Praying for a miracle

For after almost a century of worship, the final remaining 15 churchgoers are struggling to increase their number and are facing closure.

And the minister is even willing to change service times if it helps to keep the doors open.

Most of those still attending the church in Grange Road are stalwarts who have supported it all their lives. But many are now over retirement age and only one new worshipper has joined the church in the past few years!

The sad scenario is far removed from its early years when the church was at the centre of the thriving Bickershaw community with its pitmen and their wives and children.

But as the community changed, so too did the churchgoing habits of generations with the remaining parishioners clinging on in the hope more will join them.

Rev. Derek Heritage, who has served Bickershaw for the past 10 years and who retires next year, said: "During the years since 1899 many babies have been baptised in the chapel and many have taken their final journey from Bickershaw Methodist Church.

"We know that there are still many in the village who would claim to belong to the chapel, so before we begin the final irreversible process we invite them to prove their allegiance by joining us in our weekly worship.

"This invitation is also extended to any of you who do not belong to any other church."

Services are held every Sunday at 11am.

"Though if another time is more convenient to a majority of people we are very willing to consider changing our service time," said Mr Heritage.

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