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Stevenage High Street Methodist Church
High Street Methodist Church 150 Years Celebration
150 YEARS

A Place of Faith, Friendship & Community

High Street Methodist Church has been serving the people of Stevenage continuously since 1876. For almost 150 years, the church has been a place of worship, friendship, practical support and community engagement.

Situated in the centre of Stevenage, close to the High Street, railway station and residential neighbourhoods, the church welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds.

Alongside weekly worship, we provide activities that encourage friendship, wellbeing, volunteering and social inclusion while working collaboratively with other churches and community organisations.

150 YEARS OF
SERVICE
1876 SERVING
STEVENAGE
∞ COMMUNITY
CONNECTIONS

Celebrating 150 Years

Our 150th anniversary is an important milestone for our congregation and the wider Stevenage community.

About the Project

To celebrate our 150th anniversary, High Street Methodist Church plans to host a programme of community events that honour our shared history while looking positively towards the future.

Rather than simply marking the church’s anniversary, the celebration will bring together residents, schools, community organisations, local businesses and civic leaders to celebrate Stevenage’s rich heritage and strengthen community relationships.

The celebrations will be open to everyone regardless of age, faith or background.

Planned Activities

Community

A Community Celebration Day

Heritage

Heritage Exhibition

Memories

Historic Photographs & Memorabilia

Family

Family Activities & Children's Entertainment

Music

Live Music & Local Choirs

Togetherness

Community Café

Recognition

Volunteer Recognition Ceremony

History

Talks on Stevenage & Church History

Community Partners

Community Partners' Information Stalls

Gathering

Refreshments & Community Connection

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving & Civic Celebration

SUNDAY SERVICE TIMES

HIGH STREET METHODIST CHURCH
150 YEARS
Faith, Service
& Community
1876 2026

Why This Project Matters

For 150 years High Street Methodist Church has quietly served the people of Stevenage.

Pastoral Care

Support in Times of Hardship

Volunteering

Reducing Loneliness & Isolation

Youth & Family Events

Local Partnerships

A Welcoming Community Space

Support to the Migrant Community

Community Benefits

The project will create opportunities to bring people together, celebrate local heritage and strengthen community connections across Stevenage.
Bring together residents from across Stevenage.
Celebrate local heritage.
Reduce loneliness by encouraging social interaction.
Increase volunteering opportunities.
Strengthen partnerships between community organisations.
Encourage intergenerational activities.
Support local businesses through increased visitors.
Showcase Stevenage’s history.
Encourage future community involvement.
Promote community cohesion.

Expected Outcomes

500+
Visitors expected
across the programme
We expect the celebrations to create meaningful connections, strengthen local partnerships and leave a lasting legacy within the community.

Welcome over 500 visitors across the programme.

Recruit new volunteers.

Build stronger partnerships with local organisations.

Increase awareness of community services.

Preserve and share local history.

Strengthen civic pride.

Create lasting relationships between community groups.

Funding support for the anniversary celebrations
SUPPORTING 150 Years of Community

How the Funding Will Be Used

Venue preparation and accessibility improvements

Exhibition displays

Display boards and interpretation materials

Community activities

Children’s entertainment

Marketing and publicity

Printing commemorative programmes

Equipment hire

Refreshments

Volunteer expenses

Community engagement resources

Long-Term Legacy

This project is not simply a one-day celebration. The anniversary will launch our renewed vision for serving Stevenage over the coming decades through a stronger, more connected and active community.

Expanded community activities
Increased volunteering
Stronger local partnerships
Heritage resources for local schools
Ongoing community events
Improved engagement with residents

The celebration will provide momentum for the implementation of our Five-Year Strategic Mission Plan, helping High Street Methodist Church continue serving Stevenage for generations to come.

Why We Are Seeking Support

We believe this anniversary belongs to the whole community.

With support from Stevenage Borough Council and local funding partners, we can create an inclusive celebration that reflects Stevenage’s history, celebrates its people and inspires future community involvement.

Your investment will help preserve local heritage, strengthen community connections and ensure that this significant milestone is celebrated in a way that benefits the whole town.

Thank you for considering our application.

SUBMITTED ON BEHALF OF

High Street Methodist Church

Celebrating 150 Years of Faith, Service and Community (1876–2026)