EVERYTHING had to go when an auctioneer Philip Wilson was given the task to selling the contents of a redundant Victorian Methodist church at Queen Street, Millom.

The Mail, on Tuesday, April 19 in 1994, noted: “Bargain hunters, dealers and curious bystanders joined the church congregation as the building’s furnishings were auctioned off.

“The building will be sold at a later date.

“The pulpit, pews, organ and even the church clock went in yesterday’s sale.

“It was held because the Methodist Church Authority decided the building was too costly to run and services have been moved to the next-door chapel.

“Regular members of the congregation bought a few pews at around £28 and other pews were sold for £14 for timber. But then the serious bidding began.

“A straight-strung piano made by the Imperial Organ and Piano Company was sold for £101.

“All eyes were on the prize lot — a wooden church pulpit decorated with carvings and a twin staircase.

“That went to £750 to architectural antiques dealer Andy Thornton, of Elland."

The article noted: "Mr Thornton also bought the wooden panel-fronted church organ, with an ornate carved top and pipe ornamentation, for £500.

“He said both pieces were destined for hotel or restaurant interiors.”

The Reverend Nigel Cokewoods said: “It is a sad day for the older members of the church but they are excited about the new church next door.

“The church is about people not buildings and we have moved to the old chapel, which has been refurbished so it’s like new.”