Co-operation and collaboration – working for the future

The amalgamation of two churches in Harwood, near Bolton, paved the way for a major redevelopment project, involving demolition of the church hall and former manse to make way for the new building. Opened in July, the facilities at the new Harwood Methodist Church comprise a worship area, activity hall, meeting rooms, kitchen and café. All-in-all, it is a busy social hub with a variety of activities catering for all age groups.

During the redevelopment the church engaged Fullers Finer Furniture to design and build furniture for their beautiful new state-of-the-art building. Fullers Finer Furniture are a multi award-winning bespoke furniture manufacturer, with over 30 years’ experience in crafting furniture for places of worship. Equally happy in a new building, an ancient building or anything in between, they were delighted to work with the church on the project.

The furniture needed to be practical and robust, with a presence and beauty worthy of a modern place of worship. It comprised a font, lectern, Communion table and two crosses.

The font

Every baptism is unique. Fullers understand the importance of providing a font that reflects that fact, and which is truly up to the occasion. Supplied in solid European oak with a circular ring top, the font is a three-legged design with a three-point foot pattern. Supplied with a beautiful hand-blown glass bowl, courtesy of Loco Glass, and finished in blues and whites to represent water and match the décor in the building, the overall design combines practicality, beauty and individuality. Displayed in the entrance hall when not in use, it is easily moved and an impressive sight for all those entering the building.

The lectern

Fullers’ award-winning York lectern was the natural choice for a building designed to be user-friendly for all. The lectern has a gas lift – a height-adjustable desk feature allowing adjustment in seconds to accommodate people comfortably, regardless of height. It is sizeable enough to provide presence and a focal point, yet effortlessly manoeuvrable on its castors. Finished in natural oak, to match the other furniture supplied, the lectern was fitted with a microphone socket, tablet lip, power sockets and other features ready to connect with the technical equipment in the church.

The table

Holy Communion is a regular part of worship at Harwood Methodist Church and any commission to provide furniture dedicated to that important sacrament must be durable and practical as well as aesthetically pleasing. The table for the church was supplied with a central column, housing a locking cupboard with one shelf at the back for storage. It was also furnished with lockable castors for ease of movement. Complete with its solid oak top, the table was finished in a veneered panelling bearing the Methodist Orb on the front of the column.

The crosses

The church commissioned two matching crosses, carefully designed to complement the woodwork within the church. One was placed in the vestibule above the font and the second as a focal point in the main sanctuary. Each cross was made from European oak, finished in natural oak, with a distinctive larger cross behind finished in dark oak.

Service for future ages

A successful merger and a state-of-the-art building, complemented by Fullers’ practical furniture, mean Harwood Methodist Church is now equipped for future service for all the community of Harwood – from the most junior to the most senior and everyone in between. Fullers were delighted to be a part of the exciting venture by providing exquisitely crafted furniture to serve for years to come.

• For further information call 01934 618111, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.fullersfinerfurniture.co.uk. You can also visit them at CRE South West on Stand E7.