A WREXHAM church based in an eye-catching building has just recently celebrated a milestone 50th birthday.

Regent St Methodist Church (above Primark, Deichmann and Shoe Zone) marked the occasion with a performance by Cantorion Rhos and harpist Bethan Griffiths.

That was in the presence of Wrexham’s Mayor, and as part of a service led by former minister Rev Richard Sharples.

Unusually for a church, it is at the top, not the bottom, of a tower.

The chapel opened on December 8, 1972, replacing the former Brynyffynnon Methodist Chapel.

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The congregation from Brynyffynnon was then joined there by members of Hightown and Poyser Street chapels as their buildings had also had to close.

A spokesperson for the church explained: "This was a beautiful building, with the highest spire in Wrexham, but it was riddled with woodworm and had serious problems with its heating.

"One day in the early ‘70s a church member tried to open a door, only to find it was stuck fast. When it was discovered that this was due to subsidence beneath the spire, it became clear that drastic action would be necessary.

"Members were worrying as to how repairs might be financed when, in the nick of time, a letter was received from Westminster Estates Ltd, who were intending to redevelop the shopping areas of Regent St, and offered to build a new first-floor church in return for using the land occupied by the old chapel for part of the new shopping area."

The Leader:

PIC: A look inside the church.

Since then, as well as opening on Sundays for worship,  the church at the top of the tower in Regent Street has been led by a succession of nine ministers who have officiated at countless baptisms, weddings and funerals for the people of Wrexham.

Church members have also welcomed the wider community to the premises for a variety of events from Toddler Groups and Youth Clubs to Cruse sessions and scout meetings.

The church has also played its part in supporting the homeless people in Wrexham.

This has included hosting a Winter night-shelter for homeless people in collaboration with other churches in the city centre and Housing Justice Cymru.

Regular services take place on Sundays at 10.30am. All are welcome to join and there are activities provided for children in the worship room.

The Carol Service will this year take place on Sunday, December 18, also at 10.30am, and will be followed by hot drinks and mince pies.