“Not many URC churches in the West Midlands have celebrated the 300th Anniversary of their building or even the 300th Anniversary of their church but that’s just what the Old Meeting Church Bedworth URC has done. Way back in 1726, a ‘fine, four square building, plain and unadorned’ was erected out of plain sight and very close to the centre of Bedworth.
Now three hundred years old and Grade ll listed, it is the oldest complete building in the town and church members are justly proud of their roots, their heritage and their long history of non-conformity. The building oozes serenity and peace but has witnessed many social upheavals, national emergencies as well as local and family occasions. God’s presence can be felt within its walls and it is impossible to calculate the number of people who have come to worship, have been baptised, married there and whose funerals have taken place there. Many more will have attended Sunday School, belonged to a group or a uniformed organization based there, or attended one of the church’s many social or musical events for which the Old Meeting Church is legendary.
A whole programme of celebratory events began on 1 January at mid-day with a stirring celebration of classical favourites in a New Year’s Day Concert. The concert featured local professional musicians in a programme arranged by Rupert Jeffcoat and featuring local musicians including a brass band and singers. It includes the Blue Danube Waltz, the Radetsky March and other music by Strauss, Elgar’s Land of Hope and Glory, Auld Lang Syne, music by Bedworth composers and much more. It was Bedworth’s own answer to Vienna!
For more details of events taking place during the year contact Lynda Burton, church secretary on 07707093335 or lyndakburton@gmail.com.”