AN EXCITING  CHURCH MODERNISATION PROJECT GATHERS PACE AT THE VINE  !

A major project to modernise the VineBaptistChurch in Sevenoaks, to serve the local community, is rapidly gathering pace and with it the enthusiasm and support from it’s congregation and sponsors. Work on the building is now well underway and tangible signs of progress are obvious for all to see.

VineBaptistChurch is situated in a prominent position adjacent to the well-known Vine cricket ground, with its legendary ‘seven’ oak trees, and a thriving residential area. The church has a growing and evolving congregation that recognises the need to grow and develop with its surroundings and to fulfil its modern day mission in this part of the town. That mission recognises that the church is not just a place of worship but also a valuable resource for many individual clubs and groups within the community. In order to allow those activities to flourish, the building is being modernised to improve the space available and to provide adequate access and facilities for the disabled.

A ‘Landmark’ decision was taken by members of the Church in 2006 to undertake the seemingly impossible task of upgrading the building to make it fit to serve the local community in the 21st century. From the outset it was recognised that such a project was an awesome task, requiring a budget of approximately £650,000, far in excess of anything that had been tackled in the past and the need to raise large sums of money from within the church community and from sponsors. Making that decision represented a significant ‘landmark’ for the congregation and its leaders, headed by the Reverend Jim Crockett, and once made, support snowballed. Sufficient funds became available in 2008 from within the church community, sponsors and loans, to enable work to begin in earnest. Where necessary working parties were organised to carry out preliminary work and resulted in an increase in enthusiasm, a sense of participation, and healthy anticipation among members of the congregation. Funds to complete the later stages of project still have to be found but thanks to a continuing influx of donations, a major legacy, and the generosity of sponsors work is proceeding with an air of confidence.

The design work and supervision of the entire project has been entrusted to RDJW Architects, and our Project Manager is Ian Ford, FRICS – both are responsible for a number of successful church modernisation projects. Church member and leader responsible for the building James Penn, a local builder himself (Josephs), has taken a vital and active role in every aspect of the modernisation programme.

The first essential task, now completed, was to refurbish the entire roof of the 123 year-old building prior to commencing more challenging alterations to the interior. For financial and practical reasons the main modernisation project has been organised in phases. The church will remain open for worship throughout.  ‘Phase one’ - to strip and reconstruct the interior of the Sanctuary, the main body of the church building is well advanced and will be completed by the end of the summer. This has involved the removal of the traditional pews and gallery, enabling the increased available space and new seating to be readily adapted for a wide range of activities, in addition to normal church services and worship. This will create a large and attractive venue for a multitude of local community events. Plans are already taking shape for a Community Children’s Choir, as well as extending the use of the premises to other organisations.

A second phase will see the central portion of the building redeveloped to include an attractive new entrance facing the Vine cricket ground. This portion of the building will incorporate a disabled access to all areas, toilets, a Sunday crèche, a new office and many other useful facilities.

It is already evident that this project, based on the aim to serve and embrace the local community more effectively, has re-invigorated the church community that continues to gain new members from many walks of life. In the words of Vine Pastor Jim Crockett;- “Our mission statement is to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the community, bringing people closer to a  loving and caring God. That is and always has been the aim of the Vine Baptist church.”