Wanstead’s historic church reopens – revamped

The congregation of Wanstead United Reformed Church in North-East London worshipped in their newly-refurbished building for the first time on Sunday 24 June. To enable the refurbishment, the grade II listed building had been closed for 13 months whilst the congregation worshipped at the local Methodist church. Within that time, the historic building underwent extensive external repairs and a major internal reordering; it now boasts new flooring and purpose-built facilities.

The £1.4 million project was funded from the proceeds of selling two previously-owned church halls in 2010. The church was originally built in the 19th Century and belonged to St Luke’s Parish in St Pancras; it was later moved brick-by-brick to Wanstead in 1867.

Commenting on the newly-refurbished church, the Revd Rosalind Selby, minister of Wanstead URC, said: “The congregation are delighted: with the repaired and reordered premises, with the sense of light, space, warmth and with the wonderful combination of protecting architectural features whilst at the same time making the church fit for purpose, the community and use in the21st century.”

After the celebratory reopening service, the congregation had a shared lunch and “christened” all parts of the new building. An additional coffee morning will be held on 7 July between 10am and 1pm. The local community of Wanstead is welcome to attend.