New Ruxley Church opens
After years of jumble sales, garden parties and even the odd sky dive, a new Church has finally opened in Ewell giving churchgoers the space they need.
The new Ruxley Church in Ruxley Lane which will be officially opened on Sunday, September 8, replaced both the old Ruxley Church, formerly a Methodist Church, and Anglican St Francis Church of Assisi which was demolished due to subsidence in 2002.
Since then, the two congregations of up to 120 people have squeezed into one building and worshipped together. Now, with the opening of the new Ruxley Church, which will serve as a ecumenical church and community centre, there will be much more space and better facilities and the church is hoping to double its congregation in the next five years.
The new facilities include a fully equipped kitchen for use by local organisations and community activities and events. The project cost £3.2 million and has involved the building of a new Minister’s residence, the demolition of the old Churches and the construction of the new Church.
Money was raised by the sale of surplus church land to build affordable flats, a host of fundraising events, and a number of grants. Only last week it received a grant for £12,500 for new furniture.
Church spokesman, Jenny Meineck, said: “We are grateful to Viridor for their grant. We have raised the funds by obtaining grants and fund raising for many years. This has included a sky dive by Rev Andy Jacobson in August 2007, many coach trips, jumble sales, garden parties and social events, as well as a music group called ‘Ouch’ being formed from our Sunday worship band having played at many gigs. During the building process we had to completely stop for two years, due to the recession, but are really thrilled to now be in our new Church. ”
The Church has various groups offering a wide range of things to do, including dance lessons, piano exams, a model railway club, a children’s nursery as well as a popular coffee bar.
Services are held on Sundays at 10:00 am and 6:30 pm. Forthcoming events include a barn dance on Saturday, October 5, in aid of Ntunungwe School in Zimbabwe. For tickets or more information call 020 8394 1081 or visit www.ruxley-church.org.uk
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