A service of thanksgiving marked the final service in the much-loved Weirbrook United Reform Church in West Felton.

Worship on this site was first led by Revd Lewis Weaver as part of the gospel tent mission for Shropshire.

Tent services were held at Weirbrook in 1878 and these were followed by a house-to-house visitation and cottage meetings.

Five years later, after much fund raising and voluntary donations, a “Tin Tabernacle” capable of seating 50 persons was purchased for £60. With the help of John Dovaston of West Felton, a harmonium was purchased and crowded opening services were conducted by Mr Weaver on Sunday, December 16, 1883.

Eventually it was decided that a better building was needed and fund raising started again.

In June 1909 the Building Committee obtained a loan of £100, interest free and repayable in annual instalments of £10. In 1910 a piece of land was acquired nearby and the first stone for a new chapel was laid in June; by September 29 the doors were opened for worship. The cost of the new building was £664.13.4d.

Six years later a new organ was purchased for £28. Over the years other small parcels of land were acquired for a burial ground which is beautifully kept to this day.

In 1921 the Chapel was certified for marriages. Grimpo Chapel was closed in March 1970, the grave stones being removed and placed at Weirbrook. Lovingly cared for for over 108 years, the tiny building has finally become unfit for purpose. The decision to vacate it has been a sad one but inevitable.

The thanksgiving service on Sunday, October 21 was led by Rev Gary McGowan, minister since 2016 and the lesson read by Revd Jeff Hancocks, minister 2001–2016. The sermon was given by Revd Steve Faber, Moderator of the West Midlands Synod of the United Reformed Church.

Weirbrook Church has been associated with Dovaston church since 2001, sharing ministers and major events. The Weirbrook congregation will now worship at Dovaston.

Kathryn Mottram presented gifts to Wenna Lloyd, organist for 48 years and Dorothy Davies, secretary for 20 years, in recognition of their long service and close connection to both churches.

Mrs Lloyd was sad not to have achieved the full half century as Weirbrook organist but was cordially invited to play at Dovaston to complete her 50 years.

The final service was very well attended by friends and well-wishers, especially by representatives of all the local churches, Methodist, Roman Catholic and Church of England, including Rev Jassica, curate at West Felton, and her family.