Christchurch in Great Yarmouth to close down in August

Christchurch, an imposing 19th century building on King Street, survived two world wars and two global recessions. 

But next month, the congregation at the 170-year-old Methodist chapel will gather for the last time.

The decision follows a decline in attendance, the cost of maintaining the building... and a three-year-long parking dispute with Norfolk County Council.

Christchurch, on King Street in Great Yarmouth, is holding its last ever service on August 31. (Image: Daniel Hickey)

Until May 2021, visitors to the church could park on the building's forecourt with a permit.

But that month, signs were put up on the land by Norfolk County Council stating that parking was banned on the verge or footway.

Since then, the building’s project manager Andy Ingram has warned that the future of the building was at risk.

And the 62-year-old has now said the parking ban was "one of the main reasons" for the closure.

There used to be space for 26 cars in front of the church, he said, but now there were only six spots, which discouraged people from attending. 

Signs banning parking appeared outside Christchurch in Great Yarmouth in May 2021. (Image: Archant)

A spokesman for Norfolk County Council said: "The area in front of the church was redesigned 15 years ago as a pedestrian space with restrictions that prevented parking, and this was preceded by double yellow lines.

"In recent years, we have implemented measures to clarify the permitted parking areas and add additional permit parking spaces.

"There are a number of parking spaces on adjacent streets which are unrestricted during the evening and on Sundays, as well as several nearby car parks," the spokesman added.

Until 2021, cars used to park on the paved area outside Christchurch on King Street. (Image: Daniel Hickey)

Mr Ingram, who has worked at the church since 2009, will retire after the final service on August 31.

He said: "I'm sad because they're all friends here, and we'll all be split up. It's not going to be the same.

"The building means a lot for the town, it's a focal point, it's a community hub. There's nowhere else in town like it."

The church sees an average of 30 people attend its Sunday services, while the congregation's youngest member is 61-years-old.

READ MORE: Church 'frustrated' over unresolved parking dispute

Reverend Andrew King at Christchurch in Great Yarmouth. (Image: Daniel Hickey)

Reverend Andrew King said the closure was a consequence of some members not coming back after Covid, and "to an extent, not having the parking at the front".

"It is hard to maintain a building of this size with a small congregation. It's unmanageable," he said.

Mr Ingram said the church "cost a small fortune" to run - with bills for heating up to £1,000 a month in winter.

After the final service, the congregation will be able to attend the chapels in Newtown, Gorleston, Bradwell or Caister.

READ MORE: The Norfolk streets with the most parking tickets revealed

The church building itself is divided into two, with the chapel on the first floor and the ground floor dedicated to meeting rooms.

Last December, its cafe closed down after 30 years.

Currently, the church is used by 26 groups including Alcoholics Anonymous, the Great Yarmouth Civic Society and the University of the Third Age.

Hugh Sturzaker, chair of the Civic Society, said: “It is one of the few places left you can hire for meetings. 

“It’s very sad. It’s sad when people can’t meet other people face to face.” 

Mr Ingram said the meeting rooms will stay open for community groups after August 31, but added: "I don't know for how long."

Margaret Gee, 93, has played the organ at Christchurch in Great Yarmouth for 60 years. (Image: Daniel Hickey)

'A COMMUNITY SPACE'

Among those who will attend the church's final service is Margaret Gee, 93, who has played the organ there for the last 60 years.

When she joined the church in 1961 it had 200 members.

“It was a community space," she said. "Lots of people came in there. But the parking ban stopped a lot of people coming to the church.” 

Of her weekly recitals, she said: "I just enjoyed it. I just say it's a God-given gift and I've got to use it in his service.

"I'm just very sad. I'll have to find somewhere else to go," she said.

HISTORY 

Christchurch was built in 1854 and was known first as King Street Congregational Chapel. 

The congregationalist community moved out of the church in 1930 and the building was sold to Methodists, who renamed it Methodist Central Hall in 1938. 

In the 1950s and 60s, during the height of the herring season, the church would be packed with Scottish fishermen.

The Great Yarmouth Methodist and United Reformed Churches (URC) then united in 1990, and the congregationalists returned, and the building was renamed Christchurch. 

The first Methodist church in Great Yarmouth opened on October 28, 1783, with a service attended and overseen by the movement's founder John Wesley.