Blyth Zion Methodist New Connexion Church

Historical images of the New Connexion Zion Church, Waterloo Road, Blyth, Northumberland, together with some celebratory moments in its history and impact. Later known as Zion Methodist Church . the congregation still evokes personal memories for many.

Above are interior and exterior pictures of Zion Methodist Church, in Waterloo Road, Blyth, Northumberland. It was opened on September 6, 1866 and known then as the New Connexion Church. That particular denomination was formed in 1797 by secession from the Wesleyan Methodists, and merged in 1907 with the Bible Christian Church and the United Methodist Free Churches to form the United Methodist Church ( Wikipedia).

The church building with spire was a well-recognised landmark in central Blyth, being adjacent to the market-place. In 1900, a congregation enjoyed a recital on the newly installed ( £300 ) organ. Later the impact of Zion’s ministry was felt as far away as Vancouver , British Columbia, Canada through the life of Reverend Charles Montgomery Tate who passed in 1933.

The Centenary celebrations of Zion occurred between October 2nd and 9th, 1966 with many clergy and members in attendance. My many thanks to Gordon Smith of the Blyth Local History Society for information and images.

I attended Zion from approximately 1955 to 1960. I was involved in Sunday School and Youth Club. I pumped the bellows ( behind the organ loft ) to provide wind for the organ during some Weddings. Sadly, the church was demolished around 1973 or soon afterward .