Our Buildings
The History
Our original church building dates from 1834 when it was built by a generous local Quaker businessman.
(See Why We’re Here, and also British History Online’s page on Harefield: Nonconformity).
Over the years, many extensions and modifications were made behind the chapel, including a kitchen and minister’s vestry, and even eventually a toilet! In the 1970s a concrete-asbestos extension was built and named Faith Hall.
The Vision
As well as our own meetings, the church is also used by other local community groups, and it has always been our aim to provide the best facilities we can.
During the late 1990s a vision grew to re-develop the whole of the rear of the site behind the original chapel, to provide better facilities for the church fellowship and local community, and at the same time to create accommodation suitable for a minister and family—something we had never owned, and could not afford to buy. Planning permission was obtained for a hall, vestry, kitchen and toilets downstairs, with a new side entrance, and, upstairs, a self-contained four-bedroom flat.
Work Starts
In 2000 we took the decision to proceed, and by summer 2002—amazed by God’s generosity—we had enough money saved or pledged to start building. While building work was in progress, the original chapel had to be used as a store room, and so we had to move out. We are very grateful to St Mary’s Church for giving us free use of the village Church Hall for Sunday mornings while work proceeded. More of that later...
To complete the project on what was a very tight budget, we agreed that we would do some of the ‘finishing off’ ourselves. So, when the building contractor moved out, it was over to the fellowship to pitch in with various skills in plumbing, tiling, carpentry, painting, varnishing and kitchen assembly! Although countless people took part, special mention must be made of Ian, our minister, for leading by example with trowel and screwdriver!—and Nigel who, having already designed the building, then also single-handedly designed the central heating and water systems.
Completion
The upstairs flat was ready for Ian, Sue and family to move into by May 2004, and the downstairs hall by August 2004. A final push to move all the stored equipment out of the chapel and into the new facilities allowed us to open the chapel for worship again in September 2004.
In a wonderful example of God’s perfect timing, the first function to be held in the newly re-opened premises was the funeral and thanksgiving service for the life of Mr George Starck, lay pastor of the church during the 1940s, 50s and 60s. Although more recently a member at Rayners Lane, Mr Starck maintained an active interest in the church and it had been his express wish to have his funeral service held here. He passed into the presence of his Lord on the very morning the chapel was re-opened for worship.
In November 2004, the new facilities were formally opened at a special service of dedication to God, and again named Faith Hall, in recognition of the faith and vision of all those who have been involved in the church over the years.
During 2005/6 we finished landscaping works outside, to provide a shared garden for the church and flat and paving to our new side entrance.
In 2007 we renovated the Chapel and turned the internal layout around. It is now bigger, brighter and beautiful. Ideal for safe use by all ages for many community functions.
St Mary’s
As mentioned above, we are very grateful to St Mary’s Church for giving us free use of the village Church Hall for Sunday worship while work was in progress, and especially for inviting us to join them for the monthly family service that they held there. An unplanned blessing of the project has been a closer relationship with St Mary’s. We are excited that our building project has not only provided us with new facilities but has also built a stronger link between Christians in the village.
The Future
Only God knows all that the future holds, but we are excited that the new premises are already being used for the Youth Club, Meeting Point and new community projects, such as Chat Café and other meetings organised by the Harefield Families Initiative (HFI). The building is also used by a dance group and a music & movement group. Our hope and prayer is that more and more Harefield people will be drawn into our worshipping community and into relationship with the living God through his Son, Jesus Christ.