Alterations and Expansion

IN the years after World War II, various schemes to alter and improve the church building were discussed by the church's leaders. The choir, after much fundraising, gave the church an electric action pipe organ in 1950. To conserve space in the already crowded church, it was suggested that a platform should be erected near the main door to house the pipes, while the console would be situated at the front of the church. On November 8, in the presence of a congregation that overflowed into the church forecourt, the Rev Harold Ford presented a silver key to open the organ to the Lord Mayor, Jacquetta Marshall, who• performed the ceremony. An opening recital was given by Mr H Gordon Brewer of Newton Abbot. The early 1960s saw the building of a new hall behind the church to cater for the growing number of people using the premises.

A substantial amount of funding for the scheme came from Herbert Street Church in Plymouth, in the form of War Damage Commission money.

The new hall and rooms were officially opened on September 19, 1962. There were two meetings, the first at 4.30pm followed by a church tea. The second celebration look place at 7pm.

The men who performed the opening were Mr T G Broad and Mr H Weeks, with the preacher being the Rev Cyril Mitchell. The chairman of the celebrations was the Lord Mayor, Alderman Mason, and other speakers were the Revs J Russell Pope, M Harker and P Russell. A commemorative plaque in the hall was unveiled by Mr W W Creber.

The next circuit meeting was held in the newly-opened premises on December 5

In the 1960s the military barracks and many private houses near the church were knocked down. In their place came dual carriageways, the flyover and the subways. Members of the congregation came to services amid the disruption caused by the major works.

Since the 1960s, the church buildings have been enlarged and altered through a number of schemes.

The church porch was demolished when a large extension, including a new minister's vestry and toilets, was built. The organ platform and pipes were removed, and the organ was replaced with an electronic one.

When the extension was being planned the church's minister, the Rev T Laurence Smith, said: 'Buildings cannot spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. Only people can do this - people who know something of the love of God, and are prepared to share it through word and action.

'Yet the right building in the right place can be a wonderful asset. The alterations we plan to make to the chapel are not over-ambitious: they are simply intended to make it more suitable for worship, fellowship and pastoral counselling in its present day setting.'

The extension was opened in 1975 by the Rev J Russell Pope, who had just completed his year as President of the Methodist Conference.

A sliding glazed screen can be used to shut off the extension when necessary. The screen is in approximately the same position as the original front wall of the church.

Above the screen was a rose window which was in the upper part of the original front wall. The window was replaced in 1994 by a new one designed by architect Francis Bush, a member of the church, and made by Gary Hannond of Saltash.

A few years after the extension was built, the front of the church sanctuary was refurbished. A large curtain was hung in front of the original stone arch in the wall. A large wooden cross made by a former member was retained while the communion table was replaced. Kneelers around the communion rail were made by members of the congregation.

During the 1980s, the pews that remained in the church were replaced by chairs.

Another building scheme involved altering the hall and its associated rooms, creating new meeting rooms, together with additional toilet facilities, a print room, a larger kitchen and a lounge. A further project involved the creation of a toilet for disabled people.

Like the building, which has gradually changed over time, so organisations within the church have also undergone changes.

Many activities have been provided for youngsters including clubs, the youth fellowship, Boys' Brigade, Girls' Guildry and Girl Guides. A mothers and toddlers group has been running in recent years.

In the 1960s, the Sunday School, which had met in the afternoon, became the Junior Church, meeting on Sunday morning, with the children attending part of the church service as well as going to their classes.

Young people from the church have been involved with the Methodist Association of Youth Clubs for many years and have taken part in national MAYC events.

A Young Wives Club met for around 20 years in the 1960s and I 970s, and there have been various other clubs and groups for different sections of the congregation and local community. One of the most Popular in recent times has been the luncheon club which has provided meals mainly for elderly people.

A coffee bar, set up in 1984, opens on Thursday mornings to Provide a facility for shoppers in Crownhill village.

In the last few years, the church has been open every day at certain times offering passers-by the opportunity of visiting the sanctuary.

Social activities have played an important part in the life of the church. Numerous events have helped to cement the fellowship. These have included fundraising ventures, church weekends, picnics, walks, dances, home-grown entertainments, meals, parties and pantomimes!

The format of the Sunday services has varied over the years. One of the biggest changes involving the morning service occurred in November 1985 when a new starting time of 10.30am was introduced.

A new hymnbook, Hymns and Psalms, had been introduced in June of the previous year.

In 1982, the Methodist Conference had been held in Plymouth and had authorised the use of the new hymnbook in all Methodist churches.

1. The ministers of Crownhill Methodist Church since 1946 have been: Rev Harold Tomlinson, 1946-1948; Rev W Harold Ford, 1948-1953; Rev Cyril Mitchell, 1953-1958; Rev Arthur Revell, 1958-1961; Rev Peter Russell, 1961-1965; Rev Derek House, 1966-1966; Rev T Laurence Smith, 1966-1973; Rev Eddie Fairbeard, 1973-1982; Rev Roger Osborne, 1982-1987; Rev Joe Cobb, 1987-1988; Rev Jonathan Kerry, 1988-1993; Rev Edgar Daniel, 1993-1994; and Rev Martin Freeman, 1994-

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