Future of Bilston's Stowlawn Church under threat despite community plea
A church’s future is still under threat despite a surge in people using the building and a plea for support.
Leaders at Stowlawn Methodist Church put out an appeal in November for help warning of the crisis.
The church’s congregation had fallen to around 15 members and money was running out.
Yet despite a successful December, which saw a well-attended carol service and a community event on the church car park, leaders say the church’s future is still not secure.
They are to hold a meeting to decide what to do next on January 17.
One option will be to close the United Anglican Methodist Church.
Glenda Howard, from the church, said: “We have seen the Sunday School reunion, a well-attended carol service and on December 7 the Bilston and Willenhall Lions held a Santa’s Sleigh event in the car park which we provided refreshments for.
“All these things are lovely, but they have not brought more people along for church services.
She added: “We have gone around the estate putting leaflets in homes, but it had little impact.”
The church holds its next service on January 7, at 6pm. It had cancelled last Sunday’s service along with Christmas Eve.
Mrs Howard said: “The numbers are still too low, we need more support in the services. It is such a shame because no-one wants this church to close.”
The church was opened in 1956 as a temporary building. But it became permanent and has celebrated its 60th anniversary.
