The MP was among around 150 people who turned out listen to the guest preacher The Revd Howard Sharp, back in the bosom of the Jewry Street congregation which he very much built.
The United Church was formed in 974 as the Winchester Methodist churches in Parchment Street and St Peter Street began to work closely with the United Reformed Church in Jewry Street. After lengthy discussions led by the ministers, the Revd Wallace White (Methodist) and the Revd David James (URC), the congregations resolved to unite in one set of premises.
The Jewry Street building was chosen both as the largest of the three, and also in view of its position which could make it more effective in connecting with the life of the city. A key aspect of the agreement was to seek a redevelopment of the building, which after several false starts and much negotiation and fund-raising, finally happened in 1989–91.
Steve Brine said: "We were delighted to be asked along this morning, and it was great to see our Mayor, Cllr Eileen Berry, alongside a number of former ministers and members of The United Church.
"The United Church is a great example of unity being strength, and this is a church that seems very strong. I wish it all the best for the next 40 years!"
Photo courtesy of Alan Rickman
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