Residents came out in numbers to say goodbye to Falmouth Methodist Church in a final ceremony.

Members of the community were invited to join a service yesterday evening (16th) for the final time in the building on Killigrew Street.

Addressing nearly 200 people, Rev Andrew Mumford stated that this is only the beginning as they would continue to gather elsewhere before a permanent home could be found.

"This is an end, but it is the beginning of something more," he stated.

Rev Mumford has been with the church for four years, he told Nub News:

"It is an emotional day for everyone. It is a building that has been here for 150 years, on a site where we have been for 231 years. To leave it is hard but we do it with that sense of giving thanks to the past but holding hope for the future. Whilst the building is being sold the church community will continue. Life goes on.

"What we want to do is to build a new church, preferably one that has car parking. We will be on one level so people on the ground floor don't have to come up four flights of stairs. It will be a building that is fit for purpose for the 21st century and enable us to continue our work."

A developer is currently in the process of buying the building - aiming to maintain the upstairs of the church and create a community area.

Mayor of Falmouth Steve Eva also attended the ceremony with wife Vicky Eva.

He commented:

"It is a sad occasion. If I have to be honest it might breathe new life into the building. The ideas which are planned for the building seem to be quite interesting, but it is sad they couldn't keep the top level for the church. Even though I am not a church going person I believe that a lot of the community are and they should have a place to go."

Towards the end of the service was a symbolic handing over of items from the church. The items were then taken to the door, "this is to symbolise that we are not finishing, we are moving on," Rev Mumford stated.

Jenny Richards has been involved with the church all her life, she said:

"It is a sad day. However, as my granddaughter said if you took the people out of it, it is just a building. It is the people that make it, we will be alright. A new beginning."

On a temporary basis from January 23rd the congregation will be worshipping at New Street Theatre Hall, belonging to the Parish Church of King Charles the Martyr.

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