2010 - Christchurch Centenary

 The Early Years

A congregational Church existed in Marlborough as early as l662, and a Methodist presence dates back to the l740s. John Wesley preached in Marlborough in 1745 and 1747. In 1727, the Congregational Church established a regular meeting place in the area now known as The Parade. In l817, a church was built on the site. This church was renovated in l867 and 1873.

In 1816, a Methodist Church was built on Oxford Street. This church was extended in 1872 and completely rebuilt with an entrance on New Road in 1910.

You can read a details about life in the Primitive Methodist circuit by reading the minutes of the quarterly meetings from 1889 to 1916. These came to light when David Harper returned to Marlborough in 1998. His father had been the minute secretary. They have been typed up by Mary Allsop so they could be added to the website before the book is sent to the County Archives. 

In 1932, this church became the only Methodist Church in Marlborough after merging with the Primitive Methodist congregation.

More Recently

In 1972, recognizing that the URC membership was dwindling in Marlborough, the Methodist Church and the URC began to combine activities. They shared a minister for many years and alternated services in the two churches.

In 1984, the Methodist and URC churches officially joined to form Christchurch Methodist- United Reformed Church. When the merger occurred, the New Road Methodist Church building was significantly changed to create a worship space for the new church. "The building was changed so it would not look and feel like a takeover,'' said John Lee. The pews were taken out and the old Methodist pulpit was removed. The elders of both denominations were very careful to form a constitution that would make the best of both worlds and leave good will on both sides,'' John Lee said.

In the year 2000, Christchurch completed another renovation project to accommodate the changing needs of the congregation. At the same time it forged a new partnership with Pewsey Methodist Church, establishing a single leadership structure. (see under 'Partnerships')

With a history spanning five centuries the Church makes a significant impact on the town of Marlborough. The vision and endeavour from those past and present enable it to serve the community of Marlborough and beyond into the 21st Century.

Read about the fantastic program of events that took place through 2010:

Listen again to the centenary sermons by Rev Lord Griffiths, Rev Grosch-Miller and former Christchurch minister Rev Geoffrey Gordon.