Dartmouth Flavel Church is a Methodist/United Reformed Church
situated in central
Dartmouth
The town of Dartmouth enjoys a unique position on the banks of the famous
River Dart, from which it takes its name and which is often styled "The
English Rhine".
Dartmouth can justifiably claim to be one of Devon's most interesting and
historic seaports. It was from this port that the ships of the Crusades set
sail. It was also in Dartmouth that the Pilgrim Fathers assembled in worship for
the last time before they began their voyage across the Atlantic in the
Mayflower and the Speedwell in 1620 before being forced to returning to Plymouth
when it was discovered the Speedwell was taking in water.
In 1341, the town received its first charter from King Edward Ill: a charter
which granted self-government under a mayor and corporation, providing that two
ships, each of 120 tons, were given to the services of the monarch.
Dartmouth has had connections with many famous sea-faring men Sir Francis Drake and
Sir Walter Raleigh being among them Today Dartmouth is the home of the
Britannia Royal Naval College that trains officers of many Navies of the world.
About our Church
Flavel Memorial Church is situated by the Tropical Gardens, with
good access to the council car park. It is, consequently, very popular with a
number of visitors during the busy summer months, when the population in this
attractive resort town increases by 50-100%
Flavel Church has, for some years, been part of a joint pastorate with
Brixham URC, with a single minister responsible for both churches. Dartmouth URC
and Dartmouth Methodist congregations united in 1985 to become one 'United
Methodist' congregation. The church building is some 110 years old, although
there has been a church in the same location for almost 300 years. Flavel Hall
is situated behind the church. As part of the mission of the church, the URC
have agreed in principle to transfer the hall to a new trust to facilitate the
building of a community centre incorporating theatre, library, exhibition space
and meeting rooms for the church and other bodies.
There is a small but friendly congregation, with a very small but active
Sunday School, which meets during the latter part of the morning service.
Morning worship is at 10.45, the minister officiating alternate weeks. There are
no evening services, but members of the congregation share in monthly afternoon
services at Dartmouth Hospital. Other special services during the year include
Harvest of the Sea, Town Service and Toy Service, with, of course, the usual
Festivals of the Christian Year. Holy Communion is held monthly on the fourth
Sunday.
Flavel Church's outreach centres around the coffee morning, held each Friday
between 10.30 and 12.00, where warm fellowship is enjoyed between people of
different denominations, and none. Flavel Hall is used on Tuesday night for 'Flavel
Club' where children are introduced to the Christian faith through games,
activities, talks and lots of fun.
Flavel Church has for many years supported Little John's House, a home for
under-privileged children in Romania. Gifts from Harvest and Toy Service are
donated to this cause.
Flavel Church has declined in numbers over recent years yet looks with faith and
hope to God to direct their paths into whatever future He has in store for them.
Revd Chris Searle is
Church Secretary pro tem until we can appoint a new secretary. Please direct all
enquiries to him. Telephone: +44 (0)1803 851577.
[Click here to read a history of our
church ]
Other Information
Click here to contact us
Click here to see our Preaching Plan
Click here to visit the Youth
Action Dartmouth pages
Contact Information
Revd Chris Searle (URC Minister at
Brixham and Dartmouth)
Telephone: +44 (0)1803-851577
Click here to see a list of
Circuit e-mail addresses
Torbay Methodist Churches,
Devon, UK
