Buildings Update – Church Seeks Support

The following information advises the Church’s Position on our Building, this information is up to date (July 1017).    The Church is hoping that advising the public of our situation will enable them to help and support us, and we thank you for your continued support.

OLD INDEPENDENT UNITED REFORMED CHURCH SEEKS SUPPORT TO AVOID CLOSURE

The Old Independent United Reformed Church in Haverhill is asking members of public and friends for help and support, as they seek to remain on their current site amid financial uncertainty. 

Plans to sell the Church Hall, renovate and reconfigure the current church building, which is Grade II* listed, have been postponed indefinitely as the Church’s financial position has become serious and can no longer support the proposed project. 

Regular hirers for the Church Hall are now desperately needed to help with the running of the two buildings.   Believe it or not, the cost of running both buildings at present comes in at around £830 per week!  

The current fellowship cannot sustain these costs.   Without new hirers and more support locally, the congregation will have no option but to decide on their future existence at the site, within a 6 month timescale.

Members of the Church have not lost hope that they can remain at Hamlet Road, which along with Meetings Walk has been their home for over 350 years.  They have made strenuous efforts to reduce costs and expenditure.  However they feel it is their responsibility to now highlight their position and ask for your support before it is too late. 

The fellowship boasts a mixed congregation of young and old members, families and retired couples. It has a regular minister in a group with 4 other churches. There is a small Junior Church.  A Girls Brigade and Brownie Pack meet at the Church, as does the Haverhill Family History Group and the Town Pastors.  It is also the annual home of Carols for All with the Silver Band.

There are a number of ways you can help the fellowship;

  • Support their fundraising events & follow/share them via www.facebook.com/oldindependent
  • Go along and meet them our Harvest &  Scarecrow Festival Open Weekend on Friday 15th & Saturday 16th September from 10am – 4pm.    
  • Consider hiring the Church Hall for your organisation/group to meet in.
  • Go along to Church on Sundays at 10.45 am.
  • Consider making a donation to Church Funds.

Details of all the Church Activities, Fundraising and Hall Hire can be found on their website: haverhillurc.org.uk.