St. Mark's Church in Gillingham has proudly unveiled a series of renovations, including a state-of-the-art kitchen, during a special church service officiated by the Bishop of Rochester, The Rt Rev Dr Jonathan Gibbs in June.
The event marked the successful completion of a comprehensive refurbishment project aimed at enhancing the church’s facilities to better serve the community.
Bishop Jonathan performed the official opening ceremony, acknowledging the importance of the upgrades for both the church’s operations and its outreach activities.
The vicar of St. Mark's, Catharina Olsson Gisleskog, alongside Project Leader Chris Gladwell and Church Treasurer Glyn Allen, expressed their gratitude for the concerted efforts that have brought the project to fruition.
“We are thrilled to see our vision come to life.
“The new kitchen and improved facilities will greatly enhance our capacity to serve the Gillingham community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed their time, resources, and expertise to this project.”
The renovation project, which also saw the relocation of the foodbank, installation of a new AV desk, increased storage capacity, and the implementation of new emergency lighting and fire detection systems, was met with widespread approval and appreciation.
The relocation of the foodbank in particular, ensures better accessibility and efficiency in meeting the needs of those facing food insecurity.
Photo: Architect Nick Lee Evans, who played a pivotal role in the design and execution of the renovations, and Ruth Lindsay, the Foodbank Project Manager, (both pictured centre) joined Bishop Jonathan and Vicar, Rev Catharina Olsson Gisleskog on a panel for the official opening.
The addition of an advanced AV desk and equipment is set to improve the quality of church services and events, allowing for better audio-visual presentations and outreach.
Their contributions, along with those of many other dedicated individuals and donors, such as the grant received from the Diocese's Missional Property Fund, supported by Marshalls Charity, and a legacy, were instrumental in transforming St. Mark's Church into a more functional and welcoming space.
The new kitchen is expected to significantly enhance the church’s ability to host community events, provide meals, and support the foodbank’s mission.
The church’s congregation and local community members gathered to celebrate the milestone, appreciating the modernised amenities that promise to support a wide range of activities and services.
"As St. Mark's Church continues to evolve, these upgrades stand as a testament to the collective effort and dedication of the church community and its supporters.
"The successful completion of the renovation project not only marks a new chapter for the church but also reaffirms our commitment to being a beacon of support and service in Gillingham."
The Rev Catharina Olsson Gisleskog