Re-Dedication of Wesley Memorial Methodist Church Halls after £400,000 Face lift.

In 1742 John Wesley preached on the fellside at Chowdene, south of Gateshead. 12 years later, in 1754 the first Methodist preaching house in Co. Durham (and only the second in the North) was built there by the local baker, William Bell. 251 years later the present day Methodist congregation re-dedicated their halls and meeting rooms, which have been modernised at a cost of £409,000.

Circuit Superintendent Tony Farrar said; "The buildings were last extended and modernised in 1910 at a cost of £2,500. By the '90s it was obvious that a major update was well overdue but that it would, of course, be much, much more expensive. In 1997 an appeal was launched by one of my predecessors, Rev'd Tom Duerden. Since then the people of Wesley have worked hard to realise the dream of premises suitable for a new millennium."
Property Secretary Jim Hart adds, "We had hoped that the work would be completed in time for our 250th Anniversary last year, but I think everyone will agree that the extra wait has been worthwhile. Now we want to ensure that the local community really benefit from our revitalised building."
Wesley Memorial, built on a hillside overlooking the main road into Gateshead and Newcastle from the south, is a Grade 2 listed building, which obviously meant the proposed work had to be both of a high standard and in keeping with the rest of the site. The architect chosen was Christopher Downs, who, as Durham Diocesan Architect is used to sensitive projects. The new amenities include: a ramp to a new entrance door and foyer giving access to the lower hall: a new staircase incorporating a wheelchair lift giving easy access to all three levels of the building: kitchens in both the main and upper halls with a coffee bar in the lower hall: fully accessible toilets on all levels; whilst the alleyway between the church and the hall has been enclosed with a conservatory-style roof to form a comfortable room.
The service of dedication, on Saturday 9th April 2005, was conducted by the Reverends Tony Farrar and Frank Sykes, with the sermon delivered by the Chair of the Newcastle District, Leo Osborn. The local MP, Miss Joyce Quinn, a friend of Wesley who is standing down at this election, was in attendance, as were the Mayor of Gateshead, Miss Pat Ronan & the Mayoress, Mrs Sylvia Coates, together with local Councillors and several former Ministers of Wesley Memorial and local clergy.