Sadness and dejection turned to cheers and standing ovation at North Buxton Community Church as it was announced the congregation has decided to stay in the building and fight their eviction.
The small congregation broke away from the British Methodist Episcopal conference, years ago and were recently told them had until the end of the month to leave.
It was expected to be the last service, hundreds of people turned out to show their support, with overflow crowds spilling into the neighbouring hall.
Instead, news broke that local lawyer Steve Pickard has offered to step up and offer his services free of charge to fight the decision in court.