Members of a Bristol church group have celebrated the official opening of their new ‘campus’ on the Aztec West Business Park.
Members of the Edge Church have given up thousands of hours of their time transforming a former industrial unit into a fully functioning church, community centre and nursery – not to mention a concert arena.
The church recently held various events to celebrate the completion of the magnificent five year voluntary effort, which included a top to bottom refurbishment of the entire unit and the creation of several unique working, outreach and worship zones.
All the work was funded, designed and completed by Edge Church members.
The Edge Church originated in Adelaide, South Australia and operated in a number of temporary locations across Bristol until moving in to Aztec West last year.
The church membership, which extends right across north Bristol and beyond, is under the leadership of Senior Minister Jason Gowland, who moved to Bristol with his family from Australia in 2008. He said:
“We knew we had taken on a real challenge when we moved into what was basically a 20,000 square foot shed. But our members have worked wonders on the building to create a vibrant heart for our expanding community.”
Jason said the celebrations enabled the Edge Church to thank their members for their tremendous efforts transforming the facility. Celebratory events included a building launch service and a celebration party.
As well as tackling the massive refurbishment project, the church has carried out a wide variety of community outreach works around North Bristol during the past five years.
This has included helping schools and colleges with repairs and renovation work as well as assisting individuals in need and opening a Restore charity shop in Gloucester Road, Patchway.
Jason said:
“We are literally thinking outside of the ‘box’. We have staged Christian conferences, fashion shows and Christmas carol services at the centre alongside a full programme of church, youth and children’s projects. We have even held our first wedding.”
“The centre is already in use practically every day for our church, nursery and practical outworking projects but it is also invaluable as a base to provide catering and hospitality services for the local community.”
As well as a fully refurbished auditorium capable of hosting bands, concerts and shows for hundreds of people, the centre has created full nursery and childcare facilities, family mediation areas, offices and even a commercial-standard kitchen.
Photo: Performance at the official opening in October.