A 19th century church in Cam has officially re-opened its doors after undergoing months of extensive renovations costing £90,000.
The much-loved Quarry Chapel in Woodfield celebrated its re-opening on Tuesday evening, June 13, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by around 70 people.
The project began in November last year, with the goal of making the small chapel, which was built in 1852, more accessible.
This included creating new pathways, an accessible toilet, kitchen, fire escape, storage room and replacing all windows with double glazing.
The Quarry Chapel's minister, Simon Helme, spoke during the opening ceremony about how, back in 2018, the church had only six members.
He also revealed that at the time, the church only had £2,000, and needed at least £3,000 worth of necessary maintenance work.
There were concerns about potentially having to close, but in the end church members decided to take a leap of faith and seek a new purpose for the building.
A community audit consultation was opened, with various groups and individuals coming up with ideas for the use of the chapel.
A fundraising campaign was also launched, and eventually enough money was raised through kind grants from community groups, organisations, and public donations.
Minister Simon Helme said: “We hope the chapel may be a place of welcome and wonder, creativity and compassion, hospitality and hope.”
Organiser and development worker, Abi Nicol said: “We are so excited to finally have a building fit for our community!
“Having a fully accessible space is allowing me and the talented pool of tutors/facilitators to offer a wide range of activities for all ages and interests.
“This includes Wondergigs for toddlers, art and craft classes for adults, teens and primary children.
“We run Pilates, affordable coffee mornings and collaborate with local businesses to offer yoga, menopause support and Wellbeing Textiles.
“The next few months are really going to be amazing.
“We have classes that teach animation, using plants to dye fabric, a community gardening group, make and create primary summer school, photography, fossil club and a hidden treasure trail to help us explore where we live during the summer.
“We are also seeking funding to offer a ‘craft-a-noon tea’, Quarry talks, a book shed and Men Mends group.
“Please get in touch if you would like to join us to take part, support with funding or run a session at the Chapel. We would love to hear from you!”
Last year, chapel became the first church in Cam and Dursley to host a same-sex marriage.
Donations were received by United Reformed Church, Barnwood Trust, Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust, Dursley Tabernacle, Dursley Lions, Dursley Roundtable and Gloucestershire Community Funders.
The Quarry Chapel would like all the contractors and volunteers who were involved in the project: Ponting Building Contractors, Gary Jones, Stroud Howdens, Andy Gay, Anna Wellicome, Rocket Rentals, Jack Winchle of JW Architects, R&Js DIY Cam, and Dursley Lions.
For more information see - quarrychapel.org.uk
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