This photo was lent to a church member by a Reigate resident now aged about 90. It shows a Sunday School group in the garden behind the church, probably before 1930. The Rank Hall had not yet been built, but the wall in the background on the edge of the Priory grounds is still there today.

Click here for a larger version. The young lady in the second-back row, fourth from left is believed to be Miss Edith Carpenter, who remained a member of Reigate Methodist church her whole life and recorded much of its history.

If you recognize anyone else in this photo, or have any more detailed information about it then please contact us

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, visited Reigate several times as he travelled the country to preach. He was apparently unimpressed with the place, especially compared to nearby Dorking, and recorded in his journal of 1771 that the people of Reigate were 'dull indeed as stones'