A church in the High Peak had a special weekend to mark 150 years since the doors first opened for the congregation.

Dove Holes Methodist invited the community to the anniversary celebrations to mark its milestone achievement in mid October.

Reverend Andrew Parker, minister for the church on Buxton Road, said: “150 years is a huge achievement.

“There are a lot of family links back to the church with weddings, baptisms and funeral so even if people don’t come to church they feel connected to us.”

The Dove Holes Methodist Church members celebrating 150 years since the building opened for worship. Photo Rev'd Andrew Parker

placeholder image — The Dove Holes Methodist Church members celebrating 150 years since the building opened for worship. Photo Rev'd Andrew Parker

Rev’d Andrew says the church has become the photo archive for the village and for the anniversary they had all the photos out on display.

“There were people spotting family members or those who used to play on the cricket team and forgotten faces who were involved in village life and it was lovely to see.

“If there’s one thing people of Dove Holes do well it’s good cake and there were plenty of lovely refreshments on the open day.”

Rev’d Andrew has been with the church since 2019 and his predecessor Rev Kerry Tankard, chair of the Yorkshire West Methodist District and former minister of the church, returned to Dove Holes for a special anniversary service.

The photographic archive display at Dove Holes Methodist Church open day. Photo Rev'd Andrew Parker

Speaking about how church life has changed Rev’d Andrew said: “Gone are the days where there used to be 80 children in for Sunday School and a packed church.

“But the members we do have are faithful and wonderful.

“And the church has expanded in so many ways and become a community hub.”

A parent and toddler group, Dove Chicks, meet on a Monday morning in the hall downstairs.

The community looking at the village archive during the open day and birthday celebrations of Dove Holes Methodist Church. Photo Rev'd Andrew Parker

On Tuesdays and Thursdays the space becomes a community pop up Post Office and there is coffee and jigsaws as well as meeting banking needs for residents.

The hall is also the home of Chapel Male Voice Choir who have been meeting there for years.

Currently the church, which is upstairs, has relocated downstairs to the hall.

Rev’d Andrew said: “Last year a storm damaged part of our wall, the rain is now getting in and the plaster needs repairing and so does the roof.”

The church is starting to fundraise but needs to raise upwards of £100,000 to keep the building operational. DOnations can be made to the church.