A church has announced the date of its final service and coffee morning.

Chew Moor Methodist Church is to shut after 170 years after it opened its doors.

The historic church will host its final service at 2pm on April 9 – Easter Sunday – and the last coffee morning is to be held on Saturday, March 11.

A statement posted on the noticeboard outside the church read: “The last service here will be held on Easter Sunday, April 9 at 2pm.

“Methodists have worshipped in Chew Moor since John Wesley passed through on his way to Westhoughton in 1785.

READ MORE: Chew Moor Methodist Church to officially close

“This church building has been here since 1865 and was extended in 1927.

“All villagers will be welcome to this last service to celebrate over 230 years of Methodist worship at Chew Moor. There will be refreshments afterwards and a chance to reminisce.”

The Bolton News: The chapel as it used to be before the hall was addedThe chapel as it used to be before the hall was added (Image: Public)

And a further statement on the final coffee morning added: “Out last coffee morning is on Saturday March 11 between 10am and 12pm.

“It would be great to see as many people as possible there.

“The money raised will go to charity. Which one has yet to be decided.”

The numbers of the congregation have dwindled since Covid, with many not returning after the pandemic.

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These days there is an average of around 14 consistent attendees.

Bills have also played a part in the church being forces to close, with the day-to-day running costs and the cost of repairs becoming unsustainable.

Minister and Reverend Hilary Howarth said: “The church, along with many other churches, has struggled since the pandemic and being closed for nearly two years was very difficult.

“People who had been part of the church family before the pandemic didn't come back to church.

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“Lettings too didn't recover so it's been a hard journey.

“The members also haven't got the energy they once had.

“The financial costs are also having a serious impact on the running costs of the church and building repairs, and we are struggling to find people to take on important roles in the church that are required to keep it going.”

Cllr David Wilkinson of Westhoughton South said: "It's very sad. I've been in Chew Moor Methodist Church many times over the years.

"Hopefully the building can be used to benefit the community."