Follow Wollaton Road
Modernisation.
What the Church interior looked like before the modernisation.
It had been a dream from generation to generation that, at sometime, we should enlarge our premises in order to accomplish a more effective work and witness for Christ and the church.
On three separate occasions since 1945 plans were considered for this to be done. During 1968 the matter received active consideration and three of our Trustees were requested to prepare projects, each with different ideas. Finally, after much prayer and deliberation we decided that we should make the best use of our premises.
No firm decision was made without first making sure that each member of our congregation was fully aware of the proposals and that the majority was in favour.
So, under the guidance of the architect, the new concept of our Church building was born. It contained many improvements which are evident.
We found that even after building two rooms and a stage, we were left with an area equal to that available under the original form - so much space had been wasted!
Apart from the "new look" three important features were achieved.
Reduction of interference from road noise.
A better entrance for the Church.
A more flexible building - more usable and convenient for numerous activities. From the beginning we had the ready offer of voluntary labour by our members and friends.
More effort than first envisaged was joyfully given and our fellowship thereby enriched.
We give Glory to God our Father for His leading and our grateful thanks to those who gave a labour of love.
On three separate occasions since 1945 plans were considered for this to be done. During 1968 the matter received active consideration and three of our Trustees were requested to prepare projects, each with different ideas. Finally, after much prayer and deliberation we decided that we should make the best use of our premises.
No firm decision was made without first making sure that each member of our congregation was fully aware of the proposals and that the majority was in favour.
So, under the guidance of the architect, the new concept of our Church building was born. It contained many improvements which are evident.
We found that even after building two rooms and a stage, we were left with an area equal to that available under the original form - so much space had been wasted!
Apart from the "new look" three important features were achieved.
Reduction of interference from road noise.
A better entrance for the Church.
A more flexible building - more usable and convenient for numerous activities. From the beginning we had the ready offer of voluntary labour by our members and friends.
More effort than first envisaged was joyfully given and our fellowship thereby enriched.
We give Glory to God our Father for His leading and our grateful thanks to those who gave a labour of love.
The Ceiling.
The ceiling height in the Church was originally 3 feet higher than the present ribbed timber ceiling. The method of construction was influenced by the desire of the members to undertake this work themselves.
Basically the ceiling consists of 40 interlocking panels suspended from the main roof trusses on steel frames which are bolted to three horizontal beams which span the Church.
This design reduced the amount of work above floor level to a minimum and the actual erection time amounted to less than four weeks spare time work.
The 40 panels were individually assembled on a special jig for speed and accuracy and treated with fire retardant varnish.
Before erection of the ceiling began, welded steel supporting frames were made in a garage of one of the members.
Basically the ceiling consists of 40 interlocking panels suspended from the main roof trusses on steel frames which are bolted to three horizontal beams which span the Church.
This design reduced the amount of work above floor level to a minimum and the actual erection time amounted to less than four weeks spare time work.
The 40 panels were individually assembled on a special jig for speed and accuracy and treated with fire retardant varnish.
Before erection of the ceiling began, welded steel supporting frames were made in a garage of one of the members.
The Screen.
The screen, which is the focal point during worship, continues the ribbed timber theme of the ceiling and the pelmet conceals strip lighting which can be used as an alternative or complementary to the main lighting.
Furniture on the raised platform consists of a communion table and lectern. These are made of square section welded steel frames with natural pine table surfacing.
The communion rail which is removable is also of square section steel construction and together with the other furniture was made by a church member.
Furniture on the raised platform consists of a communion table and lectern. These are made of square section welded steel frames with natural pine table surfacing.
The communion rail which is removable is also of square section steel construction and together with the other furniture was made by a church member.
Stage and Vestries.
One of the main objects of the scheme was to create a "dual purpose" church. For many years difficulty had been experienced in the production of concerts and other events without adequate facilities.
We now have a very adequate stage flanked on one side by a Ministers Vestry with toilet and on the other side a schoolroom.
Both rooms double as changing rooms. The space over these rooms is also utilised by constructing 2 storerooms.
Although these facilities are built over the site of the old entrance vestibule, the total area covered is less than that previously taken up by the old organ, platform and communion area, thereby leaving a greater worship area than before.
We now have a very adequate stage flanked on one side by a Ministers Vestry with toilet and on the other side a schoolroom.
Both rooms double as changing rooms. The space over these rooms is also utilised by constructing 2 storerooms.
Although these facilities are built over the site of the old entrance vestibule, the total area covered is less than that previously taken up by the old organ, platform and communion area, thereby leaving a greater worship area than before.
Entrance Canopy and Vestibule.
The entrance to the building is now protected from the elements by a canopy, being in sharp contrast to the old entrance which led directly on to the roadside pavement.
The two sets of doors are of unusual design and enclose the entrance vestibule. From this access is made either to the church or the schoolroom.
A great deal more could be said but suffice to say that in addition the heating system was modified (since upgraded) and that the building was completely rewired.
The modernised church was officially opened by Mr Ernest Bettle followed by a Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication on Saturday 26th September 1970.
The two sets of doors are of unusual design and enclose the entrance vestibule. From this access is made either to the church or the schoolroom.
A great deal more could be said but suffice to say that in addition the heating system was modified (since upgraded) and that the building was completely rewired.
The modernised church was officially opened by Mr Ernest Bettle followed by a Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication on Saturday 26th September 1970.
