Church anniversary

The 100th anniversary of the Buckenham Memorial Methodist Church in Fakenham will be marked with a centenary concert tomorrow by the Norfolk Fellowship Brass of the Salvation Army.

Fakenham Parish Church is staging the event, 7.30pm, and tickets are £5 and available from Fakenham Heel Bar, the parish office (tel: 01328 862268), Philip Walker on 01328 862288 or Mary Playford on 01328 851774.

While the church is 100 years old this year, Fakenham Methodists can trace their history back to the end of the 18th century.

In 1779 an Independent (Congregational) chapel was built in Whitehorse Street (then known as White Horse Street) and it became part of the local Wesleyan Methodist circuit.

A series of splits, re-forms and moves occurred over the following century or so and it was in April 1908 that the foundation stones to the new chapel were being laid, one by the widow of Fakenham missionary Henry Buckenham to whom the chapel is dedicated.

A historical record of the opening states: “On September 9, it was officially opened. In spite of bad weather the congregation met outside, sang a hymn and said a prayer before the doors were opened. The left-hand door was opened by Mrs. Henry Buckenham who gave yet another generous donation, which was most welcome since the building had cost in the region of £2500 and some of this was still outstanding. During the service the address was given by the President of the Conference the Rev James Pickett and afterwards tea was provided in the Corn Hall (now the cinema).”

*Mattishall Methodist Church's anniversary and gift day will be held on Saturday, 4.30pm gift day and 5.30pm tea. The Bure Valley Male Voice Choir is performing a concert at 7pm. Worship at 3pm on the following day will be led by the Rev Jane Sperring.