Congregation 'thrilled' with restoration

Around 80 members of the church, originally built in 1838, returned to their place of worship on Northbrook Street for the first time in almost a year last Sunday following a long and complex building project.
As part of the renovation and redecoration, the church floor has been levelled, full wheelchair access is now available and the pews in the main part of the church have been replaced with new high-quality chairs.
The church windows, which have been subject to repeated vandalism in the past, have also been restored and are now secured with protective grates, which the congregation hope will prevent further damage in the future.
Tens of thousands of pounds were also spent giving the church organ a complete overhaul.
The project was meant to be completed in six months but ran into several unexpected challenges, including major structural problems at the rear of the church, which required part of the building to be completely dismantled and rebuilt.
However, a dedicated team of contractors and stonemasons worked to overcome these challenges, while complying with the rigorous guidelines associated with a listed building.
Church member Ben Wood said: “It has been a long haul but everybody was absolutely thrilled when they saw it completed. We all felt a sense of elation when we got back into the church. It looks absolutely spectacular. Places like this are few and far between.”
The church says that the changes allow more flexibility with regards to seating and the overall use of the space, and it is hoped this will now make it possible for the building to be used for a variety of other activities, and by other organisations.
The project was funded from a variety of sources including the church’s own funds and external grants.
The church holds services every Sunday at 10.30am and is encouraging new members and visitors to come along.
Plans for the Newbury Methodist Church were drawn up in the 1830s and the building was completed in 1838.