Pinner Methodist Church

Tucked away in the London Borough of Harrow, Pinner Methodist Church has witnessed a fascinating evolution. It’s not just a place of worship, but a testament to the enduring spirit of Methodism in Pinner. Early Methodists held “cottage meetings” in Pinner as early as 1828, often disrupted by unwelcoming locals. Imagine preachers bravely riding through hostile crowds to reach a simple cottage on Westend Lane, near Water Lane. This lane, later renamed Chapel Lane, held the humble beginnings of Pinner Methodism. In 1844, the first Methodist Chapel was built near this very cottage. The arrival of the Metropolitan railway in 1885 brought unexpected challenges. The neighboring Baptist Chapel was forced to relocate. The Methodist Chapel, unfortunately situated next to the railway embankment, suffered constant flooding. The extension of the railway line to Rickmansworth in 1887 only worsened the situation. The vibrations from passing steam trains eventually caused the chapel’s chimney to collapse, rendering the building unusable. Undeterred, the congregation relocated their services to the “Cocoa Tree Restaurant” at the top of the High Street. A new school chapel, built in Love Lane in 1917 using salvaged materials from the damaged Chapel Lane structure, marked a new chapter for Pinner Methodist Church. This building was enlarged in 1926 and now serves as the Church Hall. The present Pinner Methodist Church building, situated at the junction of Love Lane and Avenue Road, had its foundation stone laid in October 1936. The official opening took place on May 22nd, 1937, by Lady Tudor Walters. The church has continued to evolve, with the most recent renovation in 2008 creating the welcoming foyer you see today. Pinner Methodist Church stands as a symbol of resilience and adaptation. From cottage meetings to a bustling community hub, it continues to serve Pinner and the wider world.