THE foundation stone of Bolton’s newest church has been laid.

Up to 100 officials, members and local dignitaries were on hand as the Triangle community Methodist Church at Delph Hill continued to take shape.

Church trustee Mr Colin Nelson hailed the work of the four Methodist churches involved in the project — Astley Bridge, Chorley Old Road, Delph Hill and Halliwell — over five years.

He said: “We have been working on a plan to come together as one church serving an area of more than 100,000 people.”

“During that time, they have sold off three sets of ageing church premises which no longer met the needs of modern worship and community activity and raised £1.5 million to build a new church on the best located site at Delph Hill.

“The laying of the foundation stone marks the culmination of all those years of hard work as we now see an impressive new structure rising before us.”

 

However, Mr Nelson said it was only the beginning of the church’s new venture.

“The vision behind this bold and far-sighted plan is for a flexible, multipurpose building which will not only promote the cause of Methodism in the area, but also provide a much-needed community facility in a key location in the town — a true partnership of church and community. In an age of uncertainty about  so many things, the Triangle Church has recognised it needs to create long-term sustainability in its activities in order to survive.”

Among the VIPs at the event were Bolton West MP Julie Hilling and the Mayor, Cllr Colin Shaw, and Mayoress, Dee Shaw.

The foundation stone was unveiled by the Mayor and chairman of the Bolton and Rochdale Methodist Circuit, the Rev Paul Martin.

Rev Jennifer McKenzie said prayers for the new church and Triangle minister Rev Devadas Matcha gave the blessing.

The new church is due to open in September.