CHERITON FITZPAINE Methodist Church has closed for worship due to a lack of members and an aging congregation.  

It held its last service on Sunday, April 7, and a three-day exhibition the same week featured church records, photos and artefacts to celebrate its more than 160 years of history. 

Exhibition opening ceremony Cheriton Fitzpaine Methodist Church
The exhibition was opened by Community Shop Manager Kevin Boddy (David Nunn)

The service, led by Rev Alison Richardson, was well attended by villagers and guests from Crediton, Tedburn St Mary and elsewhere. 

Visitors and members looking at exhibits
Visitors and members looking at exhibits (David Nunn)

Rev Richardson spoke about how a Church is not just a building and said the congregation will continue to meet in private homes.  

Some of the exhibits on show
Some of the exhibits on show (David Nunn)

Some church items will be gifted to other churches in the area, but others will be sold at a sale in the Chapel Hall on Saturday, April 20 from 10am to 12.30pm. All donations will go to the community shop. 

The Craft and Care Group will be held in the Parish Hall Committee Room at 2.30pm on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. 

By Mary Nunn