Hull Methodist Mission– Queens Hall
When built, in 1905, it was sited in the middle of a considerable residential area with a population of around 17,000 living in slum conditions far worse than any in existence today, and with no welfare state to support the unfortunate.
Its mission was not just to care for the spiritual needs of the area, but also to be a centre for welfare work and social improvement.
The main hall (below) seated 2000 and as well as being full for Sunday services it was used for Saturday evening Celebrity concerts, providing cultural uplift at prices the local population could afford. Admission 6d, 3d & 2d.
Over the years a number of gifted artistes appeared including Heddle Nash, Webster Booth and Yehudi Menuhin.
Hull Methodist Mission– Central Hall
By the end of the Second World War, however, most of the surrounding population had been rehoused elsewhere, so the premises were closed and a new Hall was built on the site of a former Methodist Church in Waltham Street with an entrance through existing premises on King Edward Street opposite Woolworths.
As well as new premises, it also had a new mission – to serve the people of the City Centre. Throughout the years it has provided low cost starter facilities for such charitable organisations as the Samaritans, a Guide Shop, The Hull Homeless and Rootless Project (HARP), and The Charterhouse Association for Sheltered Employment (CASE). It currently houses the local One World fair trade shop and it's associated Development Education Centre along with The Hull branch of the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen whilst running its own day time Coffee Bar with snacks
The new main hall, seen during a worship band production, continues to function as a concert hall as well a worship area for Church Services and has promoted a series of concerts under the name “Strangely Warm” Productions.