A Methodist church on the Lizard Peninsula is to close this summer in a decision that has left leaders "deeply saddened."

At a meeting of the Meneage Methodist Church Council at the start of the month it was agreed to close the church at the end of August.

The chapel building itself, between St Martin and Manaccan, has not been used regularly for some time, with Sunday services being held in the adjacent hall.

Now, as of September onwards, no services will be held there at all, although it is hoped that the midweek community activities such as the weekly parent and toddler group, pilates sessions and fortnightly 'Bits and Bobbins' craft group will continue to be able to meet there after consultation with the Methodist circuit, and even extend in the future with perhaps a lunch club.

In a letter to church members explaining the decision, Rev Diane Grice said: "After a considerable amount of time spent discussing the various options and proposals for the future, the church council made the hard decision and voted, by majority, to close Meneage Methodist Church.

"This will mean that each church member can then decide, after they have had a period of time to find a spiritual home and fellowship in another chapel, where to transfer their membership to."

Announcing the news on the Meneage Methodist Church and Community Facebook, the church council added: "We are deeply saddened that Meneage Methodist Church is to close, but give thanks for the opportunity that lies before us."

A final service of thanksgiving will be held in August, on a date still to be confirmed, before the church closes at the end of the Methodist year, on August 31.

The building and its assets will transfer to the Lizard and Mounts Bay Methodist Church Circuit.

The congregations of St Martin and Manaccan combined to become the Meneage Methodist Church in 2008, following the closure of St Martin Chapel.

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