Vision 25 is happening now

Mobberley Methodist Church is a Church  steeped in history. It was built in 1882 and  has retained most of its original features. 

The Church is in need of modernisation  to provide a modern Church, multi-use  facilities and a community café. The  project which is due to complete in 2025  is called Vision 25. 

Read on to find out  more details of this ambitious project and  how you can get involved 

There has been a Methodist presence in the area since  1783 when the Wesleyan Methodists built a Chapel  at Knolls Green.

The chapel appears to have declined  and became vacant until 1803 when it was taken up by  Independents whose services were led by students of  the Reverend Robert Roby from Manchester Academy. 

In 1902 two adjoining cottages were purchased and Mr  Falkner Armitage, (an architect from Altrincham) oversaw  their conversion into a Sunday School in memory of James  Wood, a Wilmslow Deacon who was known for his pastoral  work in the area.

The chapel closed in 1961. In the period before 1836 Methodists met in private houses  but following a revival in Methodism, a chapel was built  nearly opposite the entrance to what was the New Hall  (now Sunrise and Barclay Hall) on Hall Lane on land given  by James Ashton, a slater. 

The location was in front of the  house now called White Lodge, (previously Seven Lights  and Flaxedil). James Ashton, when he sold the houses adjoining the  chapel on all sides inserted clauses in the deeds that  obliged the owners to find land for a new chapel if the  trustees decided to relocate. 

The chapel had become  unsafe, was hemmed in on all sides and the congregation  was split as to whether to rebuild in Hall Lane or relocate to  Faulkner’s Lane (previously known as Antrobus Hall Lane). 

The land in Hall lane was offered by W J Harter along  with £150 and materials from the old chapel. Mr. Oliver  of Bollington who had purchased a property next to the  chapel and resold it to the Squire of the Old Hall also  offered £150. 

Those of the congregation who had not been  in favour of Faulkner’s Lane and wanted to stay in Hall Lane  started to meet at the Mission Room at Hall Bank. 

On 3rd March 1882 the first stone was laid and on 9th  August in the same year the new chapel in Faulkner’s Lane  was opened. It was built by Isaac Massey of Alderley Edge  and the architect was Mr. Willis of Derby. 

The Church congregation is growing. Less than  two years ago this little Church had a worshipping  congregation of just 12 people but with a lot of prayer  and determination we embarked on a path to grow. 

Our vision was for our Church to be at the heart of this  community and to open its doors for groups to meet, thus  growing the Church and its family.

Today we have 60  members and many of our dreams are now becoming a  reality. In normal times we have a dynamic modern family  service at 9:15am with a Sunday school and contemporary  worship and a more traditional hymn service at 10.45am. 

 We already have some incredible ministries including Shell  group for children, Crew youth ministries, Amazing Women  and a Joshua Men’s breakfast. 

Our Church is a real family and we welcome others to  join us in achieving this vision. 

We are actively planning a  project that, if successful, will redevelop our worship space  into a Community centre and Community café so that it  can really be at the heart of our village. 

Frontline workers Family Fun Day a great success! 

Mobberley Methodist Church hosted the first of its kind, 999 and keyworkers Thank You Event. The event was organised in conjunction with representatives from the former Mobberley Neighbourhood Watch, Cheshire Constabulary and Vision 25. Revellers from Knutsford, Mobberley and surrounding areas braved the drizzle to show their gratitude to frontline workers. 

In attendance were Vision 25, Knutsford First Responders,  Cheshire Police Rural Crime Team, Cheshire Police Local Policing Team, Great Manchester Police Dog Legislation Officer, RNLI, Samaritans, Knutsford Fire station, Cheshire Police Drone Team, Christians Against Poverty, The Christie, Macclesfield, East Cheshire Hospice and Agricultural Chaplaincy.

Music was supplied by Canalside Radio

There was entertainment for children who made Bird Feeders, had their Faces Painted and enjoyed the Sweet Shop and Pocket Money Toys Stalls. Food and refreshments were provided by Mobberley Cakes Limited, Mobberley Ice Cream, Heddy’s Hot Food and Tatton Perk. Visitors were impressed by Wagtail Security search dogs, who showed how their dogs can find items through scent, Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service who demonstrated how they free accident victims from and visitors also learnt how to perform CPR. 

The day was well attended with over 500 visitors and many notable VIPs such as Rev Scott Manning, Station Manager Aaron Collis Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service, Deputy Police & Crime Commissioner David McNeilage, David Briggs, CVO, MBE, KStJ Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire, Robert Mee DL High Sheriff of Cheshire, Cllr Stewart Gardiner Knutsford Lord Mayor and Cllr Charlotte Leach Cheshire East.

Mobberley Methodist Church (MMC) has ambitious plans to  redevelop the Church. The project called ‘Vision 25’ is a  million pound project which we aim to complete by 2025. With the easing of lockdown, Vision 25 took the opportunity  to run our first fundraising event a car wash and bake sale.  

 We were overwhelmed by the support from the local  community and raised just short of £700. Tatton MP Esther  McVey and Local Councillor Charlotte Leach offered their  support and even rolled up their sleeves to assist in the car  washing.  The renovation of the Church will include a community café.  

Funding the redevelopment of the Church will come from  multiple sources with around 1/3 coming from fundraising we are looking for volunteers, if you want to get involved  simply email info@vision25.co.uk.