THE latest in a string of licensed premises to be converted to a house of worship will open this year despite months of setbacks during conversion works.
Elim Pentecostal Church is converting the former Warren Hotel on Warren Quarry Lane, Barnsley.
It had previously been based at the Elim Centre in Ashgrove, Kendray, and hopes to turn the building into a community church.
It joins the likes of the former Escapade nightclub in the town centre, which is now Hope House Church, and the former Ashfield Club on Doncaster Road, which is now a Seventh Day Adventist Church.
The conversion has been taking place since February last year but there has been a number of setbacks. Church spokesman Florentine King said much of the budget had been spent after asbestos was discovered.
Then vandals struck, smashing windows, and even smashing the replacements which had been installed. Thieves also stole copper piping and CCTV cameras.
Florentine said: “It’s going to be a community centre because we do provide lots of community activities. But the work has been delayed due to vandalism. All the windows have been smashed, we had a break in and people stole copper piping.
“It left us with a bill of £2,300. After all the vandalism, we’re talking £5,000. We replaced the windows and they were smashed again. They even stole the cameras we put up.
“We can’t replace the windows because our concern is that if we change the windows, they will be smashed again and it is a waste of money.
“The building is not ready and it’s been almost 15 months. Services are on hold until the new building is ready, all the groups are on hold because we can’t use the building until it is ready.
“The police have been great, but what can they do?”
Despite this, Florentine is hopeful the new church building will open in August. Members are now trying to raise £6,000 to erect a fence around the building to keep the vandals out and are seeking help from the public and local businesses to donate what they can.
“The inside was a pub and we are removing everything, it is coming on slowly,” she said.
“The asbestos was sorted out in October and that’s where half the money went because it was not planned.
“We’re hoping to open in August if people can help support the community. There will be a big opening.”
The church runs foodbanks, clothes banks, mother and toddler groups, English classes for asylum seekers and refugees and is looking to help young people who are not in employment or education.
It is receiving help from running club GoodGym, which combines running with good deeds, and from the probation service in terms of painting and decorating. It has also received assistance from Stairfoot and Kingstone ward alliances.
The renovation will see the main entrance lead to a large foyer area with toilets either side. To the rear there will be a ‘quiet room’ and a small coffee area.
In the basement level will be facilities for wider community functions including recreation and waiting area, multipurpose rooms for midweek groups and activities. Also at this level would be a large dining area and kitchen serving both the church and wider community.
The first floor is mainly taken up by a residential flat and a multipurpose room which will accommodate a number of church and community activities.
Outside there would be an area dedicated to a secure play area for children.
Can you help? Email elimcentreesol@gmail.com
