Special Events at Colliery Methodist

Henry Yorke 40 years as a Local Preacher

On 8th of June 2008 Henry was presented with a certificate in recognition of his 40 years of preaching the gospel in the Methodist Church. The presentation was made by the Rev. John Joughin on behalf of SENEA.

Henry started preaching when Miss Jean Anderson, then a member of our church with 20 years preaching experience, started a Mission Band and three young people prepared a five-minute talk/sermon for a youth service being held here at Colliery. Jean encouraged Henry from this one step to take up preaching and the rest as they say is history.
Jean herself celebrates 60 years of preaching later this year.

Jean Anderson 60 Years as a Local Preacher

In 1945 Jean was given a "Note to Preach" to accompany Mr I. Atkinson in the Blyth & Seaton Delaval Circuit. 1948 saw Jean recognized as a fully Accredited Local Preacher
In 1951/2 the circuit boundaries were changed and Bedlington Colliery Church came into the Morpeth & Bedlington Circuit where Jean continued to preach and becoming a Lay worker in the early 1980's.
In 1990 Jean moved to Kilsyth in the Glasgow Circuit and continues to preach there.

George Anderson 60 Years as a Church Organist.

In 1948 George became the organist at Clayton Street Methodist Church where he served until 1957. When his father retired as the organist here at Colliery, George took over as the organist and choir master where the Church Choir under his direction still enhances worship each Sunday.
He is well known in the local music circles and twice a year his augmented choir performs special music for the holy seasons.