A CHURCH with a 122-year history in Bolton closed its doors for the final time — before reopening further down the road.

Chorley Old Road Methodist Church, which has been home to North Bolton Methodist Mission for years, is moving to the new £1.5 million Triangle Community Methodist Church.

The new church is about to open on the site of the former Delph Hill Methodist Church in Chorley Old Road and is a combination of four churches — Astley Bridge, Chorley Old Road, Delph Hill and Halliwell.

The Rev Hilary Howarth conducted at Chorley Old Road Methodist Church’s last service on Sunday when about 150 congregation members exchanged memories.

Stuart Whittle, church member, said: “It was a day for celebration and optimism.”

For two years all four churches have been worshipping together at Chorley Old Road while waiting for the new building to be built.

Mr Whittle added: “Having been christened, brought up, married and had my own children christened there, the church is full of happy and powerful memories which will live with me forever.”

The Rev Howarth has just arrived as minister for the new Triangle Church and said: “I am delighted to join this church at such a special time.

“The members have worked exceptionally hard to turn their vision into reality and we now look forward to a bright future serving the community in this area.”

The first service at the new church will be on Sunday, and the official opening, by the president of the Methodist Conference, the Rev Ken Howcroft, will take place on Sunday, November 2. Both services start at 10.30am and there will be an extra Songs Of Praise-style service at 6.30pm on November 2.

An open day will be held on Saturday, November 1, from 10.30am to 2.30pm, when visitors will be able to take a look at the facilities including the new coffee lounge. They will be able to enjoy live music and hear about all the activities on offer.