A heartbroken congregation in the centre of Radstock say a review of the Trinity Methodist group locally, which consists of two Churches in Westfield and Radstock, could mean the potential loss of one.

With an estimated combined congregation of just 53, it is reportedly becoming difficult to keep both buildings open. Based in the heart of the town on Radstock’s main street, the large church is thought to have been built in the early 1900s and has been part of the community ever since.

Pre-pandemic, the Church was hosting a regular coffee bar throughout the week, a lifeline for some who were lonely or isolated, needing to see a friendly face or catch up with friends. Community groups, such as the Brownies and Girls Brigade, the Radstock Knitters, musicians gathering for practice and the Town Council (who met there regularly) were also using the Church and Church hall.

A member of the congregation at Trinity Radstock Methodist Church told The Journal: “Nobody will want their Church to be the one that closes – ours is in the centre of the community of which it serves.

“Should the building close and once Hope House Surgery move in to their new premises, that will be the heart of Radstock ripped out.

“This is more than just numbers attending. Church is more than an hour on a Sunday morning – it is about community. By offering our space to others, they still have contact with the Church, even if they wouldn’t normally come to a Sunday service. It would be a crying shame to have to turn all of these community groups away if we have to close.”

The Revd Martin Slocombe, Minister at Trinity (Radstock & Westfield) Methodist Churches told The Journal: “We are currently undertaking a review of Trinity Methodist Church, and I can confirm that no decisions in regard to the future have yet been made.”