Blue skies and warm sunshine welcomed those who thronged to the new Methodist Halls opening celebration service on the 10th June 2007.
Some present would have been able to recall the old 1930’s wooden huts that had once stood there, which had served the community so well in many ways, had witnessed sombre war years come and go and had echoed to the joys of many happy occasions.
Most would have known the brick hall which replaced the wooden hut in the 1970’s, now demolished in its turn to make way for the splendid modern building which was the focal point of the gathering.
The capacity crowd in the domed main hall was welcomed by Jeff Davies, fund-raising organiser. Listening were representatives of sponsors, including the Rev. Sheila Foreman, Deputy Chair of the Methodist South East District, architect Trevor Tilley of RDJW Architects and the on-site Clerk of Works Joe Camelia, who had become a familiar figure to many residents during the long months of construction.
72 years before, the newly-built chapel had resounded to the words of the hymn “We love the place O God wherein Thine honour dwells” on its first day. The song chosen to open this festive event was “Come on and celebrate”, and the rafters were soon ringing to the sound of joyous voices, the singing carrying into the High Street to announce to the whole of Otford that the doors were now truly open to one and all.
Prayers were led by the Minister, the Rev. Kath Pawlett, who then went on to thank the many people who had made the project possible, in particular those who had successfully overcome the various problems encountered during the work. After the singing of “For I’m building a people of power”, Mrs Audrey Curnow read a passage from Psalm 78. Mrs Curnow was one of the few present who had attended the Church in the 1930’s.
A video made by Jane Oliver recording the various stages of building work from the demolition of the old hall to the final touches of decorating its replacement was shown.
Paul’s call to the Philippians to show gentle attitude to everyone and to practice things that are true, noble, pure and honourable, was read by a young person of the Church, Megan Sullivan.
The Rev. Pawlett then spoke of the purpose of the halls and the part they would play at the heart of the community. She despatched children of the Junior Church to go around the building blessing each room.
A new song “Let us build a house” was introduced, proclaiming “All are welcome, all are welcome in this place”. Between each verse, emphasising the diversity of the Church, a “housewarming blessing” was given by a representative of four different age groups. The first by seven year old Cade Turner, followed by teenager Sophie Wagstaff. Then Mike Harris, who as Quantity Surveyor had worked long hours for many months and finally Lily Robinson spoke for the older generation.
The imposing new building occupies a prominent position in the Conservation Area, providing a hall seating 150 and a number of smaller meeting rooms, a lift to the first floor, modern kitchen and café area.
Frank and Margaret Newman, whose vision in 1934 saw the purchase of Booker’s Field on which to build a Methodist Church, would be astounded and full of wonder at the new premises and would see them as a dream fulfilled beyond all expectations.
The final words of the day were through the hymn “To God be the Glory, great things He has done”.
Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord
Let the earth hear His voice
Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord
Let the people rejoice”.
