About Us
about our church
St Ives Methodist Church
We are a church family of all ages that want to make a difference by living out God’s love in worship, mission & in service to each other and our community.
The Church building has ramps at both the front entrance and at the rear entrance near the Church car park, whilst the side (Community) entrance is on level ground.
A wheel chair is available at the Community entrance and there is a stair lift for access to the upstairs Meeting Room. A loop system for people with hearing aids is available in every room.
The car park at the rear of the building has 2 spaces allocated for people with disabilities. Parking for other vehicles is only available for evening and weekend events. A large public car park, ‘The Globe Place’ car park, is situated close by in West Street. The car park is Pay and Display 8am – 6pm Monday to Saturday, or free during evenings and on Sundays.
For more information, please contact us by clicking here.
History of the Church
The history of the church can be traced back to 1784 when early meetings took place in a member’s house. This quickly progressed to meeting in a barn for worship, and in 1815 – over 30 years after the first meetings – members were able to complete the building of a Chapel in the town.
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Throughout the nineteenth century the church building was altered and improved to serve the growing membership. This included enlarging the vestry, adding a porch and replacing the organ.
A new chapel was built in 1905, taking the church into the twentieth century in modern new premises. During both world wars the church was used to maximum benefit of the local community as a Red Cross Hospital.
A complete refurbishment took place in 1997 following a fire the year before. A centenary celebration of the building took place in 2005. The church building will continue to develop and evolve to serve the needs of members as they strive to serve the name of Jesus in the town of St Ives.
In 2015 the congregation celebrated 200 years of Methodism in St Ives and embarked on a major refurbishment, aptly named ‘Project 200’, to improve the premises for current and future use.
Through a combination of grants and local generosity, we were able to install a new energy-efficient heating system and make the building more accessible to all, as well as incorporating environmental ideals and the creative arts.
We now have a base for innovative worship, hospitality, outreach and support for the whole community.
St Ives Methodist Church Heritage: 1815 to 1904 and 1905 to present
We feel that it is important to preserve the history of the church for future generations. Therefore, in 2018, the Heritage Group at SIMC set about collating the many loose pages, papers, photographs etc held in our Church Archives.
The information has now been organised and categorised into approximately 20 lever-arch files, kept safe and clean in punched plastic pockets. This will enable people to read the information as if they were reading a history book.
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Information available in the files covers many aspects of church life, for example:
- Church Family (mainly photographs)
- Important events (e.g. the fire of 10th January 1996)
- Various Church Groups (e.g. Men’s Club, Open Circle, Open Door, Afternoon Fellowship)
- Copies of original property deeds, plans etc.
- P200 renovation project: 2015 – 2021
The Heritage Group is also updating the St Ives Methodist Church History Book, as well as researching the names on various plaques within the Church. We are still finding out new and interesting facts about the Church’s History. For example, in 1902, the church bought a plot of land which stretched from The Waits to West Street. It included several tenements at the back – where the Church car park is now- and two cottages at the front (numbers 2 and 3 The Waits, which were sold in 1942).
In recent years, we have participated in September National Heritage Weekends. For example, we arranged exhibitions on a variety of themes, such as Women in Methodism, Children in Methodism, and the back stories of names inscribed on the 1914/1918 World War I plaque.
We also have several items of interest including the original ‘silver key’ (the ceremonial key used to open the Church in 1905), medals, badges, trophies and other memorabilia.
All the interesting Heritage information about St Ives Methodist Church has now been put on display in a purpose-built cabinet in the Church. It means anyone visiting the Church will be able to see it.
For more information, or if you have any queries about this article, please email us by clicking here.
Staff and Leadership Team
Rev Nick Witham
Minister
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On a sunny day I’ll be playing cricket, watching football or any other sport I can get to go and see.
On a rainy Monday I’m watching TV, reading a book or re-watching highlights of Crystal Palace’s last match (hopefully having watched from the stand at whatever ground they have just played).
At home, I love being in touch with family – both kids have left home now….but great to connect with them and our two grandchildren.
On a desert island I would need a big supply of Earl Grey tea and Sky Sports.
If you would like to contact Rev Nick please email us by clicking here.
When it comes to Faith, I believe that God is with us always and is able to make a difference.
Dan Buddle
Leadership team
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On a sunny day I will set-up the paddling pool for our four children (and sometimes the dog), light the BBQ and invite our family round to share in the enjoyment.
