THE opening of a new church in Oswestry has been welcomed by its congregation as a ‘blessed day’.

Hope Church has re-located to the new buidling in Market Gate at the centre of Oswestry after packing up its previous home in Laburnum Drive.

Emma Bebb, from the church, said that current pastor Chris Shaw was joined by predecessors Elfed Godding and Derek Hughes, stretching back many years, to give the day the blessing it deserved.

And she thanked the hundreds of people who made the trip, either locally or from within the UK, to wish the church every success in its new home.

“What a great day,” said Emma.

“We at Hope Church held the opening celebration for our new building, located at Market Gate, Oswestry on Saturday, July 8.

“More than 300 people came to the service and spent time celebrating the new church build.

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“Over the past decade, Hope Church has been planning, raising funds and working towards a new church location in Oswestry.

“Previously located in Laburnum Drive since the 1960s the church now has a new home at Market Gate in the centre of Oswestry town.

“On that Saturday, the move was celebrated.

“People travelled from different places across the UK to the service.

“People from our community came along to support us, including the mayor and local council members.

“The heavy rain didn’t put people off.”

Emma added that the celebrations represented what the church offers to its congregation but also reflected what they bring to the church.

And she added that people thoroughly enjoyed the celebrations with as much cake on offer as they could have, and many more celebrations.

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She added: “The celebration reflected the heart of Hope Church. As many people contributed to the celebration.

“Young and old joined in to say thank you to everyone that had made this build possible.

“The celebration ended with cake and lots of visitors catching up with each other.

“Hope Church now has a new home, but it still holds the same values.

“Values that what to provide a welcoming space for people where they can find love and support.”

Anyone who would like to know more details about Hope Church and also to see the new building for themselves can do so by emailing office@hopechurchoswestry.org.uk