We are delighted to say that our Building Project has now completed! After Easter 2020 our builders recommenced work on phases 2 and 3 of our building project to repair and redecorate our sanctuary. This was amazing timing as we were not using the building during the coronavirus crisis, and therefore their work did not disrupt our activities. In August the windows in the newer part of the building at the back were replaced, which was the final step. You can see the full scope of our project further down this page.
In total £52,044 was made available for the work since September 2019, which was sufficient to pay all the bills!!
How amazing is that? Please remember to thank God for his provision and we give thanks to the builders for all their hard work.
We are encouraged that God provided all we need to complete this project, and that we did not have a shortfall in funds.
We are grateful to all our private donors including all those within our own congregation, and also to the following for their grants towards this work (click on each logo to go to their websites):
Paul Bassham Charitable Trust
King Street Baptist Church launched The Building Project on Sunday September 8th 2019. We toured the building in small groups to see what our trustees have agreed should be repaired or replaced, following our surveyor’s advice. The work falls broadly into three phases:
- Phase 1: Replacement of all the single glazed wooden windows at the rear of the church.
This involves the toilets, kitchen, office and two in the back room. Many of the current windows are rotten in places and it would make sense to replace them all at the same time with double glazed units. This will give the added benefit of improving security and warmth whilst also reducing ongoing maintenance.
Although this was originally intended to be the initial phase, it is not connected to the other phases and we were funded to start Phases 2 and 3 first. Nevertheless we continue to call this ‘Phase 1’ in all our documentation.
- Phase 2: Main Sanctuary Windows and wall and roof repairs
Many of the large windows in the main sanctuary are in urgent need of repair due to rot and missing putty and all need painting externally. Some walls also need repointing in places and there are some minor roof repairs to undertake.
- Phase 3: Internal Redecoration of the Main Sanctuary
The sanctuary area is badly in need of redecoration internally along with some minor plaster repairs.
The overall total cost for the project is estimated to be between £55,000 – £60,000. This will be funded from:
- Existing money held by the church for building work
- Individual financial gifts
- Individual financial loans
- Fundraising events
- Charitable Grants
We see our buildings as key to our work within the town, particularly due to our town centre location. As our Minister Rev Sally Sago says:
‘This project is exciting as it comes at a time when, as a church, we are seeking to open our building on a more regular basis in order to engage with the local community as well as work together with other churches and organisations across the town of Thetford and its surrounding villages.’