In 1904, the Old Mission building first opened its doors as a Baptist church, serving the local community with religious services until October 2021, when it ceased operations. Now left derelict, the property remains a silent witness to its past, its arches and hallways echoing with memories of worship.
This week, the sudden appearance of ‘for sale’ signs on the property has stirred the local community, sparking concerns over the building’s future. Residents fear it may fall into the hands of developers, who could potentially repurpose this historic site, altering its character and heritage forever. The former church’s unique architectural features and cultural significance make it a treasured landmark, amplifying public anxiety about its fate.
Earlier this year, driven by a sense of urgency, locals formed a group dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the Old Mission. Their goal was to either reopen it as a place of worship or transform it into a community centre to facilitate social activities and other communal needs. These efforts became particularly crucial following the closure of two village pubs and a convenience store, which had left significant gaps in social gathering spaces within the area.
District councillor Dr Paul Barrow, who represents the Ridgeway ward, shared insights from a village survey conducted several months ago. The survey revealed overwhelming support for continuing the building’s community-focused use. Barrow explained that earlier discussions with the trustees of the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches led to assurances that the community would be notified and given the opportunity to purchase the building if it were to be sold. “The trustees had assured us that we would be given an opportunity to buy the property when the time came,” Barrow stated.
However, the recent listing of the Old Mission for sale, without prior warning, has disappointed many locals. Despite this setback, residents remain committed to exploring other avenues to safeguard the building’s future. One such possibility involves collaborating with The Plunkett Foundation, a UK-based organisation that supports rural communities in preserving and establishing community-owned businesses and assets.
By seeking to register the Old Mission as an asset of community value, the group aims to protect the building from private redevelopment while enabling its use for purposes that benefit the village. Securing this status could provide the leverage needed to repurpose the structure into a thriving community hub. Discussions with The Plunkett Foundation remain ongoing, with optimism that their expertise could aid in achieving this goal.
As of now, no official comment has been made by the Old Mission trustees regarding the matter. The journey to preserve this historic building as a community resource highlights the determination of local residents to protect their village’s heritage and foster stronger communal ties in the face of change. While the future of the Old Mission hangs in balance, the community’s efforts illuminate the enduring value of shared spaces and the cultural identity they embody.
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