Two new churches expecting to meet in industrial units
The units set to become Faith Church Fakenham PICTURE: Matthew Farmer - Credit: Archant
Vacant industrial units in Fakenham will be converted into a new church if planning permission is granted, meanwhile another church is building its own.
Hempton Memorial Hall, where the Faith Church currently meets PICTURE: Matthew Farmer - Credit: Archant
Faith Church Fakenham, who currently meet at Hempton Memorial Hall, hope to make use of industrial space at the end of Miller's Close for their new dedicated church.
Pastor of the church, Darren Waterfield, applied to North Norfolk District Council, saying: "We have been in the town for a couple of years now and our numbers have grown, so it's getting to the point where we really need our own space.
"It's not just about having somewhere to meet, it's about having somewhere to reach out and support the community from. We've held ladies' afternoon teas before now, where we give a space for those who wouldn't normally meet.
"We've had around 50 people attend, with genuine friendships made. We're not there to sell something or preach at people, we just gave people somewhere to have some fun.
"We've teamed up with the food bank to prepare hampers with essentials, but also some luxury items, around christmas time. For things like these, and to be less imposing to younger people, it helps to have our own space."
Pastor Waterfield, a manager at an engineering firm, said maintainence for the space will be funded entirely by his congregation.
The future site of Fakenham Baptist Community Church PICTURE: Matthew Farmer - Credit: Archant
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Another church is building its own unit on the industrial estate next to Morrison's supermarket. The Baptist Church began construction there after moving from their old church in Mill Court, now being developed into housing.
William Strong, chairperson of the building project group, said the outer shell is expected to be completed in the autumn.
He added: "From the outside it will look like another industrial unit, but inside it will be a modern area with a kitchen and social area, as well as the worship area.
"We will be doing more fundraising to fit out the interior, and planning for those events are in the works. Of course we are pleased to see other curches move in; we're all on the same team."
