BEN RHYDDING METHODIST CHURCH, ILKLEY

Early day motion 1611, tabled 8 June 2009 by Ann Cryer (Labour). Signed by 33 members.

That this House congratulates Ben Rhydding Methodist Church on the centenary of the opening of the church building which took place on 10 June 1909 and on the celebration of the opening on 14 June 2009; acknowledges that during the past 100 years this church has been a spiritual focus providing worship, fellowship and mission for the local community; notes that subsequently its ancillary buildings have provided accommodation for members' use and for many other organisations providing a valuable, much appreciated local amenity; recalls that Methodism came to the village in the 1880s when members met in the kitchen of the local farmhouse; and recognises that the present generation continues to benefit from the determination, foresight and skills of those people who designed and built this lovely church 100 years ago, and from those who have fostered the Christian witness in the area for 100 years.

Signatures by party: Labour 21, Liberal Democrat 7, Conservative 3, DUP 1, Independent 1.