Church could be demolished as parishioners look to modernise (From Sutton Guardian)

Wallington Methodist Church could be demolished

1:40pm Thursday 20th September 2012 in News By James Pepper

Parishioners are considering knocking down their 104-year-old church.

Wallington Methodist Church, in Beddington Gardens, could be demolished as part of plans to redevelop the site for a new church building.

No formal planning documents have yet been submitted to the council, but the proposals emerged after the church objected to plans to protect a beech tree in its grounds, because it could restrict any redevelopment of the site.

The church was built in 1908 after relocating from Clyde Road and was a replacement for its corrugated iron predecessor which was turned into a hall.

Reverend of the Church, Julie Underwood, said the church is looking to improve what it offers its congregation, and one way of doing that could be demolishing and redeveloping the site.

She added: "Wallington Methodist Church is a growing community of Christians who are keen to serve their neighbours as best they can. We are currently exploring better ways to do this, including improving the facilities offered to the local neighbourhood.

"One option under consideration is the redevelopment of some of our buildings and the present site. The church council has approved this option for consideration and we are now in the process of exploring this further."

In 1908 the congregation topped 50 people but hit its peak of 400 people in the 1960s and 70s.

Since then, the church has tried to cater for a wider audience, and has seen a growing mix of nationalities through its doors.