Our New Home: A Journey of Restoration and Hope
On 2nd August 2024, the South Shields Seventh-day Adventist Church took an exciting bold step forward by purchasing the former Holy Rosary Church, located at Horsley Hill Square, South Shields. This building, with its rich history and unique architectural features, is now set to become a vibrant centre of worship, community support, and spiritual growth.
A Building with Heritage and Heart
The Holy Rosary Church was originally designed by architect Anthony J. Rossi and opened on 30th April 1968. Built to serve the Marsden and Horsley Hill housing estates, the church played an integral role in the community for decades. Its unique design, featuring a steel portal frame, brickwork, and a striking sanctuary, reflects the post-war architectural style of the time.
Though its doors closed in 2017, leaving the building unused, its strong structure and rich history have paved the way for new possibilities. Today, we are privileged to restore this space, breathing new life into its walls as a place of worship and a hub for community services.
Our Vision: A Hub for Community and Faith
We envision this building as a beacon of hope and service in Horsley Hill. Once refurbished, it will serve as a centre for:
- Worship Services: A welcoming space to connect with God and grow in faith.
- Community Services: Hosting a soup kitchen, food bank, and support groups for the local community.
- Family-Friendly Events: Creating opportunities for fellowship, learning, and joy.
While we are temporarily gathering in Sunderland, our hearts are focused on transforming this building into a permanent spiritual home.
Refurbishment in Progress
The refurbishment project includes:
- Upgrading the kitchen to facilitate meal preparation for the soup kitchen and fellowship lunch.
- Renovating the community hall and toilets to provide a clean, accessible, and welcoming environment for all.
- Addition of dedicated mother's room and toilet and changing facilities.
- Enhancing the sanctuary to preserve the architectural heritage while ensuring it meets modern needs.
As the work progresses, we will share updates and images through a slideshow gallery on this page. Look out for snapshots of construction milestones, restored spaces, and the vibrant activities we plan to host here.
Be Part of the Journey
We invite you to join us in this exciting transformation. Whether through prayers, volunteering, or donations, your support will make a lasting impact on the lives of many.
Donations Welcome
If you would like to contribute to the refurbishment, your generosity will help us create a space that serves the spiritual and practical needs of our community.
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Join Us in This Mission
As we continue this journey of restoration and renewal, we hope you will be inspired to walk alongside us. Together, we can build a new home for worship and service that reflects God’s love and care for everyone in our community.
“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain.” – Psalm 127:1
We can’t wait to welcome you to our new home in Horsley Hill!