On a rainy Monday I would be teaching my year six class who would probably be far too full of energy after a wet break and a wet lunch stuck indoors.
At home I am never bored. Whether it is putting the baby down for a nap, walking the dog, playing computer games with our eldest son, playing animals and reading with our eldest daughter or playing cars and play-fighting with our youngest son, there is always plenty to do; sometimes there is even time for reading a newspaper.
On a desert island I would greatly appreciate having my guitar and a good catalogue of rock and metal to listen to (the entire back catalogue of Kansas would be essential to this collection as well as a good amount of nu-metal and progressive metal from the 00s.)
When it comes to Faith, each day I relish the sense of awe, wonder and privilege I feel from getting to be a small part of God’s universe. From the complexity of cells to the immensity of galaxies, how fortunate I am to be part of the cosmos and how blessed I am to have God’s love and forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
Rosemary Pike
Leadership Team
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On a sunny day I like to be outside, reading and relaxing.
On a rainy Monday I would be getting the domestic chores completed
At home to relax I spend time communicating with my family and friends. I like to listen to Premier Christian Radio as well as reading.
On a desert island, I would like my reading glasses and bible, plus a source of water and food
When it comes to faith, I believe I am made by God’s design and it is my pleasure and passion to remain true to Him and to stand firm on His word.
Joy Hadley
Leadership Team
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Joy is one of the Leadership Team.
On a sunny day I am out in the garden or going for a walk, preferably down by the river in St Ives.
On a rainy Monday morning I enjoy catching up with emails on the computer or planning our next trip to visit friends in France
At home, I like to read crime novels or play puzzle-solving games on the computer. I like crossword puzzles but not the cryptic ones!
On a desert island I would be building a tree house and putting up a hammock
When it comes to Faith, I know that God is always with me, by my side or sometimes behind me when I need a nudge to accept new challenges.
ELAINE WITHAM
Children and Families Worker/Leadership Team
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I have been a Children and Families Worker for nearly six years now here in St. Ives Methodist Church and absolutely love my job. I try keep our Minister in order too!
I have two Grandchildren who I adore and I love my daily chats on facetime with them. I love family time especially when my daughter and son come home with their partners and we have lots of fun especially playing board games.
On a sunny day you will find me in the garden – I love watching and feeding the birds – not too keen on weeding and my dream is to have a pet pig. After a stressful day there is nothing better to do then a 1000/2000 piece jigsaw – love the challenge and time just flies by. I do like to do the “Take a Break” crosswords too and would love to win one week!
On a desert Island I would take with me a group of pigs, a pile of Take a Breaks and chocolate oranges.
When it comes to faith I know God has always been there for me throughout my life. I aim
to show God’s love throughout the children and families work for them to know the love he has given me.
Jodie Buddle
Leadership Team
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On a sunny day you will find me driving to Norfolk to let my four children and utterly enormous dog have a long run on the beach.
On a rainy Monday I will be watching a movie and eating biscuits under a blanket with my youngest.
At home I love to make family home-movies to look back on, relax with a good book or bake some cookies for the family.
On a desert island I would need a Kirk Franklin gospel playlist, some family photo albums and YouTube so I could watch TimTracker Disney vlogs.
When it comes to faith I have seen God move so powerfully in my life when I least expected it… I have found my greatest joy in coming to know Him and His love, mercy and grace that it has become my passion to support others to find Him and continue their journey with Him by their side.
The SIMC Banner
This beautiful banner was crafted by Gail Lowther.
At the centre of the banner is the cross representing the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We have the font and the dove reminding us that Jesus was baptised In the River Jordan by John the Baptist. The Holy Spirit alighted on him in the form of a dove. We also have the bread and the wine reminding us of the last supper Jesus shared with the disciples.
At the top of the banner we have the river bridge with the chapel at the centre. The river with rushes and swans. The boat recognises the importance of the river for trading. The prosperity of the town in the past was based on the large market and on the cargo brought down the river to St Ives by barge. The field with corn represents the farming in the area, both arable and horticultural.
At the top left of the banner we have John Wesley, who came to St Ives to preach in 1774. The people first worshipped in the home of Elizabeth Asplin and then in a barn behind East Street. The first Methodist Church shown here was opened in 1815. The present Methodist Church was opened in 1905. The stone for this church was brought down the river from Norfolk on the last barge to make the journey. The flames remind us that there was a fire in 1996. It almost destroyed the church building. It burnt up much of the inside of the building, including the organ. From the heat, desolation and dirt a butterfly rose from the ashes and was seen to fly up into the air. It was amazing that it had lived, it gave everyone hope for the future.
