Bohemia Village Voice

Folk arriving early this morning in bright sunshine to inspect the new vestibule.

There was much excitement and last minute finishing off by builders this week as Park Road Church’s new £170,000 ‘vestibule’ was made ready for it’s official opening today.

The red ribbon was duly cut by the Reverend Roger Cresswell. Local dignitaries in attendance included  the mayor of Hastings, Mrs Maureen Charlesworth, Michael Foster MP and Mrs Rosemary Foster.

The new extension was originally conceived as a toilet for the western end of the church, but in the way of these things, the plans just grew and grew … Work started in January of this year and was made possible by a generous bequest from the Mabel Whitworth fund. “The congregation has been wonderful” said Elizabeth Cresswell, minister at the church. “It’s the church’s 125th anniversary this year so it’s very timely to have this ‘vestibule’ or ‘new room’ or ‘magnolia room’ (we can’t make up our minds what to call it) facility added”.

After the builders have gone the room will be furnished with ‘comfortable chairs’ and tables. What will it be used for? “The new room will OPEN UP the front of the building, so that people will be able to see right into the church itself”, Elizabeth explained. “It will be used not only as a place for people to gather together at wedding and funeral services, but will be a sort of drop-in facility open initially just a couple of mornings each week”. There will be volunteer staff on hand to deal with enquiries and provide advice.

There is a striking stained glass window [picture above] on the south west corner of the new room. It was conceived and executed by Ruth Ward, daughter of retired minister Michael Ward. The work was commissioned to commemorate the memories of Peter Mellor (1925 to 2002) and the ‘Brydons and Thomas’s’.

Park Road Church - new extension officially opened by the Rev Roger Cresswell. On the right is Mayor of Hastings, Mrs Maureen Charlesworth

The stunning new stained glass window, with its fisherman theme. Picture shows designer Ruth Ward chatting with her father, retired minister Mike Ward

About to cut the ribbon...