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Church Re-ordering: 1. Story so far

In 1996 the PCC, as a result of the "Investors in People" initiative, set up a sub group to examine and recommend possible changes to the layout of the church to fit it both for worship and perhaps secular use in the future. It was intended that this group's recommendations (if ratified by the PCC after full consultation with the Parish) should form the basis of a "Millennium Project" for St. Chad's. The following article was published in the Parish Magazine and summarises the Millennium Committee's proposals. It formed the basis for the parish consultation meeting which was held on 19th July at 7.30pm in church.

These proposals are the result of a lot of work, a number of visits to other churches, and detailed consultation with the church architect. They were arrived at by consensus and with no dissent, although they have all been the subject of vigorous and outspoken discussion. They now provide us with a starting point. First we need to decide if we, as a parish want to implement them. Then we need to consult with other bodies like the Victorian Society and English Heritage. We then need approval from the Archdeacon and the Diocesan Advisory Committee. Finally we need detailed plans, costings, and we need to raise the money by appeal. All of this is a daunting prospect. This is where it all starts.

St. Chad's church is a Listed Building of great architectural interest. It is well kept and much loved, and has an active congregation, which by and large it serves adequately. It is also big, the focus of worship is diffused, and there is a lack of intimacy and "togetherness" in our services. Additionally, we are incorporating an increasing number of musical, dramatic and symbolic events in our services, and these could be much better provided for. It would also be nice to make more use of the building for events other than church services, particularly concerts.

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The question is not how to make a major change, but

How can we, sensitively and carefully, and without in any way changing the character of the building, make changes to serve the existing congregation better, and make better provision for our successors to use the building in ways we cannot even dream of.

Flexibility has therefore been the major thrust of our proposals, and we have been driven by our parish's Vision Statement :

To be an open, welcoming church, with all ages sharing together and working together in mutual trust to combine accessibility with reverence; looking forward with valuing tradition; mission and outreach with nurture and education as we grow in understanding of what St. Chad's is here for.

The aim throughout has been (and ought to continue to be), how best to establish what is appropriate for this church, in this building, at this time. This has been the prime motivation of the Millennium Committee. It is interesting to note one of the Archdeacon's newsletters in which he writes - "I would ask that we consider the need for change. I would want you to get out of your minds this year " we've always done it this way" and urge every parish not to see the church - its buildings and its worship - as places of refuge and certainty, but as places where change is to be encouraged and welcomed for the benefits it can bring ."

In this context it is salutary to remind ourselves of the radical nature of the re-ordering which was undertaken at St. Chad's in 1910.

Following the consultation meeting in July, the PCC at their meeting on 13th September agreed to accept "some or all" of the re-ordering proposals. A week later further discussion was held and votes were taken on the separate constituent parts of the proposals. The results showed that there was a clear majority in favour in each case. The most recent meeting reassembled the proposals into a package which could be forwarded to the Diocesan Advisory Committee for its consideration. After much discussion it was agreed to put proposals to a secret ballot.

Read the original proposals