This is a potted version of Ropewalk Church's History

On the evening of Sunday, March 6th 1791 a small company of people gathered for worship in the cottage of Dame Gawthorpe in Knottingley and heard the news of John Wesley's death the previous Wednesday. We know that in 1788 there were four members.

The first Methodist Preachers that came to Knottingley in 1784 were ill treated and pelted with mud, but Methodism gained a foothold. The first Chapel was built in 1799 and had seating for 150. New buildings were later erected.

The old Chapel, where many of us worshiped was opened on June 11th 1846. It was a beautiful place, and many of us had sad hearts when its doors closed finally in 1977.

Now to the buildings where today's worship is conducted.

Mainly to the forsight of Rev. Henry Barton, a piece of land was purchased adjoining the Chapel, it's use was to be for a Sunday School. The foundation stone was laid on June 20th 1907 and records show the completed building was opened on the 12th March 1908.

And so we come to our Centenary. 100 years of PRAISE AND PRAYER.

The Church, as it now is, has many other uses, serving our community as best we can. From records we learn "Many sacrifices and labours lay behind the erection of the Sunday School." (Is anything new?) Many are the hearts and hands that still strive and toil, but we aim to keep the spark alive.

On Easter Day March 23rd we CELEBRATED AND DEDICATED a new door - a door of memories. May all who enter, find God's presence and peace, a community who care and as one of our hymns says, a willingness to "GO FORTH AND TELL, OUR DOORS ARE OPENED WIDE".

A warm welcome awaits you.