THE commentary from the 1966 world cup which the England team won was the theme of the last service at Falmouth Methodist church before it is handed over to developers.
Nearly 200 people crammed into the church for a service of thanksgiving and hear Rev Andrew Mumford, Superintendent Minister for the Falmouth & Gwennap Methodist Circuit give a sermon referring to the famous line "They think it's all over" but it isn't he said because the congregation would continue to gather elsewhere before they found a new permanent home.
The congregation for the final service at Falmouth Methodist Church
Falmouth mayor Steve Eva was in attendance for the the last time with wife Vicky Eva saying it was a very sad occasion.
He told the Packet: "I attended the last service to be held at the Methodist church on the Moor
"It was a lovely service well attended and also a sad occasion.
"Although I do not myself attend church except in the capacity of council there are many who get great comfort by doing so.
"The history of the church stretches back to the 1700s and survived bombing in WW2 it finally ends life because of on going costs
"I attended Sunday School in the 60s and my children in the 90s and it will be missed by many people including my family."
The building is in the process of being sold to a developer with contracts currently in the process of being exchanged. It is said that the new owner will continue to use the upper floor of the building which contains the church for an community area complete with the church organ, in the first instance.
The congregation for the final service at Falmouth Methodist Church
There was a symbolic handing over items that represented the church including candles, books, a teapot and cups, the altar cross, collection tray and a brass bowl.
Cllr David Saunby who was also in attendance said it was the the end of an era, but a new beginning.
The congregation for the final service at Falmouth Methodist Church
People turned out in force for the last service of thanksgiving, which ironically is closing due to the falling numbers in the congregation meaning it is unsustainable.
The Rev Mumford said he'd had many emails of commiseration including one from Yorkshire who's read about the last service on the Falmouth Packet website.
The congregation for the final service at Falmouth Methodist Church
The building has been the venue for numerous weddings, funerals and events over the years, with the original building on the site dating back to 1791. This was followed by a further building in 1837, with the basis of the existing building completed in 1876, before major reconstruction during the Second World War after it was bombed.
The church has been sold with contracts currently being signed
It was announced last June that the Methodist building in Killigrew Street was to close and be put up for sale.
The church has been sold with contracts currently being signed
At the time Rev Mumford said that in addition to the half a million pounds needs to repair the roof, there was an estimated £1 million needed to make the building fit for purpose, explaining that while the location was "brilliant in some respects", being in the town centre, it also had a lot of shortcomings – not least a lack of parking and poor accessibility.
From Sunday, January 23 the congregration will be worshipping in New Street Hall, behind the Parish Church of King Charles the Martyr.
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