In 2010 Terry Wilkes of Windmill Community Church visited the danger zones of Columbia to care for persecuted widows and children of murdered Christian Pastors. On his return, he was called to plant churches in West Wolverhampton. Following a successful initial planting project, the first service was held in September 2013.
Church Growth Trust (CGT) has supported Windmill Community Church since 2017 providing a comprehensive range of professional architectural services from feasibility proposals to securing both planning consent and tender prices from contractors. The first planting project in 2018/9 involved the complete restoration of the derelict Victorian church building in the heart of Finchfield.
The original St Thomas Church closed over 20 years ago and had been vacant ever since. It had fallen into disrepair and substantial structural work was needed to bring it back into use. Later in 2019/20, a phase two project saw the addition of a new extension. This church plant is now a vibrant Christian community, and the building is virtually full to capacity each week.
In July 2021 Windmill Community Church started to plan for the second church plant and entered a 100-year lease on the City Council owned former youth centre in Henwood Road, Compton. The 1960s building was derelict requiring complete renovation. CGT helped with the entire process, including feasibility, planning consent, contractual tender drawings and documentation. This six-figure contract was a major project for a charity the size of Windmill Church. The project is nearing a successful practical completion due in Spring 2023.
The Windmill Community Church praise God for the building and are excited to see what God will do through their ministry there. As Terry says, “The Windmill Community Church trustees and leadership are extremely grateful for the excellent services CGT have provided throughout. In fact, we would not have achieved both projects without the support provided. We highly recommend CGT and have found their Christian commitment, expertise and professionalism greatly helped us during the grant funding and building process. Both our buildings are on budget and debt free”.
