A DILAPIDATED church in Worcester which has been closed for almost two years will be knocked down next week, it has emerged.
Contractors will arrive on Monday (November 17) to begin the process of demolishing Holy Trinity and St Matthew’s Church in Ronkswood.
The church, known locally as the Drum, was forced to close its doors in December 2012 after parts of its ceiling fell off.
As we revealed in May last year, up to £500,000 would have needed to have been spent to fix the building, which was also riddled with damp.
But church leaders decided to demolish it and replace it with a new multi-use building, which would meet the needs of congregation and the local community.
A special service will be at the church at 2pm today to give people the chance to say goodbye and Rev George Davis, who was recently appointed victor of Holy Trinity & St Matthew’s, said it would be sad to see it go.
“Even in my short time here, I have gained a sense of understanding the significance of the building through getting to know those who have worshipped there and who live and work in the community,” he said.
“Perhaps most importantly, the sheer effort, hard work and tenacity to keep this project moving, is testimony to how much, the God of love, is loved in this place.”
He said they were also very grateful for all the support they had received since the church closed as worship has taken place in a variety of locations in the area.
Marian Bailey, chair of the church’s planning group, believed it was now important to look to the future as they await to see plans for a new church.
“This has been a sad process, but it’s a huge relief to us all that we have at last got a date for the demolition,” she said.
“Once this stage is completed we can start to look to the future, ensuring we continue to serve the people of Ronkswood as best we can.”
Bishop of Worcester Dr John Inge added: “Out of the sadness of the death of Jesus came the joy of the resurrection. The Christian faith is about death and resurrection.
“So, although this a sad time in the life of Ronkswood Church, I am confident that out of it will come resurrection – a new church at the centre of the community to serve the people of Ronskwood.”
Richard Grounds, executive director for growth and innovation at Fortis Living, said they would present the proposals to the community in the near future.
