Methodist Church receives English Heritage Award

Saltburn's determined methodist congregation has been dubbed the best in the North-east at caring for their place of worship.
Saltburn’s Milton Street Methodist Church has been presented with the title by English Heritage as part of their latest campaign. And the church’s membership, some of whom have been associated with the church for more than 50 years, are delighted.
Carol Pyrah, English Heritage regional director, visited the church last week to officially make the presentation.
In 2007, English Heritage granted the church £63,000, which members used to repair the church tower.
Now the regional award means they have donated a set of postcards of the church, which can be sold to raise cash locally.
Expert photos have also been taken which can be used to publicise the church and its fundraising activities.
Carol said: “What strikes you immediately when you visit this church and its church hall is that something positive is happening everywhere. Its buildings are used seven days a week for many community activities and age groups. This church is a very vibrant part of the community and very involved in local fundraising. This award is part of our Caring For Places of Worship scheme.”
The original chapel was built on Milton Street in 1865 and the present attached church was added in 1905.
Alan Richmond, church treasurer, said: “We’re delighted to receive this award - it’s a feather in our cap for all the hard fundraising work we’ve done. We’re currently trying to obtain grants from other sources for better heating for the church and church hall and to lower the ceiling in the upper hall to help reduce our carbon footprint.”
The church hall hosts coffee mornings, bazaars, a photography club, choirs and a variety of meetings.