Throwback Transformations
We work in partnership with the Diocese to identify churches which are at risk of closure – or other centrally located buildings which can be adapted to fit the needs of 21st century worship and mission. Take a trip down memory lane with us as we remember 5 buildings that have been brought back to life, and are now churches that are revitalising their communities…
Saint Mary’s Southampton
Then…
Bombed during WW2, Saint Mary’s continued to act as the main civic church in Southampton, even at one point holding services without a roof. Repairs were made in the 1950s, but the congregation dwindled and in 2018 the Diocese decided to embark on an ambitious programme to refurbish the building and relaunch Saint Mary’s. With great celebration and support from churches of all denominations across the city, Saint Mary’s was relaunched in September 2018.
Now…
Average annual growth rate of 128%
Welcoming 50 kids and new families every week
St Nicholas Bristol
Then…
There was written record of a church building on the St Nicholas site going back to 1154. After numerous incarnations, St Nicholas as we know it today was finally closed in the 1950s after sustaining bomb damage during WW2. Leased to Bristol City Council, the building was used variously as a tourist information centre museum and city archive. After lengthy negotiations, the Diocese of Bristol regained the lease and a substantial refurbishment followed. Finally, after a 65-year hiatus, St Nicholas Bristol reopened in late 2018.
Now…
Approximately 400 people gather every Sunday
200 people involved in regular small groups
St Werburgh’s Derby
Then…
In the early 1980s, after years of declining congregations, St Werburgh’s was finally closed. The building was deconsecrated and sold for development. In the intervening years, the building saw life as an indoor market, shopping mall and eventually ‘Wokmania’ – a Chinese restaurant. None of these ventures were to last however, and the building lay empty for 7 years, falling into a state of dereliction. With support from CRT, the building was purchased and restored to its intended use as a church. Relaunched in 2017, St Werburgh’s is now a thriving city-centre church serving the people of Derby.
Now…
In 2020, planted an Estate Church – St Francis Mackworth
Over 260 attend services each week
Pattern Church Swindon
Then…
Launched during down in 2020, Pattern Church is based in the former GWR Pattern Store, part of the original railway heritage of Swindon. The building had most recently been used as an Italian Restaurant but had been closed for several years. A comprehensive programme of refurbishment started in 2018. Despite the impact of Covid-19 the project was completed in early 2020, restoring it from partial dereliction to become a busy family-focused church in the centre of the Town.
Now…
Just celebrated their 25th baptism
In 2021, planted an Estate Church, The Well in North Swindon
The project was completed in early 2020, restoring it from partial dereliction to become a Busy family-focused church in the centre of the Town.
Nelson Street Church Rochdale
Then…
Nelson Street was a former Temperance Billiards Hall, recently used as an Asian restaurant. It was bought by the Diocese of Manchester in 2019. A comprehensive refurbishment was undertaken to convert this building into a wonderful place to gather and worship. It was launched in June 2021 by the Bishop of Manchester.
Now…
Welcome approximately 70 people every Sunday
50 of whom are involved in serving the life of the church
