AFTER over 138 years service to the community the Methodist Church at Edge Green in Golborne has closed.

It was a sad occasion which attracted a packed congretion at Sunday's last service which was attended by former members and friends, many who had travelled long distances to attend, and was supported by members of other denominations and local politicians in the congregation.

The service was led by the Minister the Rev. John Payne assisted by circuit minister Bruce Dakin and Makerfield circuit choir led the singing with "I'll go in the strength of the Lord".

The address was given by the Chairman of the Liverpool district, the Rev James Booth.

Fran Cotton, the former England and British Lions international rugby union player and director of Cotton Traders, read the old testament lesson and recalled his time spent at Edge Green Church where three generations of his family worshipped.

The story of Methodism in Edge Green was related in a booklet published in 1992 to mark the church's 125th anniversary which revealed that in the 1830s open air services were held at Edge Green and then in villagers' cottages. In 1846 Methodists decided to build a chapel which was built on the Green, down Dam Lane (then known as Cale Lane) at the end of Glory Row.

This chapel served for 21 years until it was decided to build a church on a site more prominent in the village.The chapel cost £550 to build on land adjoining Hiram Ball's cottage and opened in May 1867.

The old chapel, which had also been used as a day school was eventually demolished during the Boer War. But its organ became the first musical instrument in the new chapel and a stone from over the door bearing the inscription "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us" was transferred to the new chapel.

A new Sunday School was added to the building in 1871, chapel heating was added in 1883 and the building was given a front porch facelift in 1889.

Photographs of the closing service and the church history can be found at www.edgegreen.ipfox.com