Trinity at Bowes Methodist Church

News & Commentary Article

It is seven years ago that plans were first dawn up for an imaginative church and community facility to come to life out of decrepit church premises that were virtually written off for demolition.

THE GLORY THAT WAS

A whole range of halls and rooms had once housed one of the largest and most vibrant Methodist communities in London during the 1920's and 30's but were now in poor condition and had become more of a liability than a legacy. With a comparatively small church membership what could be done? The church was strapped for cash and could see no way forward.

OPPORTUNITY COMES

The church clearly desired to provide above average facilities for church and community activities. A Lenten programme looked in depth at the immediate neighbourhood and set up a list of priorities.

After the sale of its defunct sports club enough money was put into the pot to  kick start the first stage of redevelopment. This was to provide a nursery for children aged from six months to 4 years.  That cost £720, 000 and took up all the available money plus another £300,000 that had to be raised by grants and giving.

A VERY BIG CHALLENGE

The next stage was to cost £900,000 and has only just been completed. At the beginning of this stage the church had nearly run out of money. Behind what was to be achievement is a story of courage and enterprise, undiluted vision and faith tested to the uttermost. . With the extension to the upper floor there is now more accommodation than at any time in the church's history. Meeting the needs of today the excellent facilities attract as many as 30 user groups with a weekly footfall of 1,200 people. The church works in partnership with other agencies including the London Borough of Enfield and houses a Children's Centre.

THE NEXT PHASE

There is   a passion for youth work and the church has recently been awarded a grant of £2.2 million from myplace, a Government enterprise, which means that work will start soon on the provision  of "world class" creative, active and supportive facilities for young people.

Minister of the church, David James, says "my twelve years at Trinity at Bowes have given me the opportunity of working with a remarkable team of Christian people, sharing together in a God given vision and working together in a pioneer ministry. We have taken risks together and worked all hours.  We pray together, and know the power of God. We now want to celebrate together...on Tuesday 10^th February at 7:00pm onwards and hope that many will join us."

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