"It's not the end but a new beginning' - congregation look back on years of worship at Colley Gate church and to a new start

A new beginning is what members of a Halesowen Church are hoping for.

The congregation on the last day at Providence Methodist Church - some will be moving over the road to the Laurels Social Club to form the Lighthouse Worship Group.

Members of the Providence Methodist Church said goodbye to the building, with a final goodbye last Sunday.

But a new non denominational worship group - 'Lighthouse Christian Community' is starting on Sunday, literally over the road from the former church in Colley Orchard, which dated back to 1925.

The group will meet for the first time at Laurels Social Club, at 10.20am tomorrow (Sunday).

SANDWELL COPYRIGHT NATIONAL WORLD STEVE LEATH 03/11/24 Pic in Colley Gate (Halesowen), and the Providence Methodist Church in having its last day in its exisiting building. It will be moving over the road to The Laurels where they will use there function room. Pics of the Church, the Church Hall

One of the group is long standing Providence member Hannah Wilkinson-Jones who was baptised, married and saw her children christened at the now former church.

She is instrumental in the new congregation and said everyone will be welcome.

She said: "Sunday was an emotional occasion as I have lived my life through this church and many older worshippers can go back a lot further.

"But we already have a group of 20 or 30 people who are supporting the new Lighthouse Group , with a committee of 10 overseeing the organisation and running of it so we are all going into it with a positive mind frame.

"It is not affiliated to the Methodist Church and all worshippers are welcome. Others from the former congregation are going to attend other Methodist churches on the circuit but of course they will always be welcome at Lighthouse.

"The first service will be a joyous occasion and of course everyone is welcome, old and new. Drinks will be served after the service and we are looking forward to a new beginning, whilst never forgetting the past of course."