Is it just me or do these limestone walls seem to hum with stories? We are standing before Castletown Methodist Church. It is a building that has served this community for nearly two centuries.
Castletown Methodist Church has roots that go back to John Wesley’s visits. He was the founder of Methodism. He came to Castletown in the eighteenth century. His visits sowed the seeds for the Methodist community that would later flourish here.
The church you see today wasn’t always like this. In fact there were two Methodist congregations in Castletown. There was the Wesleyan Methodist at Arbory Street. There was also the Primitive Methodist Chapel at Malew Street. Locals often used the street names to tell them apart.
These two groups united in 1932 forming the current Methodist Church. But it wasn’t until 1975 that they joined together in this building. The Malew Street Chapel still stands. However it now serves as offices.
Look closely at the architecture of Castletown Methodist Church. The original chapel built in 1832 is now the Sunday School. The chancel was added later during improvements in 1890.
Castletown Methodist Church is more than just a building. It is the largest public venue in Castletown. It is a central hub for the community. It is fully equipped with sound and projection facilities. It also has a coffee lounge and an upstairs hall.
Throughout the week Castletown Methodist Church hosts many events. There is a Toddler Group. There is also a Ladies Fellowship. You can find a Craft Workshop here. There is even a Coffee Drop In.
This church is part of the Castletown Circuit. This circuit is one of three on the Isle of Man. These are part of the British Methodist Connexion. Three ministers serve the ten churches within this circuit.
Services are held every Sunday morning at 10.30 a.m. There is also a service or fellowship meeting every Sunday evening at 6.30 p.m. The third Sunday of each month features an inclusive service. It is called “All Age Worship”. This allows people of all ages to worship together. A second Sunday School meets in Ballasalla every week.
Consider how Castletown Methodist Church has evolved. It began with John Wesley’s visits. It grew through the union of two congregations. It continues as a vibrant center for the community. It stands as a testament to faith. It is a place of gathering. It is a place of service in Castletown.