Centenary House Archive Page

---

Background to the Purchase

We have now acquired the house next to Christchurch, at 21 Holliers Hill, Bexhill and can begin the process of making improvements appropriate for the use we have in mind.

In April 2005 the church was asked by the owners of the adjacent detached property, 21 Holliers Hill, if we would like to purchase their house. All that followed need not be recorded here, but after much prayer, reflection, discussion and thought (as well as considering the financial implications), it was decided to try to buy the house. Many people were involved and finally on September 26th 2006, the purchase was completed.

Prior to this, we applied to Rother District Council to seek a change of use from a dwelling house to a Church and Community Centre. After much discussion and communications, this was agreed, which allowed us to proceed. Purchased at the full market price, the property is now owned by the Methodist Church. Considerable improvements will have to be made over the coming months to make it appropriate for the uses we have in mind.

On the Sunday following completion of the purchase, 47 friends came to view the house and to share in a special time of prayer and praise for the Centre. This was led by the Minister, the Rev. Roger Leslie, and the Superintendent Minister, the Rev. Stephen Maunder. We were also pleased to welcome Mrs Lillian O'Connor, the Senior Circuit Steward. The house resounded to the singing of "Praise my soul the King of Heaven" and "Love Divine" and we shared a special reading and prayers.

The President's Visit

We were also delighted that on the 2nd October, the Rev. Graham Carter, the President of the Methodist Conference, made an informal visit to the house together with our Superintendent Minister. He was delighted to see the house and will be interested to follow the progress that is made over the coming months.

Sadly, the property is in poor condition, although our surveyor has confirmed that it is structurally sound. We now embark upon the work in liaison with our surveyor and the Rother District Council. A team of church members have started to clear the very overgrown garden and, when the capital work has been finished, the members hope to deal with some of the decoration.

The Centre will be used by our Methodist Circuit (Hastings, Bexhill and Rye) as well as by us at Christchurch. This is all very exciting and will help with the work of the church and outreach into the community.

An appeal is being launched to help with the funds required to alter and run the Centre - it has not yet been given a name but that will follow!

We do ask that this venture is kept in our prayers and as we progress, we will keep the news up to date on this page. If you are interested or wish to know more, or you would like to help, do please call the Property Steward on 01424 216456. We are grateful for all the help received so far, and pray that this project will be one that will bring glory to our Lord as we try to progress the mission of this church.

Barry Turnwell, Church Treasurer

15th October 2006

Help our Community Centre Project

If you are interested or wish to know more, or you would like to help, do please call the Property Steward on 01424 216456.

We have launched an Appeal to raise funds for this project.

If you would like to donate to the Appeal please
download a donation form (Word format) or
download a donation form (.pdf format) If using PDF files you will need Acrobat Reader.

Thank you for your help.