Previously Claremont Baptist Church (now part of Shrewsbury Baptist Church) was tucked behind large iron railings.
But following the building’s demolition in 2010 and subsequent £1m reconstruction the railings have been removed, glass doors installed and the church has a much more open appearance.

‘The huge iron railings screamed ‘Keep away!’ said minister the Revd Charles Crosland.

‘Now they are gone it’s opened an amazing space in front of the church. The main entrance has been replaced by glass doors which will be open during the day, so everyone will be able to see in, and it’s just made it a lot more welcoming.’

It has already had an official civic launch and hosted community open days, when full use was made of the new space in front of the building, with music and jugglers.

The events attracted many, including past worshippers and couples who married in the church, and Baptist minister the Revd Roger Sutton spoke at the launch.

The change in both structure and appearance reflects the church’s commitment to the town.

Three years ago it merged with its own church plant on the outskirts of Shrewbury (Crowmoor Baptist Church) after its 19th century building became unfit for use.

The amalgamated churches became Shrewsbury Baptist Church, with services taking place in the Crowmoor building.

Nevertheless the church wanted to keep its town centre presence. A little more than a year later after the Claremont building was demolished the building is once again open.

The £1m rebuild has given a two-storey, flexible space while keeping its attractive period façade (minus the railings). The building has been called Central to reflect its position in the centre of Shrewsbury.

Mr Crosland said it was a key part of God’s vision that church kept its two locations, and he hopes the new building will provide a flexible space from which to show God’s love to the town and its people.

Though services will not be held there each Sunday – they will continue to be at the Crowmoor building – it will occasionally host special services.
Shrewsbury’s Streets Pastors will be based there, and lunch-time Alpha Courses and Messy Church sessions are planned. Linking with a local college on a competition for a new logo is also helping to foster new relationships. The students behind the winning design attended the launch. Judy James, who has been worshipping at the church for more than 20 years, will run the building.

Anna Harvey, the oldest member of Shrewsbury Baptist Church, and Elliot Fletcher one of the youngest, helped to open the new church building, alongside Judy James, the building manager‘We couldn’t have kept using the building as it was, and we certainly could have left the town centre,’ said Mr Crosland.
‘But we have seen a lot of other churches become redundant, and we were very determined to stay and keep a presence in the centre. This gives a flexible space and the opportunity to experiment

‘The church is in two locations – very different kind of communities – and we are deeply involved in both. We are committed to building relationships with people in the centre of town.’