Grant will help to transform a town church

A Gainsborough church has received a grant to help it be transformed into an asset for the town.
NEWS: The Gainsborough StandardNEWS: The Gainsborough Standard
NEWS: The Gainsborough Standard

Gainsborough United Reformed Church, in Gladstone Street, Gainsborough, is being transformed into a multi-purpose church and community space, thanks to a £49,500 grant.

The historic church is a memorial to John Robinson, pastor of the Pilgrim Fathers.

The grant has been given by WREN, a not for profit business which awards grants to community, environmental and heritage projects across the UK from funds donated by FCC Environment for the Landfill Communities Fund. Since 1998, WREN has granted over £150m to more than 6,000 projects that are within 10 miles of a FCC Environment landfill site. 

The grant will be used towards the cost of remodelling the church sanctuary.

Building work began in June and is due to finish in late August.

An internal wall has been removed between the former porch and main meeting area and will be replaced with a screen.

This will create a spacious café or meeting area leading into the remodelled sanctuary.

A kitchen and toilets are to be incorporated.

Revd Dr. Gillian Poucher, Minister of Gainsborough United Reformed Church, said: “It’s wonderful that WREN can make funds available to communities and we are very pleased our project was selected.”

Churches were designed to be at the heart of the community.”

“Sadly they have become significantly underused.”

“Since the church funded the first phase of redevelopment, installing a new heating system and removing the pews, the church has become more accessible to community groups.”

“This second major phase of redevelopment will ensure that our historic building will be an attractive multi-purpose venue benefiting the community for many years to come.”

“We’re very grateful to WREN, the East Midlands Synod of the United Reformed Church and All Churches Trust for their grants towards the project.”

Cheryl Raynor, grant manager for Lincolnshire, commented on why the application was funded.

She said: “The Lincolnshire panel were really pleased to fund this project as the support from the local community showed that the facility will be well used and a valuable resource once completed.”

The church is contiuing its fund-raising efforts and seeks to raise £7,500 for church accessories and kitchen equipment, and a cake sale is being held from 9.30am to 12pm on Saturday 9th August.

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