Rievaulx Methodist Church
Rievaulx Methodist Church lies in a beautiful valley landscape in the pretty village of Rievaulx on the banks of the River Rye. The building was opened on Whit Monday 21 May 1877. It serves the villages of Upper Ryedale and the surrounding farms.
Prior to the current building opening, Methodist services were held in a cottage near the Old Mill. This is recorded on the flyleaf of the Pulpit Bible in an inscription "Presented to MRS MARY JOHNSON by her neighbours and friends in acknowledgement of her kindness in providing for many years at great personal inconvenience a place for Wesleyans at Rievaulx to hold their religious services." There is much debate about that use of the phrase "at great personal inconvenience" amongst current Methodists, wondering whether they have always been a boisterous company, making a "joyful noise unto the Lord" and a disturbing influence, and constant challenge to those who demand "peace at any price."
In the mid 1950s the original chapel was extended to include a school room, kitchen and toilet and after much fundraising the new premises opened on Saturday 29th April 1967.
This is a busy and lively church which holds events throughout the year: Christmas Crafts and Coffee Morning, Annual Christmas Barn Service, Carols in the Abbey, and carol singing around all the local villages in December; Soup and Pancake Day in February to raise money for Yorkshire Cancer research; Games Night/Mens Group in March; Messy Church Easter Event, and a Walk of Witness to Rievaulx Abbey in March; Ladies Afternoon Tea event in April; annual Open Air Service in July, Harvest Event with lunch and Harvest Thanksgiving Service in October.
The church meets regularly for worship on a Sunday at 6.30pm and on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month at 10.30am for all age worship. There are a range of mid-week meetings.