CAVERSHAM BAPTIST CHURCH Showing the heart of esus, in the heart of Caversham We’d like to hear what you think about the plans for improving our building Have your say: www.cavershambaptistchurch.org.uk/consultation CAVERSHAM BAPTIST CHURCH is working on initial plans for a redevelopment of the building to improve the facilities. We particularly wish for the building to be a hub for Caversham, at the heart of the community. We are looking for input from our community to help us develop these plans. aversham Baptist Church has stood in the centre The outside of the building is largely unchanged from the of Caversham for almost 140 years. The church original design, but the inside has been remodelled, Cwas formed in 1872 and initially met in the most recently in 1980 when the pews and balcony West Memorial Hall on the south side of Gosbrook were removed and the present kitchen, meeting Road, which was converted to flats in 2000. The rooms and toilets were added. congregation grew rapidly and the church members gave £5000 (around £400,000 in today’s The church currently has a congregation of around money) to fund the building of a new church. 90 children and adults each Sunday. We have a real heart for engaging with our local community The prolific architect Alfred Waterhouse, who also and showing God’s love in practical ways. designed the Natural History Museum in London and Reading Town Hall, was commissioned to design The building is used throughout the week by the the new church. The site was acquired in 1875 and church and a number of community activities and the new building opened on 2nd October 1877. regularly hosts public meetings. e are currently considering how the building and moving the church at the front with glazed doors and a we develop the building in services upstairs simplified entrance Wfuture to best serve the church • Creating a large community hall • Enabling the building to be open and our community. We are working downstairs more regularly during the day by with Caversham firm, DLK Architects, • Making the building more accessible moving the church office to the front and their architect, Neil Barr, has drawn with step-free access at the front of of the building up initial proposals. These include: the building and the addition of a lift • Improved meeting rooms at the north • Inserting a first floor the full length of • Making the building more welcoming end of the building How to get involved • Complete the consultation survey www.cavershambaptistchurch.org.uk/consultation • Attend our open morning at the church on Saturday 5th March, 9am - noon to meet the architect and give us your feedback in person • Get in touch at [email protected] • Keep an eye on our redevelopment web pages at www.cavershambaptistchurch.org.uk/redevelopment for the latest updates as our plans progress We always welcome visitors and newcomers to any of our regular activities: • Sunday worship services at 10.30am • Messy church 3.45pm on the last Sunday each month for families with children • Time4U for parents, carers and toddlers on Mondays at 10am • Friday lunches at 12.15pm every Friday at the church, open to all Visit our website for more details. South Street, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8HY, 0118 954 5353.