The Reverend Stuart Smith who, for twelve years, has been the minister in charge of the four Methodist churches in the Stretford and Urmston circuit, is leaving.

He and his wife, Sandra, will move to the West Pennine Moors Circuit where, from September 1, he will head three churches in the Blackburn area.

The couple will be missed by Cornerstone church, Urmston, Davyhulme Wesley Methodist Church, Flixton, Sevenways Methodist Church, Stretford and Urmston Methodist Church.

Reverend Smith said: “It has been a time of transition. When I arrived there were two ministers and six churches. Cornerstone opened in 2009 to replace two of them.”

He is proud that the newest church has both a boys and girls brigade and that Sevenways has a boys brigade.

In contrast the Urmston Methodist Church catered for older people.

Davyhulme Wesley Methodist Church, originally opposite Trafford General Hospital but now in Flixton, had created close links with the Canterbury Players.

None other than John Wesley himself had opened it in the 18th century and Wesley cottage where he stayed is still there.

At a farewell service and social gathering to be held at Cornerstone on Sunday, July 24, Mr Smith’s favourite hymn, And can it Be, written by John Wesley’s brother, Charles, will be sung – Julia Taylor

Reverend Smith, 55, said: “My wife and I have been happy here and, I think, they have been happy with us.

“We are facing a new challenge but it will be closer to where I was brought up in Accrington, which will be good.”