THE new Harwood Methodist Church has opened its doors after two churches merged in a £1.6m development. An opening ceremony saw Rev Sonia Hicks, president of the Methodist Conference, dedicating the building as part of her first official engagement. The church has a history spanning 200 years, having being formed when Tottington Road and Longsight merged. Building work began in Autumn 2019 but the opening was delayed due to the pandemic. It was finally able to open with more than 140 people attending the ceremony. Joanna Jowett, a Sunday school teacher and longstanding member of the church, said:”It was a lovely service, everything was dedicated and blessed. Afterwards we had tours of the building so everyone could see it.