Luston is a tiny village in Herefordshire, with a population just over 500. The parish church of St Peter & St Paul, Eye, is a mile down a winding country lane and the only place of worship in the village is a Methodist chapel which was built and opened in 1862. The Chapel is just one room, roughly 8 metres on each side, with a small extension which was added later – providing a much-needed toilet, kitchen and cupboard. Its size and simplicity is a great blessing – making it easy to maintain, repair and heat.
The Chapel has always been an important part of village life. By the mid-1960s however, the Chapel was struggling, and the decision was taken to cease all services in 1968. A small group of faithful worshippers maintained the building and looked to the future.
In 1973 the local Anglican vicar, the Revd. Duncan Phillips, noticed that his congregation in Eye included few people from Luston despite the village being the centre of population within the parish. He came up with the creative idea that this simple, convenient building could and should become a place of worship again.
The plan was that they would hold one Methodist service and one Anglican service each month in the Chapel – initially on Sundays at 2pm. This continued for nearly twenty years, until it became possible to shift both services to 10 o’clock in the morning which was hugely successful.
This pattern continues today. A happy and informal 50-year project has brought Anglicans and Methodists together in Luston, ensuring regular worship and witness in this special place.