Places of Worship
As the only place of worship in the Parish of Preston Brook, the Methodist Chapel plays a key role in the community. All Saints Church can be found in the neighbouring village of Daresbury.
Methodist Chapel, Preston-On-The-Hill
Welcome to Preston on the Hill Methodist Chapel. My name is Rev Juliet Wriglesworth and I’ve been the minister here at the chapel for two years. Arriving new to the area I received a warm welcome from the folks here. In the first few months I had to complete an Orientation Project on Preston on the Hill. Did you know for instance that the name of the village is derived from ‘Priest on the Hill?’ Very appropriate, though I don’t actually live in the village!
We have a set pattern of worship through the year. From October to March Sunday worship takes place at 3.00pm. From April to September this moves to 6.15pm. Every Tuesday from October to March, Christian Endeavour, a weekly fellowship group, meets from 2.00pm for about an hour. On the second Saturday in the month there is a Coffee Morning from 10-12pm.
The history of Methodism at Preston Brook dates back at least to 1764. The Methodist people met first in a small house and then moved to a larger one on the site of the current church building in Preston on the Hill. It was at this house that John Wesley, one of the founders of the Methodist movement, came to preach, firstly on the 7th April 1781, then on the 12th May 1783.
In the early nineteenth century, Preston on the Hill felt the full effects of a religious revival. A bigger building was needed. In 1819 a new church was built on Aston Lane. Some members felt this was too far to travel, so they continued to meet in the old house. This group joined with the Society of Primitive Methodists and in 1823, Preston Brook became one of the circuits of the Primitives. Mission bands were sent out from the village as far as Ireland.
In 1882, the new church was built at Preston on the Hill. It was designed to accommodate 170 people, with a school room at the side of the chapel. Work with children had started in 1880, with seventeen regular attendees. By the time the chapel opened in 1882, there were ninety. Sadly, by 1980, the Sunday school was closed, due to lack of children in the vicinity.
In 1932 the chapel became part of the Runcorn Methodist Circuit. In 1970 the Runcorn Development Corporation compulsory purchased the Aston Lane Methodist Church. Most of the members transferred their membership to Preston on the Hill church. In 1975, the chapel was altered to its current design. The current membership live in the surrounding villages, with three living in Preston on the Hill itself.
The Methodist chapel is now the only place of worship for the two villages and also for Dutton. I am always open to discussing requests for baptisms, weddings and funerals. There are currently two community groups using the chapel, a band and the local historical society. We are always open to discussing room bookings.
All Saints Church Daresbury
Serving Daresbury, Hatton, Moore, Preston Brook & Sandymoor.
Set deep in the Cheshire countryside lies the village of Daresbury well known for it's connection with Alice in Wonderland. At the centre of the village is All Saints Church that was built around 1870, the first stone church was built on the same site around 1550. Inside this beautiful Church are the stained glass Lewis Carroll Memorial Windows, a must for visitors.
You will always receive a warm welcome at Services. The Church is open to visitors and coach parties can be accommodated. Visit the Daresbury Church website.