DORSET GARDENS (WESLEYAN) METHODIST CHURCH, 1808-THE PRESENT.
1. CHRONOLOGY
1808
28 August: First building 'Dorset Gardens Wesleyan Methodist Chapel' ('Arminian Chapel') was opened by Rev. Joseph Benson.
1823
First building extended. Greek columns added.
1884
First building demolished. This is an initiative of Rev. Thomas E. Westerdale.
1885
29 June: Second Building 'Dorset Gardens Wesleyan Methodist Chapel' opened by Rev. Frederic Greeves, President of the Conference. Italianate design.
1924
Dorset Gardens becomes the centre for the Dome Mission, under Rev. J. Morris Bold.
1928
Work starts on complete restructuring of Dorset Gardens. All but the sanctuary itself rebuilt or extended onto spare land. The purpose is to create the Mission Headquarters for the 'Dome Mission'.
1930
5 February: The greatly extended Second Building opened by Rev. Dr. J. Scott Lidgett.
2000
Second Building demolished.
2003
5 April: Third Building (current building) opened by Rev. Mary Bailey (previous Minister), Preacher Rev. Dr. Colin Morris. For the first time in its history, a new building or major extension was opened debt-free.
2. DOME MISSION
1908
Founded by Rev. E. Aldom French, Minister at Norfolk Road Wesleyan Methodist Church, Brighton.
1914
Dome Mission closed during War.
1921
Dome Mission re-started. Rev. J. Morris Bold Minister specifically of the Dome Mission.
1924
Dome Mission based at Dorset Gardens. Rev. Bold Minister both at Dorset Gardens and the Dome Mission. Congregation 1,500-2,500. Often 2,500, plus overflow of some hundreds in WWII under the ministry of Rev. George H. Simpson
1970's
To 1990's. Gradual decline of Dome congregation. Dome Mission ceases 1990's.
For most of the rest of the century the Dome Mission played a very important part of the town's life. E.G. Remembrance Day, Celebrity Carol Services, etc.
3. MINISTERS SINCE 1948
1948 - 1953 Revd Frederick Pratt Green
1953 - 1967 Revd Dr. Leslie Newman
1967 - 1975 Revd Frank Thewlis
1975 - 1981 Revd Dr. R. John Tudor
1981 - 1986 Revd Charles Banks
1986 - 1994 Revd Peter W. Shilling
1994 - 2002 Revd Mary Bailey
2002 - 2012 Revd Cynthia Park
2012 - 2017 Revd Robin Selmes
2017 - 2023 Revd Deborah Cornish
2023 - Present Revd Andy Lowe
Michael R. Hickman
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