The society began in 1822 from a petition on behalf of the 'Methodist Society of Colliers in the Forest of Dean' who described the change in men who had come to know God from 'lawless heathen' to men who feared God. The present Church was opened in 1849 as a Wesleyan Church, but kept as the property of Mr Aaron Gould; colliery owner, who provided and paid for a resident preacher. The chapel was described as 'the most beautiful building in Cinderford'. Problems led to its closure in 1873 but it was reopened on the Wesleyan Trust in 1881. It is unusual for a Methodist Church in that it has a number of stained glass windows in memory of various members of local families who supported the church with depictions of some of their interests as well as local scenes. In 2004 Wesley Methodist Church was joined by the Church Road Methodists to become Cinderford Methodist Church. A complete refurbishment of the interior was completed in 2014 which has enhanced not only worship but our ability to reach out to people in the community.
In 2020 the church was purchased by Cinderford Town Council and changed its name to The Wesley Arts & Community Centre. Worship continues in the building on Sundays as well as other key dates in the year.
We have various Worship Resources available for use, please contact the church for more information.
office@gloscircuit.co.uk
01452 415769
By post to:
Gloucestershire Methodist Circuit Office
PO Box 3303
Gloucester
GL1 9JJ