Hallelulja!
Fire-damaged church prepares to reopen
The former Baptist Church in Shepherd's Bush Road is preparing to reopen again after a devastating fire last year that caused extensive damage to the building.
After more than a year of repair work, the finishing touches were being put in place this week, with brand new furniture being taken into the church on Tuesday (December 15) morning ahead of opening day celebrations.
The church was bought by the Great Commission Ministry in May of last year and worshippers from all over the coutnry, as well as from other parts of Europe, will be travelling to Shepherd's Bush to attend the event this Sunday (December 20).
There will be a talk at 1pm, followed by a church service from 2pm onwards.
The church was so badly damaged in a fire in July 2008 that the building was declared unsafe and scaffolding had to be erected to prevent it collapsing.
The church was destroyed when a blaze, which started at an adjacent hostel for the homeless, swept through the building, almost completely destroying the roof. The amount of water used to try and get the fire under control then damaged much of the interior of the church.
Parishoners had to temporarily relocate to St. Alban's Church in Hammersmith, where they have been holding their services for the past 17 months.
The Great Commission Ministry says all are welcome to attend Sunday's opening day celebrations.
December 16, 2009
