Saltash Wesley church has been celebrating the l0th anniversary of its new building.

Methodism first came to Saltash in the late l8th century when the first church was built in Lower Fore Street on a site that become the old Masonic Hall. Later the congregation moved up town to a new church on the site of Speedy-print and the Post office, but the church was bombed during the war which saw a move to a new building situated on the site of Well Park. In l987 the fast deteriorating state of this property prompted the re-building of the present new church, situated on the corner of the old site. It was opened in January l990 after a fund-raising campaign.

The anniversary celebra-tions began with a com-memoration service led by two people who led the original service ten years ago - local MP Colin Breed and Rev Amos Cresswell, then the chairman of the Methodist district, now retired. They were accompanied by church organist, Phil Taylor, Chris Gittins on piano and Wesley's own orchestra. During the service Mr Taylor was presented with a gift from the congregation to mark his 30 years as organist at the church. Later the congregation met again for a faith tea and looked at a display of photographs and newspaper cuttings, put together by church stewards to depict the last decade. At the end of the meal a cake, made by Betty Alford, was cut by Betty and Mr Breed.

The 6.30pm service was led by Superintendent minister Rev Ian Souter, who took a Songs of Praise service - interviewing church members and inviting them to choose their favourite hymn. Cliff Stephens, the church historian, spoke about the early Methodist church in town; Clare Hyde described how Saltash Wesley is like a big family; lay preacher Bob Mahy talked about his experiences in Taisei in France; senior steward Margaret Holley talked of stewarding; Mary Sheaff described her childhood as a daughter of two Chinese missionaries; Mr Taylor spoke of his life of music in the church, and Mr Breed highlighted the re-development and the example set by his father-in-law, Ron Courtier.