About 20 years ago Custom House Baptist Church decided to embark on a complete refurbishment of the church building – it was falling down, freezing in winter, and the plumbing and electrics were causing a headache.

God had been faithful and in recent years, under the leadership of Rev Dr Tade Agebesanwa, who was called into Baptist Ministry from within the congregation, the church had grown, and on occasions it was standing room only. The members had a great desire to have a building that could effectively serve God’s mission through the church and the local community.

The church has created a place of welcome, with a spacious and light entrance hall, improved accessibility, a re-purposing of space to enable the building to be used by different groups at the same time and a larger multi purpose worship space with a removable stage. The community area (CAFÉ 3:16) has been relocated so it is more easily used by the different groups that make up the church and community, inviting them all to become part of the future story of the church.  

It has not been an easy journey – building projects often come with surprises and unexpected costs. Members of the church describe it as “more than a building project, it became a testimony of endurance, unity, and unwavering belief in God’s purpose for His people”.

The church building was re-opened as the church celebrated 111 years of witness in the community. There was a service of celebration welcoming many different people who were part of making the redevelopment happen and the wider community to tell the story of a journey of faithfulness to arrive to that day. Regional Minister Team Leader, Rev Phil Barnard, preached and a ribbon cutting ceremony followed with a meal celebrating all that has been, all that is, and all that will be, as the church family continues to grow and change as together, they seek to follow the way of Christ.