Bolsover Celebrates 200 Years of Methodism

Bolsover Celebrates 200 Years of Methodism 1826 – 2026

This year Bolsover is celebrating a remarkable milestone — 200 years of Methodism in the town.

Following the discovery of a stone embedded in the back wall of Bolsover Methodist Church, dated 1826, it was decided that this important piece of our heritage should be celebrated with our Community, Circuit and District. To preserve the stone from further weather damage, it will be professionally cleaned up and re-sited in the Sykes Room within the church, protecting and honouring our shared history.

From very humble beginnings, with many small chapels across the town and surrounding villages, Methodism in Bolsover has evolved over two centuries and today continues its witness at Bolsover Hilltop Methodist Church.

The story of this journey is fascinating, and we warmly invite you to explore it through a timeline, photographs and memorabilia charting 200 years of faith and community.

• Launch Service – Sunday 22 March | 10:00am – Led by Revd Vicky Atkins (Chair of the District)
• Exhibition – Monday 23 – Saturday 28 March | 10:00am – 2:00pm – The church will be open daily to view the exhibition, refreshments will be available.
• Concert – Saturday 28 March | 2:00pm – 4:00pm – A special concert by the Staveley and District Churches United Choir, featuring well-known hymns by Charles Wesley. Refreshments will be served, and a retiring collection will be taken in support of Ashgate Hospice.
• Celebration Service & Buffet Tea – Sunday 29 March | 3:00pm – Final Celebration service Led by Revd Richard Andrew (President of Conference), followed by a celebration buffet tea.

There will also be one-off events throughout the year, so please keep an eye out for further details.