A church, which is a community hub as well as a place of worship, has undergone its biggest upgrade of facilities since it opened 93 years ago.
St James’ and St Basil’s Church in Fenham runs a community café, hosts groups and organisations, while also supporting local businesses by providing space in its church hall basement.
This summer, the toilet facilities at St James’ and St Basil’s were upgraded and now include an accessible convenience, the heating system was overhauled, and the lighting and electrics in the vestry were upgraded. There is also a new secure storage area.
A small kitchen has been added to the vestry, which has also been decorated, while drainage systems and water pipes in the basement have been renewed.
“We have between 300 and 400 people using the church every week,” said the Revd James McGowan. “It’s essential that we have suitable facilities and we are delighted with the work that has been done.
“This project is the largest upgrade to the church building since it opened in 1931. It came about after a complaint by a member of one of our choirs about only having one working toilet in the building – we now have four! All the work looks excellent and we hope it enhances the experience of visiting our church.”
During the works, a major fault was also identified with the main church heating system. As a result, the pump that sends hot water to the church radiators has been replaced.
James added: “Following these works, a future project might consider installing solar cells on the church roof and battery storage in the basement to allow part of the church to run entirely on renewable energy.”
The community cafe at St James’ and St Basil’s opened in 2016. As well as providing a service for local people, James said the café gives the church a vital shop front. The church also provides a base for an early years music workshop and other community groups.
The church hall has two studios, which are rented to local businesses. One is a florist and photography outlet, while the other is a joinery, which opens as a workshop for people to learn woodwork skills.
“We only have a relatively small congregation of about 30,” said James. “But it’s about outlook and intention, not just bums on seats, although we are not a community centre by any means.
“People come to church when they are ready and when they need to come. It’s a slightly different form of evangelism and mission.”
James gives thanks to Gateley Smithers Purslow, Ecclesiastical Insurance and to funders, The Northumbria Historic Churches Trust and The Catherine Cookson Trust.