WESLEY Day celebrations at Wesley Cottage, in Trewint, commenced on Thursday, May 24, and concluded on Sunday, May 27.

On Thursday, at 8pm, people from three Methodist circuits gathered for a spiritually uplifting evening in the historic Prophet’s Chamber.

Hymns by Charles Wesley were sung and the sermon by John Wesley on ‘Fanaticism’ was given by John Hogarth, curator of Wesley Cottage.

The scriptures were read by Helen Pengelly, a local preacher from the Saltash Area Circuit, and prayers specific to the day were led by Chris Clark. The atmosphere intensified further at about 8.45pm as the account of Wesley’s conversion was read by Naomi Sparey, a volunteer at Wesley Cottage.

The second part of the Wesley Day celebrations was held on Sunday, May 27, when over 100 people gathered outside in the sunshine to hear the president of the Methodist Conference, the Rev Lorraine Mellor, preach at the historic porch. Lorraine told some ‘Tales of the Unexpected’ and encouraged everyone to respond to the God of surprises.

The Rev Steve Wild, chair of the Cornwall Methodist District, led the worship in his own engaging style.

The Wesley Cottage team was also pleased to welcome the Methodist youth president Michael Pryke who joined to read the account of Wesley’s Conversions. Michael received a surprise as he was interviewed by Rev Wild, ably assisted by ‘Florence’ the frog.

The Bible readings were brought by Paul Melling of Saltash and Ralph Osgerby from Newquay. Both readers have been heavily involved in the Wesley Cottage Development Project, which will soon be completed providing better display and visitor facilities.

The afternoon concluded with the singing of the hymn ‘Love Divine’, by Charles Wesley, expertly pitched by Mark Pellow of the Wesley Cottage management committee.

Then it was time for tea, held in the Altarnun Parish Church, provided by a committed team of local Methodists.

From 6pm Paul Fry of Landrake Methodist Church played the organ in Altarnun Parish Church prior to united evening worship at 6.30pm. Here Derryn Roberts, the vicar of Altarnun, gave a warm welcome, worship was led by Rev Wild and Rev Mellor preached a most inspiring sermon encouraging everyone to find their courage, be confident in God and use their God given imaginations.

The parish church resounded to the singing of another Charles Wesley hymn as ‘And Can it be’ brought this year’s celebrations to a close.

Wesley Cottage is open to the public until the end of October from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm. Complimentary light refreshments are usually available.

For more information visit www.wesleycottage.org.uk