‘I feel like I belong’

Lynda Viccars explains how she found fellowship at Leigh-on-Sea Corps.

As a child I regularly attended the Sunday school at the local Methodist church. Even at that young age, I liked the warmth and simplicity of the minister in his plain robes and singing those great Charles Wesley hymns. My father was a dance band pianist, so my home was full of music. Family gatherings were always at our house so that we could sing around the piano. I recall my grandmother always requested ‘The Old Rugged Cross’. While my father was not one for attending church, he thought highly of The Salvation Army and admitted he would never have got through his military service in the Second World War without it.

My boyfriend, who became my husband, was a member of the Church of England. Over time, I became detached from Methodism and more involved with his community. I ultimately took my first step towards declaring my faith when I was baptised at 19 years old.

My faith was tested with the tragic death of my mother and, a few years later, the death of my baby son. I became involved with St Peter’s Church in Thundersley, where both my daughters were christened. But my husband’s faith waned and I was not really at ease with the Anglican style of worship. However, I had a good friend who was a member at Hadleigh Temple and I enjoyed going to services with her now and again. I was back with powerful hymns, joyous music and less formal services.

Years later, after a lot of rough water under the bridge of life, I moved to Suffolk and drifted away from worship as I had a busy life, sailing most weekends with my new partner, but I never lost my faith. I found God in peaceful creeks on the east coast of England, in stunning sunrises or sunsets, or while sailing alongside dolphins around the Greek islands.

When that relationship came to an end, I returned to Essex during the Covid-19 lockdowns and moved into a house near Leigh-on-Sea Corps. I was lonely and a bit lost in life, but I bought a young puppy and regularly walked her past the hall on a Sunday morning, hearing the band and the singing from inside. I knew I wanted to be involved here! It took a while to get the courage to walk through the door, but everyone was very friendly and there was a warmth about the place.

I love the band, the singing, the choirs, the modern use of IT, the jokes and the informality of the services, all of which I find uplifting. I feel like I belong and I am part of this. I am pleased to declare my unwavering faith again.