.
Finally, the heating system and lighting have been upgraded and the whole interior has been redecorated.
At the service, church warden Les Last welcomed everyone, including former ministers, local clergy, representatives of local churches and local councillors.
He also thanked those bodies who had given grants for the project.
The President paid tribute to the Studley congregation, which numbers around 140, and the service was relayed to the hall below the worship area.
A celebration tea preceded the service, giving everyone the opportunity to look round the building.
