Land purchased for just £60 in 1933 now boasts a 21st-century church complex fit for the future.
Broadstone Baptist Church has just completed its 13-year-long building project on York Road, Poole, Dorset.
Fourteen years ago, faced with a growing congregation and a small, ageing building, Pastor Tim Gamston, together with the leaders of the church, took the decision to initiate the ambitious scheme. The plan involved making full use of the extensive plot of land purchased by the church’s founder in 1933 for just £60.
The layout of the proposed new church complex allowed for construction in two independent phases. The two storey, facilities building was built first, utilising the awkward sloping section, known as Bailey’s Hill and put into service in March 2015. This building, with its upper lounge, a catering-style kitchen, lower hall and toilets has already allowed the church to extend its activities and support for the local community while continuing to worship in the original hall.
Attention then immediately focussed on getting the second phase underway and by mid-2019 instructions were given to local builders, Matrod Frampton. Demolition of the old hall and construction of Phase Two began in January 2020 and the work was completed during the early weeks of this year.
Externally, the new building hall looks resplendent in classic Bath stone blockwork. The central section of the front elevation clad as a backdrop to a bespoke, full size, wooden cross, crafted by Clive Baines, one of the church elders. It is backlit with LED lighting around its perimeter and stands as a reminder to all of Christ’s death and resurrection.
With a floor area of 160m2, a large congregation of up to 200 can easily be accommodated and the ceiling, at a height of seven metres, is layered with acoustic panels to enhance sung worship.
The focal point within the hall is the large porthole window, high on the rear wall, featuring a commissioned design in an array of vibrant colours around the cross. A baptistry is set under the floor and full-width staging is in place for the musicians.
The vast majority of the money came from sacrificial giving by the church family itself, both monthly and on specific gift days.
Funding also came from other churches and charitable trusts. The church is also immensely grateful to the Talbot Village Trust, who gave the project momentum via a sizeable donation.
Pastor Tim Gamston comments: ‘One of the things we wanted to do was to start a project that was beyond our natural resources and would fail unless God worked. We are, therefore, thankful for the way He has provided this new building. There is a sense that this is His building, and we have a responsibility to use it to serve His mission of telling people the good news of Jesus. As we look to the future ministry of the church in Broadstone, we now have a much greater confidence in our God to do far more than we could imagine to be possible.’
