The Minister of Ruddington Methodist Church has confirmed that the future of their historic, village centre building is in doubt due to the rising cost of maintaining it.
Reverend Tony Simpson replaced Reverend Nichola Jones as our Methodist Minister in 2023 when she was rather unexpectedly moved to another circuit in Cornwall last July. He also looks after the Methodist Churches in Clifton, Bradmore, Keyworth, and Tollerton, so usually only takes services here in Ruddington around once a month.
After Christmas, rumours started circulating that the 150-year-old building on Church Street is proving too costly to run for the 35 to 40 regular worshippers who attend; and this was confirmed in a solemn notice to its congregation this morning. Rev Simpson reveals a small group of members called ‘Ruddington Future’ has been formed to look at options for the future of the building, especially in light of some expensive roof repairs being needed.
Whilst the church and adjoining church hall are already hired out to other, regular users, it’s hoped encouraging further use of the premises by other groups from Ruddington and elsewhere might help to keep it viable. The church coffers have already received a boost when, last month, Edwalton-based The Rock Church began to hold weekly, Sunday services there.
Rev Simpson says: “We met this week to review the situation after the recent Leadership Team meeting as well as a meeting I had with representatives of the Rock Church. We also considered the fact that we have now had an estimate from a roofing contractor as to the probable cost of repairing the roof which has come in at less than we had initially thought, although there is always the possibility of added costs once the contractor starts work.”
The notice continues: “In view of this we are pursuing the following…
• Getting the repairs to the roof carried out:
• Seeking the views of the Rock Church and the wider Methodist Church as to the possibility of a closer partnership between the two churches that will safeguard the longer-term future of the building whilst maintaining the two distinct styles of worship:
• Looking into possible places where, should we need to, the gathered congregation of Methodists could worship should the option of a partnership with the Rock Church not be feasible and the future of the building not be guaranteed.”
It’s being stressed that nothing has been decided at this stage – nor can it be yet – as this requires the approval of the Church Council and a wider consultation with all members and those with an interest in both the fellowship there and the life of the church. Nevertheless, Rev Simpson warns that the underlying issues remain, including a shortage of “person power”, which everyone has to recognise.
“The finances of maintaining the building puts a strain on the congregation here but, equally, there are fewer and fewer people able or willing to undertake the roles that are necessary to maintain the church as it currently stands. However, by exploring the options above we hope that we can offer the church council some way of retaining the presence of Methodism within the village and even grow the Kingdom so that more people come into the knowledge of the love of God for them.”
Rev Simpson adds: “We hope, shortly, to be in a position to seek opinions on what people see as the options that are preferable, but we are in the process of finding out a few more facts before we can offer a better picture of what might be possible.”
Longer-term village residents will recall Ruddington Baptist Church gave up its former premises on Dutton’s Hill – with its meetings now mostly in St Peter’s Rooms, otherwise at ‘The Hub’ on Musters Road.
If YOU have any suggestions on how Ruddington Methodist Church could be saved for worship (and other uses) by future generations of Ruddingtonians, please comment on the Facebook post >>HERE<<.
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