Once an iconic landmark now stands before you. It is the Sulby Methodist Church. This church serves the local community. It has done so for more than 224 years. The current building is actually the third on this site. The first Sulby Methodist Church was built in 1794. This current one was erected in 1914.
Sulby Methodist Church is located on the TT course. It sits opposite the Sulby Glen Hotel. The church extends a warm welcome to all. Sunday worship services are held at 10.30 am each week. PowerPoint presentations enhance the services. They display the hymns and lessons.
A fellowship group meets most Thursdays at 11 am. It is called ‘Aspects of Faith’. Community lunches are periodically held there. Forest Church and craft sessions also take place. The church hosts harvest and carol services. These are for the adjacent primary school. Other themed services include a bee keepers service. They also host a plough service.
The Manx Grand Prix and TT races are anticipated with excitement. The Sulby Methodist Church offers hospitality and refreshments then. On Mad Sunday during TT, a bikers service is held. A barbecue follows in the church garden. The church also organizes a village community scarecrow festival. This happens every few years. Before the young farmers Christmas tractor parade, a family film is shown annually. The parade passes right by the church. The Christmas Eve carol service draws quite the crowd. Over 150 people of all ages attend at 5 pm.
You can find updates on services and events. Just check the church Facebook page. It’s called ‘Sulby Methodist Church’.
Big changes are coming to Sulby Methodist Church. The Isle of Man Government granted planning permission. These will make internal alterations to regenerate the building. Historical features will be preserved during this. The ornately carved pulpit will remain. The exposed beams and trusses will too. The art deco stained glass windows will also be preserved.
The development aims for a fully accessible space. It hopes to be welcoming to the local community. The project includes removing the pews. New plumbing and electrics are planned. Updated audio visual systems will be installed. Under floor air sourced heating is coming. Repairs to the stained glass windows will happen. An accessible WC and baby change area is in the works. A new kitchen is planned. Redecoration will occur throughout.
The fundraising target is set at £275,000. The Sulby Methodist Church appreciates all donations. They are grateful for offers of support. Pledges have been made for the project. The renovations will ultimately preserve the church for future generations.
Louise Whitelegg is the church secretary. She said this is an ambitious project. It will transform the internal church building. It will maintain the well-loved historical features.
Dr Rev Janet Corlett is the District Chair. She said the congregation has an amazing vision. They are seeking to share Good News. They want to be Good News in Sulby. The church council is holding events to raise money. They received government planning approval for the project. The Salvation Army band will give a concert. Also the Lon Dhoo Male Voice Choir will be in concert.
The Sulby Methodist Church is committed. It follows fearlessly wherever God is leading. It makes Disciples of Jesus Christ. All this is for the transformation of Sulby and the world. The Revd Steve Ingrouille is the minister.
The Sulby Methodist Church wants to continue. It wants to serve the community for another century. The vision is to safeguard the building. The goal is to secure it for future generations through hard work.