Church saved from demolition threat

Father Roger Crosthwaite, priest-in-charge at St Barnabas, received the news the Church Commissioners were withdrawing plans to close down and rebuild the place of worship on Tuesday.

The idea to temporarily move the St Barnabas congregation to St Andrew's Church while a new church building was constructed, along with medical facilities, social housing and a community area, has caused controversy over recent months.

The Victorian Society has become involved in the fight to preserve the church and the Observer's letters pages have been full of messages from concerned readers.

Speaking on the news to keep St Barnabas as it is, Father Crosthwaite said: "This begins a new chapter in the life of our parish and I hope that those who have made representations in favour of retaining the current church building will support the mission and worship of St Barnabas Church as we move into the future.

"We still have many opportunities to consider, both as a parish and a diocese, new and exciting ways of using the building for the glory of God, putting into practice the vision of being one family in Christ Jesus.

"I look forward to the day when Catholics, Pentecostals and Evangelicals come together where Jesus Christ's healing love can be known and received and where there is unity in the body of Christ, all will be welcome."

A round of applause greeted the news, given at a public meeting on Tuesday, that the church would be saved.

Dru Tramaseur, chairman of the Cantelupe Community Association, originally formed to fight the development of the Gullivers Bowls Green site, announced: "The purpose of this meeting changed a few hours ago when we heard from the commissioners that the scheme has been withdrawn. The church is safe."

She went on to qualify this statement to a 60-strong audience gathered in the nave of St Barnabas Church, saying: "Now the church has to become viable. We need to have activities to contribute to the running of the buildings."

This note of caution was explained by a statement in a letter from the Church Commissioners, which indicated the diocese expected vocal supporters of the church to help secure its financial security.

The formation of a new group, the Friends of St Barnabas Church, was announced by Jenny Edgar, chair of the Friends of St Barnabas.

The Friends are hoping to hold their first event towards the end of October.

Jenny said: "Now that we are confident we have a building we are hoping to roll out membership at the end of September.

"This is a Victorian building and they cost a lot to maintain.

"The reason for the Friends is that many of you who are not members of the congregation might not want any thing to do with religion. But we would like this church to be the centre of all activity in the area.

"The main objective is to help fundraise for repairs and maintenance of the fabric of the church and the churchyard."

A draft programme, including membership applications, will be published by the end of September, and will be available from St Barnabas Church.

Reverend David Frost, rural dean of Battle and Bexhill, said: "With the news of the Church Commissioners, we look forward to a new chapter in the life of St Barnabas church.

"We don't know what that means at the moment. At the moment the big building is still closed. A lot of money needs spending on it."

l Father Crosthwaite is inviting everybody to come along to a special praise, prayer and healing service at St Barnabas Church on Sunday October 11 at 6pm.

He said: "Truly we believe this will be a church of the open door.

"Do come along and find out what is happening in the centre of Bexhill.

"These are truly exciting times to be alive."