A WOKINGHAM church that has undergone major reconstruction, reopens this month.
All Saints Church building will be used not only as a place of worship, but as a community café and town arts venue.
The church’s rector, The Revd Canon David Hodgson, said: “The final elements of the redesign are coming together very quickly now as the completion date draws closer.
“There are some wonderful surprises in store even for those who have attended previous open days.”
All are invited to a thanksgiving and rededication service, which wiill be led by The Bishop of Oxford, The Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft.
This will be followed by a drinks reception in the church.
The project, known as Spaceforall, has involved significant adapations to the church’s interior, and a new accessible entrance.
The new community hub and café area will be a space where charities, groups, and members of the public can meet.
It will also function as a venue for music, cultural and arts events, and conferences.
And it remains a place of worship, where church services, special occasions, weddings and funerals will be held.
The vast majority of the £1.3 million required to complete the project has been met.
Donations from local residents, fund-raising activities, and grants from local, regional and national charitable bodies have raised 98% of the total.
With a remaining £30,000 still needing to be found, the church is asking Wokingham businesses to help close the final gap.
Mr Hodgson, said: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our local businesses.
“Adapting this wonderful Wokingham building is about making a difference to the well-being of Wokingham residents and local companies’ staff in these challenging times.
“It will provide an invaluable community facility for the town’s community life for decades to come.”
All Saints Church will re-open its doors on Saturday, June 17.
A service of thanksgiving will take place on Monday, June 19.
People are asked to be seated by 7.20pm, for the event, which begins at 7.30pm
Those who intend to come are asked to let the organisers know by completing a form, which can be found on their website: www.allsaintswokingham.org.uk
For more information and to donate, people should visit the project website at: www.spaceforall.org.ukor call Canon David Hodgson on: 0118 979 2999.
