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Methodism, particularly of the Primitive strand, has traditionally been strong in North Staffordshire, and there is evidence of a Primitive Methodist presence in the Higherland from 1817. The present site had a chapel built in 1823, and the original deeds were signed by Hugh Bourne.
[ Click to enlarge images ]
The schoolrooms were added in 1836: the Methodist links with all aspects of education being integral to our faith.
By 1855, the congregation had outgrown the chapel, which was extended outwards and upwards to the present façade.
 
The site had many minor changes, including ‘temporary’ huts, and saw use as home to a school for a short time;
but by the 1980’s was in need of major works to fit the Church for its contemporary use. A major project – A.R.C.H. –
[Alteration and Redevelopment Campaign at Higherland] was instigated, with nearly all of the expertise in-house.
 The chapel was ‘moved’ to the upstairs, whilst the downstairs was converted into offices and meeting rooms including a coffee-bar. The chapel was designed to have nothing permanently fixed – to allow a flexibility of worship still enjoyed today – but retaining many of the features valued by the congregation. The schoolrooms were made into upper and lower halls for sports, catering, Boys’ Brigade / Girls’ Brigade and Youth Club activities, and other events, with kitchens and services [food prep room, garages, lift and disabled facilities] added.
The A.R.C.H. project was ‘completed’ in 1997 – the inverted commas are to indicate that the philosophies which underpinned the project are still current. In fact further alterations continue to be made: in 2009 we built over one of the original balcony stairs to accommodate a worship-band, and we will continue to respond to worship needs as they present themselves.
We are proud of our heritage, yet the bricks and mortar are important only to facilitate our worship and service to the community.
Mission Statement
We have no 'official' mission statement: Jesus told his followers to go and make disciples - what further mission statement do we need? Similarly, his comment that the service we give to others is done for him also underpins our commitment to him. We admit our failings and weaknesses, and with the Spirit's prompting, seek to extend God's kingdom in this small part of his creation.
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Mission Statement and mini history |
