NOSTALGIC memories filled the United Church in Trowbridge on Sunday as one final service was held before the buildings are sold off.

The United Reform Church Synod announced back in December that repair work on the Grade II listed building had become financially unviable and as a result, the congregation have had to temporarily move into the Park Club for Sunday worship.

Retiring Revd David Ellis, 65, who has been at the United Church for five years, said being able to pay farewell to the church building and congregation was a memory he will never forget.

He added: “Personally I wasn’t expecting that many people to come out and say goodbye to me and I felt humbled by that.

“I gave a reflection on my own ministry at the United Church and spoke of some of the things that have happened during it.

“From my point of view, there was a reflective atmosphere on the day and after 41 years in ministry, it was a time to look back on my time and although I am retiring, I’m definitely looking to the future.”

Since the Manvers Street Methodist Church and the Tabernacle Congregational Church joined together in 1968, the United Church building has seen thousands of ceremonies such as weddings, christening and funerals take place within its grounds.

Revd Ellis added while it was an emotional day for the congregation to look back on such ceremonies, the day was also an opportunity to look to the future.

“I think everyone had lots of memories of the church buildings from weddings, christenings to funerals and a lot of people said that being able to say farewell to the buildings helped them remember some of the major times in their lives,” he said.

“It was a time to celebrate and although it was filled with sadness, the service allowed us to look forward to the future.

“Personally, it was good to have the opportunity to say farewell to Trowbridge and of course I will keep in touch with everyone.

“Ministry is a bit like a snowball because as you go along, it gets bigger and the contacts and friendships you build grow and I take the people with me.”

On retirement, Revd Ellis will be moving down to Hampshire from Holt to be nearer his daughter where he plans to have a 12-month rest.

The interim moderator taking Revd Ellis’ place will be Susan Henderson.