A “MIRACULOUS two years” culminated in the opening of a £1.1million church community centre in Trull on Saturday.
The Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Rt Rev Peter Hancock, spoke at a service of thanksgiving at All Saints Church before the congregation crossed the road for the ribbon cutting by villager Barry Bloxham.
The old village and church halls were demolished for the purpose-built facility, which saw the whole community involved in designing and planning.
The money to pay for it was raised within a year of an appeal launched at Easter 2012, with £80,000 in grants, £50,000 from fundraising events and £900,000 given or pledged by church members.
Buiding started in August 2013, with the keys handed over last month.
All Saints rector the Rev Adrian Youings said: “This has been an extraordinary journey and - dare I say - a miraculous two years.
“This is living proof of the amazing things that can happen when the church and the community work together as one.”
The Bishop said: “I could not be more delighted for you all.
“St Paul wrote that we must build everything on the foundations of God’s love and that is what you have done here, bringing the whole community together.”
The building will act as a base for youth groups and a parish office, and locals will be able to enjoy the village hub, including a community café, as well as a home for community organisations, including the pre-school.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here