At the Wesleyan Church in Obelisk Road, good work had also been going on, but the site there did not permit any extension.

An opportunity presented itself to build on the Manor Road site. It was made possible by the initiative and foresight of the Senior circuit Steward, Mr E Burrow, who secured the interest of a well-known Methodist layman. He offered 50% of the build cost and the two bodies of trustees at Manor and Obelisk Road considered that the opportunity must not be missed.

The coming together of the United Methodist Church and the Wesleyan Church was not easy, but as with all marriages, a lot of give and take was necessary, and after a few get-togethers things were sorted out.

One of the members, Mr Alan Fudge who was only 23 at the time, designed the Church, making good use of the ground and taking on the brief to include the original Sunday School and chapel in his plans. The building was opened in 1934 and has a forecourt approached by a flight on steps flanked on the left by a small school hall (original chapel adapted) and on the right by a Chapel, both accommodating 100. Leading out of the forecourt is a spacious vestibule opening into the main hall which accommodates 250. There are two small rooms each capable of holding 50 and with a well-equipped kitchen; this is a very adaptable building.

During the Second World War years the Church was used as a Rest Centre for people who lost their homes in the bombing. It was also used as a Centre to issue Ration Books. Although most children were evacuated, the Sunday School continued for the few that remained.

After the war, as the families stared to come back and the Sunday School and congregation started to expand, a choir was formed with 20 to 30 members. It became very well known and was often invited to sing at other Churches for concerts. The Sunday School, at one time, had over 200 children ranging from Beginners through Primary, Junior and Senior sections and onto the Bible Class. A youth club was started and a Drama Group together with the Girls’ Brigade and Sea Scouts catered for young people in the community. Other groups such as The Women’s Helpful Hour, The Young Wives’ Circle, The Sewing Meeting, The Wesley Guild and The Men’s Forum all did valuable outreach work.

The Methodists of Manor Road see to continue to serve God in the heart of Woolston, by providing a focus of loving, caring Christian witness in the community, in ecumenical partnership with the other Churches in the area. We continue to reach out to the local community through distinctive, established way of outreach such as our weekly Thrift Shop, uniformed organisations, playgroup and other meetings and events, which offer refuge, nurture and challenge as changing needs arise.