THIS sad remnant of a once imposing church, seen here in an advanced stage of demolition in 1952, will be recognisable for older readers because of the RAF roundels on its doors. During the Second World War it had served as headquarters of the Keighley Squadron of the Air Training Corps.

It had opened in 1868 as the United Methodist Free Church in Cavendish Street, with Lord Street on its left. Part of the former Keighley College now occupies the site.

Noted for its 125-foot spire and variously described as “a fine Gothic structure” and “a commodious and handsome building”, this church in its heyday was deemed to occupy (with apologies to the parish church) “the most prominent position of any church in the town”. It was “attractive and pleasing, both within and without”, and could seat a thousand worshippers. Its Sunday School was “one of the largest in the town”, while its anniversary, “with its splendid music and singing, was quite an event”.

Alas, its final services were held in 1937.