Abbey Wood Methodist Church (AWMC)

Our History

 

The Early years in the history of Abbey Wood Methodist church make a romantic story and reveal a great faith.  Originally of the Baptist communion, the pioneers began to meet together in Greening Street.  Numbers increased and it became necessary to find accommodation.  This was found in premises that had previously been off-licensed.  Amidst the relics of brewer’s advertisements, barrels and bottles, and by candlelight, the first prayer meeting was held by the committee who went to view the premises.

​

Here the society met for several years, eventually becoming part of the Belvedere and Erith Circuit.  Later meetings were held in various locations, first in Bostall Lane, then in Federation Hall and later in the RACS Hall.  Much work was done in fund-raising by loyal and enthusiastic ‘pioneers’ whose ambition was to have their own church.

​

Eventually our present site in McLeod Road was acquired on lease from the Royal Arsenal Co-operative Society – the freehold was acquired in 1944 for £900!  The stone laying ceremony was a great occasion and included music from the local Salvation Army Band.  The church was opened in July 1934 (this is the part we now use as the Church Hall).

​

Over the recent past the church has witnessed a significant growth in the ethnic and cultural diversity of its congregation and membership, and the family life of the church has been richly blessed by this.

​

The congregation continues to grow and on some Sundays it has been difficult to fit everybody in.  Looking to the future we have embarked on a rebuilding programme to replace our buildings with more up to data facilities to increase our capacity and welcome even more of the community into our church.