After the decision taken in May 2008 to close our church, the actual event seemed to come along very quickly. Many people, I am sure, were dreading the day, none more so than our minister, Revd Elaine Brown. Once again, however, she summoned up those extra reserves of strength and dignity and led us through the final difficult days and, along with Gordon, brought us together in worship for the last time on Sunday 29th March. The congregation shared together in a Communion service and our two ministers served us all in a symbolic act which typified their leadership amongst us over the last four and a half years. At the end of the service we were able to express, in part, our gratitude to them both through the gift of a carved wooden photo frame and a garden shrub which we hope will help them to remember the people at Brighton Road who I know they hold with affection in their hearts. We can only thank them sincerely for their care and devotion.
Many will remember for a long time the Celebration service held in our Upper Room on 15th March when nearly 150 people gathered to give thanks for 110 years of church life. Members from all the other Gateshead Group churches joined us, along with local ecumenical friends and ministers and members of yesteryear. Light refreshments were served afterwards and many were able to join in the time of informal reminiscent fellowship which added to the joy of the day. It was clearly enjoyed by our visitors as this extract from Denewell Avenue's magazine shows -
“A Memorable Occasion
A service to celebrate the witness at Brighton Road URC as it closes at these premises was held on 15th March, 2009 at 10:30am. There was a brilliant turnout; there was hardly a seat empty and there were over 150 chairs. The service was led by Revd Elaine Brown assisted by Revd Gordon Brown. Our Moderator, Revd Rowena Francis was also in attendance and gave the sermon. This was after some absolutely splendid singing (thanks to Helen Sutton for playing so vigorously) and a ‘brief’ history of the journey from conception of Brighton Road Church brilliantly read to us by the church secretary, Peter Yorke with quite a few humorous anecdotes which kept us all enthralled. Professor John Derry of Cromer Ave thanked Peter Yorke for his work and brought greetings from the Gateshead Group.
Of course any church event would not be complete without the tea. There was plenty for everyone and a time to meet up with friends: former ministers, Revd Bill Edwards, Revd David Shakesby and his wife Jennifer, Revd Joe Clemson and his wife Yvonne, along with retired minister of Denewell Ave, Revd Stuart Brock and his wife Margaret, and members from all the Gateshead Group of Churches. A somewhat sad, but also uplifting service and one from which everyone gained some spiritual strength.”
Peter Yorke