The Dereham Baptist Church is undergoing a project to create a new entrance from Chapel Walk in the town, as well as a wheelchair and pram accessible entrance to the building. This new entrance will provide the church with a total of four ways to enter the building, including the main drive off the High Street, a second off Norwich Street, a third through a gate from the Ellenor Fenn Garden, and the new entrance from Chapel Walk. The project involves taking down a damaged wall opposite the QD store and replacing it with a new one, as well as creating a gateway into the church’s garden. The work is being carried out by Bunting & Son Ltd and is expected to be completed by the summer, funded by a generous legacy and donations from church members.
Rev Nigel Bayley, the lead minister of Dereham Baptist Church, expressed excitement about the opportunity to make the church more visible to the town and showcase how God is using the building. Associate minister Rev Dave Ward noted the blessing of having the finances available for the project, which fulfills a vision of making the church accessible from all four directions in the town. The church is actively involved in various activities throughout the week, including Sunday services, a Saturday evening service for the Portuguese congregation, a coffee shop, table tennis, and a parent and toddler group. Additionally, the church has partnerships with Love Dereham charity, Green Pastures, and operates a bookshop and community hub in Norwich Street.
Dereham Baptist Church plans to hold a special celebration event later in the year to showcase the completed project to the town residents. The church aims to increase its visibility and accessibility in the community, allowing more people to engage with the church and its activities. The church’s involvement in various community initiatives, such as the weekly Little Fishes parent and toddler group and a twice-monthly family church at Toftwood Village Hall, demonstrates its commitment to serving the local community. For more information about Dereham Baptist Church and its activities, individuals can visit their website at derehambaptist.org.
The project to create a new entrance to Dereham Baptist Church reflects the church’s commitment to expanding its outreach and engagement with the local community. By providing additional access points to the building and enhancing its visibility in the town, the church aims to create opportunities for more people to connect with its services and activities. The financial support for the project, combined with the dedication of the church’s ministers and members, demonstrates a shared vision for making the church accessible and welcoming to all in the community. The completion of the project is expected by the summer, with plans for a special celebration event to showcase the new entrance and engage with the town residents.
