Whitehaven Methodist Circuit

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Former Churches in the Whitehaven Methodist Circuit

Over the past 10-15 years, a number of churches in the Whitehaven Circuit have had to close due to the high cost of maintaining them. Brief details of each church are given below.

Kirkland Methodist Church

This small chapel in the former mining village of Kirkland closed in the early 1990s. The small congregation could not meet the maintenance costs, and the building was sold. The congregation are now part of the Kirkland Ecumenical Partnership, which worships at Kirkland Mission, and holds a service every 5 weeks in the Methodist tradition.

Lowca Methodist Church

Lowca sadly closed in July 2007 due to a combination of falling numbers and rising costs. Despite the strenuous efforts of the congregation to recruit new members, it was a lost cause. Some members now worship at the Methodist Churches in Moresby Parks and Hensingham.

Rowrah Methodist Church

Rowrah also suffered from a small congregation and closed in the early 1990s. The church was sold and has now been converted into houses.

Parton Methodist Church

This lovely small chapel in the seaside village of Parton, just north of Whitehaven, closed in 2004. It has since been sold and after obtaining planning permission was demolished and replaced with houses.

Thornhill Methodist Church

The church in Thornhill closed in the mid 1990s, with the congregation joining with Egremont Methodist Church as their nearest church. The site was sold and the church demolished.

Whitehaven Methodist Church - Lowther Street

Formerly the largest church in the circuit, and on a prime site in the centre of Whitehaven, this church also fell victim to high maintenance and repair costs. After the church closed, many menbers transferred to worship at Hensingham Methodist Church, whilst others remained in the town centre at other churches.
The church was sold in 1998? and subsequently was given planning permission to be converted into a bar/restaurant, despite protests from former members. Currently the church is up for sale again.