An Anglican congregation in Walton, near Chesterfield, has personally donated or pledged over £250,000 to help ensure their Church building can serve the wider community better and accommodate growing numbers of churchgoers.

St John's, at the junction of Walton Back Lane and Matlock Road, is described as 'a squash' for its 70-strong congregation. The Church's Vicar, The Rev'd Any Broom, says that if numbers continue to grow at the current rate, the church will not be able to accommodate any more worshippers by the end of next year. In addition, the size of the church is limited for weddings, funerals and larger services at Christian festivals.

The entire refurbishment programme at St John's, which has been dubbed 'Building for the Future', is planned in two phases. The first phase will cost a total of £450,000 and will focus on expanding the Church to accommodate 200 worshippers comfortably and ensure access for people with disabilities. It is also hoped that a more open, flexible space will be created for varied uses by current and future generations, and that more room will be made for concerts and other large events.

The second phase is expected to cost around £300,000 and this will pay for meeting rooms for the Church and wider community groups. Many aspects of the Church's old charm will be preserved during the restoration, including the chancel, the stained glass windows and a sympathetic re-building of the gable end.

Mavis Clough, a long-term church member who remembers congregations of single figures said:
“It is so exciting that we need a larger Church because of our growth and so wonderful to see young families filling the Church on Sunday mornings.”

Parish Vicar The Rev'd Andy Broom said: "To have had over half the money we need for the overall project given all at once is incredible. There has been tremendous generosity shown and it reflects people’s belief both in the project and the God who has inspired it. We believe that many more in the community will benefit from the planned building project for generations to come."

Providing remaining funds can be raised and planning permission is granted, the building work at St John's could begin as early as Spring 2004.

Ends

Notes to Editors

• St John's was built in 1916 as daughter church within St Thomas Brampton Parish. Walton was then a small hamlet outside Chesterfield.
• During the 1970’s congregation numbers were in single figures and there was talk of it being closed down.
• Extensive housing developments have occurred since and a new parish was created in August 2000. The Church continues to grow.

For further information, please contact

The Rev'd Andy Broom
St John's Church
01246 205993

or

Ruth Green
Press & Communications Officer
Church of England, Diocese of Derby
01332 388680