Battle Chapel re-opens

The opening ceremony saw a ribbon cut by Mrs. Sylvia Wickens who has been a member of the church for more than 35 years.

Following the ceremony, a congregation of some 150 people of all ages crossed the threshold.

The Treasurer, Rob Duffill reported that due to the generous giving of those who attended the church during 2014, the £100,000 refit was completed with no debt, grant or loan and as usual the church had given away 10% of all income to other charitable causes.

After many years of wear and tear, the Chapel has now moved into the 21st century with new technology, including LED lighting and a contemporary colour scheme. New plaster on the walls, an acoustic tiled suspended ceiling, new carpets and chairs have made the building really comfortable.

Mrs Wickens said that having been a member of the church for so many years it was lovely to see the Chapel looking good and being filled to overflowing with children, teenagers and folk of her generation.

There was also a bit of a splash as two new adult members, Craig and Katherin Weeks were baptised in pleasantly warm water.

John Southam, Church Manager, pointed out that although the Chapel is used by two congregations on a Sunday, the space had to serve other purposes during the week.

It serves as a base for the Mother and Toddler Group, Tuesday Fellowship and After School Club.

He added that the youth club were pleased to spread themselves back into the space required by the various church groups that met at other times.

Pastor Dennis Nolan said that at last Battle Baptist Church may have completed much of the repair, extensions and new building that had been a feature of the past twenty years.

However, he said with the growth in each of the churches three congregations and a busy mid week programme, “never say never.”