The future of an historic York church is set to be decided following its closure.
York’s Methodist Circuit is currently reviewing options for Clifton Methodist Church following its closure in April.
A circuit spokesperson said the closure followed a fall in membership and came amid challenges, complexities and costs of running the large building.
Labour ward councillor Danny Myers told LDRS he would miss the Methodist presence in Clifton’s main road and hoped the wonderful people involved would continue to be part of the local community.
Clifton Methodist Church was built in the Neo-Gothic style 1909 and was designed by architect Edward Taylor.
Its congregation marked 100 years in 2009 since its foundation stone was laid with a special weekend of events.
The church held its last Moving On service on Sunday, April 26.
York’s Methodist Circuit spokesperson said worship was continuing locally once a month in a community building.
They added the congregation was also welcome to attend services at any of York’s other Methodist churches.
The spokesperson said: “Clifton Methodist Church closed as a church in April 2026 due to falling membership and the challenge, complexity and cost of running a large building.
“Like many churches and community groups we face challenges as our wonderful volunteers get older.
“We are currently reviewing our next steps regarding the property formerly occupied by Clifton Methodist Church, and decisions will be made in the next few months.”
Clifton’s Cllr Myers said the church had been part of the local community for many years.
The ward councillor said: “From holding life events for local residents to hosting community meetings, debates and local events. I have great memories there, laughter and tears.
“From hot cross buns to Christmas baubles, I’ll miss the Methodist’s presence on Clifton main road, and I hope that their community and the wonderful people involved, continue to be part of our Clifton community in other ways.
“I associate Methodism with the non-conformist North, with its rise in working class communities during the Industrial Revolution.
“Many of these questioning attitudes have often been keenly expressed to me in the fine Clifton Methodist Church building and I trust this spirit will continue to be felt in Clifton.”
There are 23 other Methodist churches in the York area.
They are in Acaster Malbis, Acomb, Bishopthorpe, Clifton Moor, Copmanthorpe, Dringhouses, Easingwold, Haxby, Heslington, Hessay, Heworth, Holgate, Huby, Huntington, Lidgett, Poppleton, Rufforth, Sheriff Hutton, Southlands, Strensall, Thornton-le-Clay and York city centre.
There is also a Circuit Hub in Cemetery Road.
More information about Methodist churches in York is available here.
