OUR MINISTERS, the Rev Catherine Wagstaff and Deacon Michelle Legumi, are the latest in a very long line of distinguished and inspiring Ministers who have served here.
2017-2020 Rev Miriam Moul
2012-2017 Rev Gordon Newton
2005-2012 Rev Bruce Allinson
2000-2005 Rev John Lines
1995-2000 Rev Sid Robbins
1991-95 Rev Joyce Norman
1984-91 Rev Alan Warrell
1977-84 Rev Godfrey Johns
1973-77 Rev Geoff Crosby
1967-73 Rev H Austin Fairhurst
1962-67 Rev Harry Charleston
1957-62 Rev Percy Townend
1951-57 Rev Cecil Dunkerley
1948-51 Rev Arthur T Slater
1945-48 Rev T Arthur Udy
1940-45 Rev T A Roberts
1935-40 Rev Joseph Grainger
1921-35 Rev Arthur T Slater
1912-21 Rev Walter Goldstraw
1909-12 Rev Thomas Meakin
1903-09 Rev Peter Kay
1894-1903 Rev Isaac Dorricott
NEWS FROM THE PAST
The London Road Methodist Church had "The Messenger" as its newsletter for more than 75 years, and reading the back copies makes fascinating reading.
In February 1925, for example, there were more than 300 children in the Sunday School and 35 teachers, the Church Choir held a day outing to London in September 1926, and in December 1927 it was calculated that in the course of a week, 2,000 people attended services or meetings at the church.
By February 1928 "The Messenger" had a circulation of 3,500 and the number of children in the Sunday School had risen to 500. In August 1930 the church was crowded for the Sunday School Anniversary - so much so that some people couldn't get in!
In October 1932 the Primitive Methodist Cricket team finished the season having played 25 matches, won 18 and lost 7.
During 1935 members of the Junior Christian Endeavour Society decided to raise money for Overseas Missions - and collected 3,791 farthings!
In June 1937, a new "electric" blower was installed for the church organ.
At the outbreak of the war, many members of the church had to leave Dover, either through evacuation or to serve in the forces. In December 1940, Mr. Walter Lewis sent a Christmas letter to all those who were parted in the war, and the response was such that in January 1941 he formed the "London Road Friendship Circle", sending out monthly letters with news of friends far and wide, and activities at the church.
In August 1941, for example, friends in the forces were asked to send details of their favourite hymns so they could be included in a services at London Road on a specific date so that all thoughts would be joined at that moment.
It was in that year that the church was badly damaged - including the stained glass windows "ruined beyond repair". In 1942, London Road had 37 members and friends serving with the Forces, at least 10 overseas. One writer said: "I look forward to receiving copies of the letter more than I can say." Another wrote: "Each month when I receive your letter, it brings back the fine old memories: Sunday services, some really fine singing, and the Christian Endeavour, men's Bible Class, and the annual socials of our various departments. May the day soon come round when we shall all be together again!"
The December editions of the letter were crammed with Christmas greetings from around the world.
A special service was held in June 1945 to celebrate VE Day, the next month the Church Choir was re-formed and December 1945, with most members back in Dover, saw the last edition of the Friendship Circle Letters. Up to 160 had been sent out each month, more than 10,000 copies in total, and Mr Lewis had received more than 2,000 letters during the five years.
The last letter finished: "Good friends, London Road Church is making a splendid recovery from its wartime trials and blows. There are still numerous problems to face, there is still much hard work to do. But in the strength of God, and the continued loyalty and devotion of our people, London Road will win through."
And so it has. "The Messenger" was then re-started and continued, chronicling life and events at London Road, until the church joined with others to form The Beacon. "The Messenger" was then superceded by The Beacon News.
Perhaps rather poignantly, one of the developments over the years has been the formation of a link with a church in Germany. Since 1978, we have made several exchange visits to the Evangelische Kirche in Monheim, north of Cologne and south of Dusseldorf. Many long-lasting friendships have been made, and we value this international Christian link.