The Congregationalist and Methodist Union

Extract from Faringdon United Church It’s History. Written to commemorate the Dedication of the New Church, 1^st March 1975. Author unknown

The Congregationalist and Methodist Union

Informal conversations in January 1968, between the Methodist minister, the Rev Norman Baker, and the Congregationalist minister, the Rev Leonard Waters, concerning the future of both churches in Faringdon, made it plain that neither church could hope to maintain a minister for much longer in separation, and that there could be much good derived from a unions of the churches.

Deacons and others were also thinking along similar lines, and some felt it important to include the Baptists friends in discussions. After monthly united services had begun, the Baptists friends were invited to share the talks. Constitutions from other united churches were studied, and a first draft prepared for the Faringdon union. An official negotiating Committee was formed from the three churches to carry the matter further.

It soon became clear that denominational differences regarding the ministry existed. The Methodists would have to remain part of the Circuit; the Congregationalists were prepared to accept this, but the Baptists were reluctant. Their plan of having two ministers, a Baptists or Congregationalist sharing with a Methodist, was acceptable to all but financially impossible. At this stage the Baptists friends withdrew.

The Constitution was redrafted, and the long process of acceptance by the church courts began.

In July 1969, the Congregational minister left for another appointment and was not replaced. In September 1969, indications from Congregational District and the Methodist Circuit being favourable, it was agreed to administer both churches through a Church Meeting, and a Council consisting of deacons and leaders, from the beginning of October. Three months trial worship in each set of premises was agreed.

Continual revisions of the Constitution was being made, as required by the higher courts of the churches, and it was finally accepted by both denominations in July 1970.

The Faringdon United Church was formally instituted on 3^rd October 1970 in an inspiring service conducted by the Rev Frank Griffiths, Secretary of the Berkshire, South Oxon and South Buckinghamshire Congregational Union, and the Rev WF Hewitson, Chairman of the Oxford and Leicester District of the Methodist Church. In that service the Congregationalists received Methodists into their membership, and in a similar way the Methodists received the Congregationalists.

From that time all members of the Faringdon United Church have held dual membership, a privilege much treasured, and shared by all who become members of that church. The Faringdon United Church goes on from strength to strength.

We were participants in the Congregational and Presbyterian union of October 1972 which formed the United Reformed Church, so that our official title is now amended to the Faringdon United Church (United Reformed and Methodist)