From factory to church

Story:Amanda Wyatt

On Saturday night 24th March, more than 170 guests gathered in an old factory along Carlisle Street in Burngreave. People from more than 20 countries came to celebrate the official opening of the new Rock Christian Centre.

“Tonight we are witnessing a miracle,” said Pastor Jon Watts as he welcomed everyone. It has taken a little more than two years to convert the ground floor of the old factory into a 300 seat auditorium for the multicultural congregation. Remarkably, the church has done almost all the work themselves and has never had to borrow a penny.

The celebration began with an international feast. Mountains of food prepared by church members included mouth-watering delicacies from several African countries, parts of Asia, Europe, the Middle East and even England.

The owner of the factory, Ken Ellis, of Sheffield Foods, cut the ribbon to open the new church. The rest of the evening was filled with entertainment as members shared personal testimonies and musical traditions from their home cultures. The church has been meeting in the factory since 2001.

Demolition began in 2005 and Saturday work-parties completed the refurbishment. For more information visit the Rock Christian Centre website.

Rock Christain Centre

A Church for all nations

• Lively worship

• Bible-based teaching

• Growth groups

• Children's activities

• Youth Groups

“Join us Sundays for worship at 10.30am.”

Just off Spital Hill at 75 Carlisle Street.

Telephone: (0114) 276 7630

Website: http://www.rockchristiancentre.org