A CHAPEL’S congregation is celebrating the completion of a 16-year refurbishment campaign with a rededication ceremony.
The Pathway in Middleton-in-Teesdale has seen the third and final phase of renovation work to their base completed.
Worshippers have invited everyone to be part of the rededication celebrations, which were due to take place on Tuesday, January, 22, at 7.30pm.
Fundraising for the project began 16 years ago when it became clear the cost of renovating the existing chapel, which had served the community for 145 years, was not going to be possible.
The decision to convert the former schoolroom at the rear into a modern chapel with games hall, private meeting rooms and catering kitchen was approved and work was split into three phases.
The first and second phase included the removal of a stage area, levelling of floors, insulation and installation of shatter-proof, electronically controlled windows and sky lights. The final phase of the work has seen the removal of a porch, replaced by a light and airy foyer with double opening doors. A circular stained glass window has been saved and now has pride of place above glazed doors leading into the chapel.
The chapel’s minister, Revd Bev Hollings, said: “It was lovely at Christmas to be able to have the tree in the foyer and the garlands laid out.
“And it was great to see the sound-proof doors work a treat.
“Children were able to have fun in the games hall while their parents enjoyed a coffee next door in the kitchen.
“We’re all looking forward now to being a proper church and putting on events. Now the work is complete we’re also ready to rent out the flat we have created.”
The one-bedroom, self contained flat was created to help provide an income for the church to secure funding for the future. The flat will be rented out on a long term basis and any interested parties should contact Ms Hollings.
The rededication service will be led by the Revd Steve Wild, a former president of the Methodist Conference, who is travelling from Cornwall for the event.
