The Primitive Methodist Society began in 1865 in a cottage on Worsley Road, initiated by missioners from Walkden. The first building in 1867 was a school chapel, an all-purpose building serving as church, Sunday School and, from 1870 to 1927, as a day school, affectionately known as "Kellett’s School" from the name of the two long-serving headmasters. In 1927 the school, with Harold Kellett remaining as Headmaster, moved into the new premises provided by Lancashire County Council which now house North Walkden Primary School.
A large church building was erected in 1883 and was well used until 1988 when it was demolished and replaced by the present premises which were opened in June 1989. This, much smaller, building can seat up to around 90 people and serves all purposes, in much the same way as did the original 1867 building.
Rev. Enid Knowles, the superintendent minister of the Farnworth & Worsley Methodist Circuit, has pastoral responsibility for the church which has 29 members. It is a small, informal church which is well served by the circuit ministers, lay workers and a large group of very able local preachers. Services are at 10.30am each Sunday and once a month, usually on the third Sunday, these take the form of a family and parade service which the uniformed organisations attend.
Our work with young people is centred around our Rainbows and Brownies. Both these organisations are led and mainly staffed by members of the church. They are very successful and often have waiting lists of prospective new members.
A weekly meeting for Senior Citizens on Wednesday afternoons (at 2.30pm) was formed in 1975. It is well attended by people from the church, from other circuit churches and other denominations as well as from some who are not affiliated to any church. In addition to the weekly meetings, with speakers on a wide variety of topics, two day trips out by coach are organised each year, usually finishing at a local Methodist Church for tea. Destinations in 2008 were the Lancaster Canal & Morecambe and Harewood House.
We have a good relationship with our friends and neighbours from St. John the Baptist Anglican church at Hill Top, sharing in quarterly joint services held alternately in each others’ premises, as well as supporting each others’ social activities.
Worsley Road North is a small church with a reputation for its friendliness. It is eager to welcome you to its services and its other activities.
| How to find us: Worsley Road North Methodist Church is located on the west side of the A575 between Walkden and Farnworth, about 300 yards south of the bridge over the M61 motorway, at the corner of Argyle Avenue. |
