Here at Martin Way Methodist Church we find a place of community and history. Methodism officially started here on September 15 1934. This was after more than two years of planning. Imagine the excitement. Gifts poured in to help build what is now the church hall. One anonymous person donated a large sum. It was 1000 pounds. Someone else gifted three shillings collected as 144 farthings. Every bit counted. The total cost was 4675 pounds. That includes buying the land.
The opening of Martin Way Methodist Church was a grand event. The first sermon was given by Reverend Donald Soper. He was a young man with a PhD. For twenty three years, this building served the congregation well. After much fundraising, they were able to expand. Help came from war damage compensation paid to Upper Tooting Church. The first stone of the new church was laid on September 14 1957. The official opening took place on May 10 1958.
Reverend George H Simpson consecrated the church. He was the Chairman of the South West District. Reverend Erastus Evans assisted him. Evans had done much of the early work at Martin Way. A local newspaper said in March 1934 that the church would be a spiritual center. It would be a landmark. The members continue to work toward that vision. They pray that redevelopment will bring more people to Martin Way Methodist Church.
Martin Way Methodist Church offers many activities. There is a Lunch Club every other Friday. It runs from 12:30 pm to 3 pm. People enjoy a two-course meal. This includes a main dish and dessert. It also includes cheese and biscuits, tea, or coffee for a reasonable price. The Lunch Club welcomes everyone. It is especially good for the elderly and those who live alone.
The Open Table meets on Wednesdays. It is from 11:30 am to 2 pm. People can relax and enjoy a chat. They can read a book. Free WiFi is available. People can charge their phones. A hot meal is prepared by excellent cooks. The food comes from surplus ingredients. These are from local greengrocers and supermarkets. The Open Table helps stop food waste. It is free, but donations are welcome.
Martin Way Methodist Church has an Open Church on Tuesdays. This is from 10:30 am to 12 noon. It is a time for prayer and reflection. People can talk. Afterward, people can visit Coffee and Chatter. This is also on Tuesdays from 10:30 am to 12 noon. It offers a friendly place for a chat and a cup of coffee.
The church has a Community Garden. It produces vegetables for church activities. It also serves the community. Regular Bring and Share Lunches happen on Sundays. People meet eat and garden together.
The church broadcasts its services on Facebook. People can also attend in person. A warm welcome is guaranteed. Reverend Chris Morley started a venture called Take Five. It offers daily thoughts for spiritual growth.
A video shows the building of Martin Way Methodist Church. It was filmed on 8mm film. It is now on mp4 video. It is grainy and has no sound. But it is a fascinating piece of history.
The Methodist Church values every human being. It seeks to be a place of transformational love. Martin Way Methodist Church may not be large. But it has a big heart. It is welcoming, inclusive, and caring. Food plays a vital role in communal life here. The mission is to feed people in body mind and spirit.
Martin Way Methodist Church is in the London Borough of Merton. It serves the communities of Morden and Merton Park. It also serves parts of SW19 and SW20. The church belongs to the Methodist Church of Great Britain. It is part of the Wimbledon Circuit.
So take a moment to appreciate Martin Way Methodist Church. It is a place of faith community and service. Its history and ongoing activities enrich the lives of many.