Vision21

For over a century, our church has provided a central meeting place for people who have chosen to follow the founding principles of a very practical Christian faith – Methodism.

It is our responsibility to give pastoral care, welcome and nurture to those searching for spiritual nourishment as well as serving others in need. Our core principles were set by the founder of Methodism, the Reverend John Wesley.

“Do all the good you can, By all the means you can

In all the ways you can, In all the places you can

At all the times you can, To all the people you can

As long as ever you can.”

In 1886, the then members of Broad Street Methodist Church had a vision to build a new chapel in Spalding and in a little over a year their dream was realised. 

And as Methodists, we still continue to play a vital part in everyday life in Spalding.  Our building is a central gathering place for a wide range of community activities but was in need of extensive repair and renovation.  So in September 2012 a project was launched to enhance the flexibility and quality of our Grade II listed building - a project we called Vision21.

Vision21 is to safeguard the architectural heritage of our beautiful Church, as part of Spalding's legacy.

Vision21 is laying the foundations of our vision for coming generations, sustaining Methodist worship for the next 100 years and beyond.

Vision21 is to see the continuation of a welcoming and inclusive worshipping church that serves the wider community.

Phase 6 (Stable Development) is the only area from the original plans still outstanding. Vision21 was also about the people and the activities. These are the aspects that are now in focus.

VISION 21 TIMELINE                                                                                                                                              

2005-07 

• amalgamation discussions between Methodists, URC and C of E but no solutions found                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

2008

• Broad Street decide to stay on site and refurbish   

• members hold a “dreams your dreams” day  

• establish a clear vision to refurbish 

• steering groups formed (mission, finance, buildings)

2009   

• Vision21 is born and a single steering group created   

• consultation with user groups and wider community  

• architects visited and PDG appointed   

• business plan completed and grant applications begin 

• feasibility study presented and approved  

• phased approach to be taken

2010   

• listed building and planning consents applied for   

2011    

• all consents given 

• quantity surveyor  estimate received £700,000+vat

2012   

• English Heritage grant for church roof (68k)

• Vision21 launch weekend

• phase 1 reroofing tenders received 

• Pearce Roofing Services accepted  (140k) 

2013    

• phase 1 reroofing completed and building secured  

2014 

• essential works to blue room, stable, vestry, and repointing completed 

• tenders sought for remaining work 

• church interior and hall affordable - not foyer

2015  

• pews removed and new interior completed in September by Lindum   (235k) 

• “A New Beginning”  church re-opening and rededication service   

2016  

• steering group becomes finance & property committee   

• architect reappointed to prepare plans for remaining phases    

2017  

• Spalding Methodists unite  

• St Thomas’ road closed and sold

• plans for foyer, upgraded toilets and redecorating hall agreed and planning approval obtained

• tender for new kitchen accepted   (25k)

2018  

• work on new kitchen completed March

• Foyer Scheme  (phase5) approved as a replacement project using funds (150k) from sale of St Thomas’ road  

2019   

• Foyer tenders received

• Pearce Roofing Services appointed (239k) 

• work  started September, held up by coronavirus lockdown, finished October 2020

2021  

• new boilers fitted (25k) 

• alarm system, cctv and digital service equipment installed