In early September, Akeman Street Baptist Church (ABC) in Tring marked the completion of a building project for the fourth time in its history. The church, which started in 1801, moved into its first building in 1808.
The project was designed to make the whole church site more welcoming, flexible and user-friendly for the many hundreds of people who use the building. It will also allow the church to increase the programme of activities it offers. There is improved accessibility for people with mobility issues which a 200-year-old building didn’t previously provide. There are new catering facilities too!
After over a year of holding Sunday services in a near-by school, a Service of Thanksgiving for the new building was held on Saturday 10 September. People from other churches and the community gathered. The service was led by Pastor David Williams, and prayers came from members of the Building Steering Group who have overseen the project. David Chapman, who was pastor for 28 years and remains an elder, preached from Hebrews 13.8, rejoicing in Jesus Christ as an unchanging Lord and Saviour.
Honour of Jesus
Throughout its history, ABC has been a community of followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. With the Lord’s help, the church aims to continue this and, as part of the service, the church members publicly committed themselves to continue to use the building for the honour and glory of Jesus. David Williams said, ‘Our hope and prayer is that as we grow in our knowledge and love of the Lord Jesus Christ, that many new people will also come to trust and follow him’.
