Copyright © Rievaulx Methodist Church 2021
Rievaulx Methodist Church, Rievaulx, Helmsley, York, YO62 5LB
Those who serve and worship in the Church now look back with thanksgiving to God for his guidance in the past and look forward with confidence to his guidance in the days that lie ahead.
Church History
On the flyleaf of the Pulpit Bible at Rievaulx Methodist Church is the following
inscription:-
"Presented to Mrs. MARY JOHNSON" by her neighbours and friends in acknowledgement
of her kindness in providing for many years at great personal inconvenience a place
for the Wesleyans at Rievaulx to hold their religious services, and also in testimony
of their high estimation of the eminently peaceful and consistent character she has
so long maintained amongst them. April, 1876."
These words provide the only written
support for the testimony of former members to the effect that before this Chapel
was opened on Whit Monday, 21st May 1877, the Rievaulx Methodist services and meetings
were held in a cottage near the old Mill. Presumably this was the home of Mrs. Mary
Johnson, to whom the Bible was presented twelve months before the dedication of the
Chapel. It would also appear that a descendant of this good lady has subsequently
given this very Bible back to the Trustees for use in the pulpit here. It is interesting
also to speculate on the nature of that "great personal inconvenience" suffered by
Mrs. Johnson in providing a place for the "Wesleyans of Rievaulx". Have they always
been a boisterous company, making a "joyful noise unto the Lord", and, like their
New Testament forebears, a disturbing influence, a constant challenge to those who
demand "peace at any price"?
All honour to those who provided the place; and all praise
to God who owned and blessed the meeting of those Methodists more than one hundred
and thirty years ago!
To attempt even a brief historical sketch of any Methodist institution is a frustrating
task. Methodists haven't been all that methodical in preserving records, and in a
place like Rievaulx, in the shadow of this wonderful Abbey that dates back to 1131,
it is understandable that our beginnings seem but yesterday. But it can be a matter
for gratitude that our concern has always been for people rather than for places;
for the community more than for the Church building. Rievaulx Methodists have been
too busy about the work of the kingdom to be slavishly occupied in writing "minutes"
and keeping records.
In the mid 1950's the then Trustees of the Chapel decided that
there was a need to extend the Chapel premises to include a school room, kitchen
and toilets. After much fund raising the premises were completed and were opened
on Saturday 29th April 1967 by Mrs. Alice Taylor daughter of one of the original
Trustees and who in her childhood was a member of the Sunday School. Following the
opening the work of the Sunday School grew and Monthly Gospel Rallies were commenced
which were a new venture in the area. The Chapel and Sunday School premises were
often packed on these Saturday evenings with mainly young people some of who had
come up to 50 miles to hear a Gospel Group and special Preacher. Our Guests too had
also travelled long distances to join us, but through the message they gave many
lives were challenged and commitments made.
