THE times are indeed a-changing when it comes to a group of Metho-dists meeting in a pub for worship.

Though the traditional temperance rule is no longer universally observed, some may wonder what the founder of the denomination, John Wesley, would have said to a Methodist congregation holding weekly services in licensed premises.

The decision by St James' Methodist Church in Thirsk is a temporary one, however, as the worshippers must move while £250,000 worth of repairs and improvements are carried out to their building.

Work is about to start on the church on St James Green and will last for four months. During this period, services will be held in a function room at the Lord Nelson pub next door.

The congregation had hoped to use a back room at the church, but builders said all the premises would be classed as a building site, so other arrangements had to be made.

The Rev Carol Holmes, minister in charge, said: "We could have held services at different venues each week, but this move seemed to be the better one and will keep the congregation together. They will still be able to walk to and from services as they usually do.

"It is pleasing that the suggestion to go into the function room at the pub came from the congregation. And as landlords Mike and Angela Henley came to us to get married recently, it is now our turn to go to them.

"It will help us both," she added.

Pub landlady Mrs Henley said: "It will seem a bit strange having a service in the pub, but we are more than pleased to be able to accommodate the congregation."

There is a great excitement at the church as no work has been carried out there since 1959 when services moved from the old chapel, which will now become a car park.

The church is to be re-wired and completely refurbished, with kitchen, toilets and disabled facilities installed.

The work is being paid for by grants from the Methodist Church locally and nationally, and fundraising is ongoing.