Bentham Meths

Bentham Methodist Chapel is an attractive building in that peculiar pair of villages, Benthams Low and High. As well as being well maintained, a number of colourful, evangelistic posters were exhibited. The local Methodist circuit speaks positively about it, stating:

As well as meeting for worship on Sundays, there are a number of other activities taking place during the week in the church and in members' homes, where the love of God can be shared in different ways. The Church has 60 members and is part of Churches Together in Bentham, with the Society of Friends, the Anglicans and the Catholics.

Sixty members! Almost double Salem’s. I was curious to notice the absence from this local ecumenical harmony of Cornerstone Church which belongs to the Free Methodist denomination and meets down the road. Once upon a time, Free Methodism was a threat to Methodist churches, as their more evangelical members, wearied by liberalistic preaching and insipid theology, sought something stronger and more vibrant. I suspect that those remaining in Methodism are quite content with its spiritual heartbeat, easily withstanding the temptation to pack up and join something more conservative.

In the wall of the frontage, there are inscribed stones from previous buildings, reminding the people called Methodist of their glory days. They certainly have a wonderful past, and, at Bentham at least, a reasonable present. But what of the future? The seeds we sow shall one day come to harvest sooner or later.