Photo: St John's Chatham reopens to its congregation and community (credit: Golnoosh Golestani)
The grade II* listed St John’s Chatham, has reopened its doors to the community after an extensive 2-year renovation programme.
Thanks to an extensive £4 million capital building project, the 200-hundred-year-old church has been transformed into a flexible and welcoming space, watertight, insulated, and with additional meeting rooms, kitchen, and café servery area.
At a celebratory event held on Monday 24 November, many of those who have supported the project, were invited to give thanks for what has been achieved and to explore the building.
Indeed, this latest milestone is part of a long-term plan and vision to bring community, mission and ministry back to the St John’s Chatham building, which, until 2021, had been closed for around 25 years.
The Rev Martyn Saunders, Bishop’s Mission Order Leader at St John’s Chatham says:
“This truly is a story of faith, hope, and determination, with many people never giving up on the hope of seeing community, mission and ministry taking place once again at St John’s Chatham.
"I remember one lady, who told me that, whenever she would get to the corner of the church, she would touch the building and say, ‘God’s not done with you yet’.”
Photo montage: Rev Martyn Saunders (left) / Rev Luke Bacon and Cllr Vince Maple speak with supporters (top right) / Presentations are given (bottom right)
As well as a place of worship for a growing church community, St John's Chatham now offers new spaces for community groups and local businesses and provides a unique venue for concerts and conferences in a beautifully restored Heritage building.
It has been made possible thanks to support and partnership with the Church of England Diocese of Rochester, alongside funding from the National Church, Medway Council, The Heritage Fund, National Government, Rochester Bridge Trust, The Friends of Kent Churches, The Benefact Trust, The National Churches Trust, and The Dorothy Kerin Trust.
Canon Matthew Girt, Diocesan Secretary for Diocese of Rochester, says:
“We are delighted that we have this building back for the use of the community here at the heart of Chatham. This is not just a church but a place that will be open seven days a week with so much going on for everyone.
"The fact it has been possible to restore this historic, landmark building is down to everyone’s achievement, from funders to community groups, and it is fantastic to see the building ready to fulfil its calling once again.”
Cllr Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Council, said:
“It is fantastic to see new life breathed into this magnificent building, which has stood proud in Chatham for more than 200 years. This project has been the epitome of the One Medway approach, with so many partners coming together to restore this treasured building into a space our entire community can enjoy and benefit from.
“And community is the key word here – as well as being a place of worship, it is great to see social spaces for classes and events, the café area, meeting rooms and more. I hope you are able to come down to St John’s soon and see the beautiful transformation for yourself.”
Photo: Senior leadership within the Diocese of Rochester, St John's Chatham, Medway Council and civic dignitaries attended the event
A practical place of welcome for the whole community
The church team is delighted that the doors are open again and they excited about the part they can play in the regeneration of Chatham.
Now, alongside a weekly pattern of regular worship and prayer, several community focused activities are already underway within the building, such as Little Lambs ‘stay and play’ baby and toddler group, and Open Church, a safe place twice a week for good conversation, tea and coffee, and prayer if wanted.
In addition, thanks to funding from The Heritage Fund, the church is undertaking a local history project to collect stories, photographs and memories from anyone connected to St John’s Chatham over the years.
Photo: St John's Chatham logo (top left) / Heritage project underway (bottom left) / Bishop Jonathan gives thanks for the project and the funders (right)
Volunteers are invited to help uncover the fascinating history of St John’s Chatham within the changing landscape of Medway, and to help explore archives and share the church’s heritage and impact with the wider community. No experience is needed, and to take part people can email: stories@stjohnschatham.co.uk
The Rev Luke Bacon, Bishop’s Mission Order Associate Leader at St John’s Chatham says:
“We really believe that St John’s Chatham will be a hub of hope for the community. It exists as a resource to the communities of Chatham and beyond, and we want it to be a place of welcome, whoever you are.”
Anyone interested in exploring using the space for a community event or activity should please contact thevenue@stjohnschatham.co.uk
A place to share the hope of Christmas
The reopening comes just in time for Christmas, when there will be lots of extra opportunities for people to come along and enjoy this beautiful space in the heart of Chatham.
The St John’s Chatham Carol Service will be held at 6.30pm on Sunday 14 December, while Walderslade Sings will hold a Charity Gig on Saturday 20 December, plus there is much, much more. Visit www.stjohnschatham.co.uk/christmas to see all that is going on at St John’s Chatham over Christmas.