Upper Norwood Methodist church will reopen for services fortnightly from 30th May 2021.
Minister: Rev. Alberta Konadu-Yiadom
Church Address: Westow Hill, London, SE19 1TQ
Church Website: www.un-mc.org
The current Methodist Church in Westow Hill is the third in Upper Norwood, and the second on this site, following a previous chapel around the corner in Gipsy Hill. A large church built in 1895 (it seated 1002) had the distinction of having the tallest spire in London. This church was demolished in 1962/3 and replaced by the current building in 1964. The architect was the late Edward Mills and the engineers were Ove Arup with some of the stained glass being retained from the earlier building and with some new designs by Gillian Rees Thomas. The current building also includes a hall, kitchen and other rooms on four levels; the development incorporates the supermarket next door and some flats above as well. The church can be found next door to the Iceland supermarket.
We currently have a membership of over 70 people of all ages representing many countries and more than one continent. Some of our congregation are also members of the Ghanaian Methodist Fellowship who meet monthly after our morning worship. The spiritual life of Upper Norwood is based on Sunday morning worship and a morning congregation varies between 40 and 60. During morning services, we offer a space at the back with carpet and toys for children to play. Older children are encouraged to join our youth church. Unfortunately, very few children and young people attend on a frequent or regular basis.
All are welcome to our services. We use a loop system for those with hearing difficulties. For those with sight difficulties, we use large-print hymn books and printed liturgy. There is provision for wheelchair access in the entrance hall and the church which are accessed at street-level, however our ‘disabled’ toilets are currently inaccessible to wheelchairs. We are working on resolving that issue.
We have coffee and biscuits after each morning service. In addition, there is an evening service with Holy Communion on the first Sunday of every month. This service is held in the chapel at the back of the main church. Five other churches also meet on the premises.
The church is a member of Churches Together in Upper Norwood, and ecumenical prayers are held here monthly on the first Wednesday morning of the month with members from all the other churches in the area attending with the ministers, in turn, leading the services.
Other regular activities include weekly table tennis, as well as a range of individual lettings to the community.
Church Services:
Sunday 11am – Morning Service