Four Methodist churches to merge in Bangor West
Falling numbers blamed as faith to leave city centre after almost 200 years
By Iain Gray
FOUR Bangor Methodist churches are set to merge due to falling congregation numbers.
City centre landmarks Wesley Centenary and Queen’s Parade churches, both of which date back to the 19th century, are to join together with Ballyholme and Carnalea on the latter’s Rathmore Road site.
Officials say the amalgamation is an attempt to meet challenges including dwindling numbers and finances, aging membership with few children joining, decaying buildings and a reduction in the number of ministers.
The change will effectively see three of the churches move out to Bangor West, meaning there won’t be a Methodist presence in the city centre for the first time since the 1830s.
Leaders of the local church district are set to hold a special meeting to discuss and endorse the merger.
The amalgamation plans were unanimously passed by the councils of the respective churches, however, and are said to have close to 100% backing among the four congregations.
In a statement issued on behalf of circuit superintendent, Rev. Philip Corrigan, by local circuit secretary Phyllis Watters, officials say they hope to use the Bangor West merger as a platform on which to rebuild their numbers.
“We acknowledge that Methodism in its current state runs the real risk of disappearing from the Bangor area,” says the statement.
“It is our hope and prayer that in amalgamation we will become stronger and from that posture we hope to generate Mission, church growth and a replenishment of our hope and faith.”
