MAYFLOWER METHODIST CHURCH'S GOLDEN JUBILEE

From paper to gold

Mayflower Church celebrated its 50 years' Golden Jubilee with displays based on the theme of traditional wedding anniversary gifts, cream teas, and music played on the church organ by Arthur Whitfield, Peter Weston and Richard Dunn.

The second anniversary, traditionally celebrated with a paper gift, was a creative display of the Mayflower Choir. Each member of the choir was formed from half a duck egg with elaborate paper work by the Evington Quillers. Audrey Matthews reproduced a paper Grand Piano in intricate detail.

Each window in the church commemorated the Church's eras. For instance,with the tenth anniversary of 1964-68 being tin, the twentieth (1974-78) china, the thirtieth (1984-88) pearl, the fortieth (1994-98) ruby and the fiftieth (2003-08) gold.

The church originated in Saxby Street, but was destroyed by German bombs in November 1940. On 22 June 1957 a stone-laying ceremony was held for the new Mayflower Church.

When the church opened there was no organ; a piano was used for the music of the church services. Under the leadership of Ronald Banks, the church members, fondly known as “the organ grinders”, embarked on a project to build their own pipe organ. The inaugural recital was given by Harry Shaw in 1960. An arson attack in 2003 damaged the church and rendered the organ unplayable. The organ that is in existence at Mayflower Church today was recreated by organ building firm, Copeman Hart.

Mayflower Church has excellent facilities for hire to outside groups. Regular users include the Evington Bridge Club that meets at 19.15 on Wednesday evenings. New members most welcome.

Sue Massey