Methodism in Pinner

The earliest evidence of the Pinner Methodist community church holding 'cottage meetings' dates back to 1828, which was 37 years after the death of the Rev’d John Wesley. This cottage, or 'barn,' was part of a farm located on Westend Lane near Water Lane, later known as Chapel Lane, where the upper floors were converted into a chapel used for worship services by Methodists.

The community church was part of the Windsor and Maidenhead Wesleyan Circuit, which held its first service in 1829. Early preachers faced challenges gaining access to the cottage, as ministers would often ride through the ‘mob’ that regularly attempted to disrupt the worship services.

In 1844, the first Pinner Methodist Chapel was built near the cottage. The road was eventually renamed Chapel Lane, as a community church was established next to the Methodist Chapel, offering worship services to the local residents.

The arrival of the Metropolitan railway in 1885 posed a significant challenge for the chapels in the area, including the Pinner Methodist Chapel, which was located precariously close to the embankment and faced frequent flooding. The Baptist Chapel had to relocate to another site due to the railway's impact on the community. Additionally, the Pinner Methodist had to endure further disruptions from steam trains passing by when the railway line was extended to Rickmansworth in 1887, affecting their worship services.

Eventually, the chimney of the community church came crashing down, causing damage to the chapel and making it unusable. As a result, worship services were held at the famous “Cocoa Tree Restaurant” at the top of the High Street. In 1917, a new Pinner Methodist school chapel was built in Love Lane, using materials salvaged from Chapel Lane.

The chapel was enlarged in 1926 and is now the Church Hall, serving as a vital space for the Pinner Methodist community church and its worship services.

In October 1936, the foundation stone was laid for the present community church, which serves as the Pinner Methodist location for worship services.

The Pinner Methodist community church was officially opened on May 22nd, 1937, by Lady Tudor Walters, marking the beginning of a place for worship services.

Many changes have taken place since then at the Pinner Methodist community church, with the most significant being the major development of opening out the front of the building in 2008 to create the Foyer, enhancing our worship services.