Cornerstone Construction Fellowship

A church in Kent has reopened after a major restoration and is already being described as a renewed source of hope for the local area. St Johns in Chatham was built in the nineteenth century to mark the Battle of Waterloo but had been unused for many years after its condition declined during the 1990s.

A two year restoration costing £4m has now brought the building back to life with support from the Diocese of Rochester Medway Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Rev Luke Bacon who serves as Bishop’s Mission Order associate leader at St Johns says Sunday attendance now passes one hundred.

The project has not only restored the Grade II listed church but has also added new meeting rooms a kitchen and a cafe style space for wider community use. Supporters and partners gathered at a celebration event to mark the completion of the work.

Medway Council leader Vince Maple praised the scheme as a strong example of partnership working across the area that has delivered a striking and uplifting venue. Canon Matthew Girt from the Diocese of Rochester added that the building is now back in full use for the people of Chatham and will be open every day of the week with a wide range of activity for all.