Press release on the Suffolk news web sight.

 

A town centre church is set to close after more than three centuries of worship in the same street – but a new premises will be sought.The United Reformed Church (URC) has announced that its building in Ipswich Street, Stowmarket, will close in October after members voted to shut the premises.

 

The decision was made at a church meeting in April when the congregation agreed by majority that the cost of repairing the building's tower was simply too high.The tower requires urgent repairs and church leaders said closing the building was the safest and most practical option.

 

Brian Hewitt, secretary of Stowmarket URC, said: “Deciding to close has been a very difficult decision for the church to make, especially after the church having premises in this street for more than 300 years.“However, it is just the building that will close, not the congregation.

 

With the help of the Eastern Synod, we will find alternative premises to continue to worship and welcome all who would like to worship with us when we do.

 

”According to the URC Stowmarket website, the church traces its roots in Stowmarket back to 1719 to its first meeting house was built in Ipswich Street.Over the years, it became one of Suffolk's strongest Congregational churches before the building was destroyed in a German air raid during the Second World War.

 

Following the bombing, services were held at the Regal Cinema before the current church building opened in 1955.At its peak in the late 19th century, the church had around 550 members while its Sunday school attracted more than 1,200 children from Stowmarket and surrounding villages.

 

Today, the church has a regular congregation of around 41 people.

 

Its final service at the Ipswich Street building is due to take place on October 4, after which the property will return to the oversight of the URC Eastern Synod Trust.

 

Cllr Colin Lay, Mid Suffolk District Council's lead member for Stowmarket, said: “Like so many in our community, I was very sad to hear the news about the Stowmarket URC building closing this October.

 

“It is such an important town centre landmark, and I share the widespread hope that its great potential can be unlocked for community benefit in the future.

 

“While the building's next chapter takes shape, I want to reassure residents that we remain fully committed to the health of our high street. Mid Suffolk District Council is continuing to look at ways to support the area, including vital investment through our Stowmarket Town Centre Gateway Fund, to ensure the heart of our town remains a vibrant place for everyone.

 

”Human Interest Stowmarket Suffolk Homepage Sam Harrison 

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