Day 3 - Three Acts of Kindness
Grange Free Church and Rayleigh Vineyard
In 2022 Church Growth Trust (CGT) became the holding trustee for Grange Free Church, taking this on from the Fellowship Property Trust. Even at the time there was concern for the church as to whether it would continue, due to challenges with an aging congregation and fewer members. Closing a work is never an easy decision. But after exploring various options, including options for merging with another church and engaging with the church revitalisation project (supported by CGT), the decision was made for Grange Free Church to gift the property to CGT and subsequently close its doors. With Pastor John Pease now in his eighties and the congregation having no other leadership, it was the right decision.
Fortunately, Rayleigh Vineyard Church already had connections with Grange Free Church, using their spaces for meetings. It was a natural fit for Rayleigh Vineyard Church to take responsibility for the entire building (with a tenancy from CGT) and were excited to have a permanent base to run their operations.
Dave Smith, a leader at Rayleigh Vineyard Church expressed gratitude, “We are delighted to have the building and a permanent base. The arrangements between us and the old fellowship have been great with John Pease helping in so many practical ways. We have also seen a significant reduction in our costs as we are now using one building instead of leasing and hiring multiple premises. We are grateful to Church Growth Trust for helping us in this way and for their passion for Gospel work continuing from their buildings around the country.”

Hey Street Evangelical Church and One Church Grimsby
Another heartwarming story comes from Cleethorpes where One Church Grimsby, took on a building, gifted to CGT by Hey Street Evangelical Church after the assembly closed. Wendy and Tom Hawkins, alongside their team, then embarked on an extensive renovation journey. As Tom and Wendy explained, “We had been praying to God for a permanent base for our church for nearly fifteen years. God in his grace brought forward this building and we were thrilled and excited to have our prayers answered in being given the chance to take the tenancy of the property.”
The renovation project was made possible by a generous grant from the members of Hey Street Evangelical Church, enabling One Church Grimsby to breathe new life into the premises, transforming the building into a striking, welcoming space. The fully accessible WC is now accessed from inside the building, the kitchen has been refurbished, the worship area has been given a new lease of life and the front of the building now looks much more attractive and welcoming.

Vernham Dean Gospel Hall and Clarence Road Evangelical Church
