St Peter’s Church opened for the final time on Sunday before entering a period of “suspension”.

A service of closure was held at the place of worship in Queenborough Road, Halfway, to mark what loyal parishioners hope will be a temporary cessation.

The Rev Mark Borley led the ceremony in front of a congregation that numbered about 50.

Sandra Forster, a long-standing member of the church, who also lives in Queenborough Road, said: “Even among the rather sad surroundings there was a feeling of great love amongst those gathered together in prayer.”

As reported in last week’s STG, the 42-year-old church will remain under lock and key while its future is decided.

Ministers from the Canterbury Diocese are due to met next month to “explore existing and potential community use of the building of St Peter’s”.

A dwindling congregation is thought to be the main reason for services being suspended, although an “issue” with spiritualist meetings being held at the church last year is also believed to have played a part in the decision.

Following Sunday’s final service, Cathie and John Lewis held a tea for fellow members at their farm.

Valerie Everingham, from Elmley, who was also present, said she didn’t believe that the locks would be removed anytime soon.

“It was sad to see the whole church had been stripped bare and everything of value had been put in two piles,” she said.

“One pile consisted of ecclesiastical items, which we were invited to look at and bid a fond farewell to before they were distributed amongst other churches.

“The second pile was deemed non-ecclesiastical, and we were invited to take anything we wanted.

“Does this really sound like a church that is going to resume services?”

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