Horndon-on-the-Hill Methodist Church

The story of Methodism goes back to at least until 1850 when one women started delivering religious tracts. The first meetings go back to 1866 and in 1885 the first weatherboard building was constructed. An account of the opening service was included in the Grays and Tilbury Gazette on 26 September 1885 – "The village was without any place of worship other than the church (Parish) until recently, when a small house was set apart for worship by the Stanford Wesleyans."

In 1890 the present Chapel in the High Road was built at a cost of £310. The initial membership was 9. By 1911 there were two services on a Sunday, now there is just the one at 10.30 a.m. In 1950 the Chapel had debts of £87, the building was in fairly poor repair and there were doubts as whether the Chapel could continue. Ron Hodgson and Charles Key who both worshipped at the Stanford-le-Hope Methodist Church were asked to help keep the work in the village going.It still is.In 1963 a Youth Hall was opened which is still used and also available to the local community.

One of the biggest events in recent years has been the Village Feast and Fayre, when many hundreds of visitors visit the village, which is closed off for the weekend, we have a Flower Festival and various exhibitions in the Chapel. This gives us the opportunity to meet and witness to our visitors. Throughout this weekend, on the last Saturday and Sunday in June, we serve refreshments in the Hall as well as having a large sale of goods in the car park, both of which gives us the chance to raise much needed funds. We are grateful to our friends from other churches who come and help us.

We have short and to the point Mission Statement:

• We provide warm fellowship in the name of Jesus Christ and worshipcenteredon the power of the Holy Spirit.
• We seek to spread the Good News of salvation throughout this community by worshipping, witnessing and working together.
• We aim to lead lives that reflect God's love for everyone.

We have a close connection with a local non-denominational Church, Zion Hall, in Bulphan which meets regularly on a Sunday evening at 6.30 p.m. Some of our members worship at both Churches. We also meet with St. Peter and St. Paul the Parish Church in Horndon-on-the-Hill. The Parish ofHorndon-on-the-Hill,Orsett and Bulphan have a monthly magazine known as HOBNOB.