St Ives has been a thriving market town with animals and other produce being brought from vast distances to be sold. On the banner we see the market traders of today with people of all ages buying from a wide variety of stalls
We have two important bible stories here, Jesus the Good Shepherd and the Parable of the Sower. These two accounts remind us of our responsibility in terms of spreading God’s word, and loving, guiding, supporting and caring for others. We have the hymn ‘Love Divine Loves Excelling’ by John Wesley.
At the bottom to the right, we have hands reaching up, some will be joyfully praising, God, other hands may be reaching out for help. So let us show love and care for others as we.
Sing to God’s Glory, and make His love known
Find Us
You will find St Ives Methodist Church in a beautiful part of the town called ‘The Waits’ not far from the town centre and situated next to the river.
The Church, unfortunately, does not have enough parking for everyone during most weekdays on the premises. But do not fear, there is an all day public car park not far away.
When leaving the Globe Place car park, cross West Street and head right until you come to the back of the Church with the big sign saying ‘St Ives Methodist Church’. Head down the side of the church where you will find our entrance and a cup of tea or coffee!
From previous experiences of visitors getting lost trying to find us, the following routes avoid the one-way system in St Ives around which the sat nav will try to direct you. We look forward to seeing you!
From the A1123 (Ely direction)
Once you have travelled through the villages of Earith and Bluntisham the next stop is St Ives. Now go straight ahead at the next three roundabouts. At the final roundabout you will see the BP garage as you approach it. You are now on St Audrey’s Lane. Stay on this road and take the 2nd left into Pig Lane (after the pelican crossing). Continue down this road to the T-junction at the end with West Street. You will see the Globe Place car park on your right. Turn right onto West Street and you will see the entrance to the car park a little way down on the right (charges apply except for Bank Holidays and Sundays)
From the A14
From the North:
On leaving the A1307, join the A1096 (London Road) towards St Ives. After 1.75km, carry straight on over the roundabout (Harrison Way) and also at the following roundabout (you will see the river and the old town of St Ives to your left). Continue along this ring road and take the 1st exit at the next two roundabouts ( as you approach the 2nd roundabout, you will see Morrisons to your right and Costa Coffee, Subway and McDonalds to your left). Carry on a short distance to the final roundabout (Tesco Express will be on your left and the BP garage will be facing you). Take the first exit off this roundabout onto St Audrey Lane. Stay on this road and take the 2nd left into Pig Lane (after the pelican crossing). Continue down this road to the T-junction at the end with West Street. You will see the Globe Place car park on your right. Turn right onto West Street and you will see the entrance to the car park a little way down on the right (charges apply except for Bank Holidays and Sundays)
From the South:
On leaving the A1307, take the 1st exit at the immediate roundabout towards St Ives (A1096). After 1.75km, carry straight on over the roundabout (Harrison Way) and also at the following roundabout (you will see the river and the old town of St Ives to your left). Continue along this ring road and take the 1st exit at the next two roundabouts ( as you approach the 2nd roundabout, you will see Morrisons to your right and Costa Coffee, Subway and McDonalds to your left). Carry on a short distance to the final roundabout (Tesco Express will be on your left and the BP garage will be facing you). Take the first exit off this roundabout onto St Audrey Lane. Stay on this road and take the 2nd left into Pig Lane (after the pelican crossing). Continue down this road to the T-junction at the end with West Street. You will see the Globe Place car park on your right. Turn right onto West Street and you will see the entrance to the car park a little way down on the right (charges apply except for Bank Holidays and Sundays)
From the Fens or Huntingdon
From the Hartford roundabout as you leave Huntingdon, take the A1123 (Houghton Road) which will take you into St Ives after a few miles. You will arrive at a crossroads with traffic lights and a Shell Garage on your right. Turn right at the traffic lights onto Ramsey Road. When you pass a fire station on the left take the next left turn onto North Road. This road will take you along the back of Globe Place car park. At the end of North Road, turn right onto Broad Leas, then right onto West Street where you will find the entrance to the car park
St Ives Methodist Church
27 The Waits, St Ives, PE27 5BY