A historic church at the heart of Keynsham, originally opened in 1835 as a Baptist place of worship, is embarking on a vital fundraising campaign to secure £350,000 for urgent repairs. The Grade II listed building on High Street has evolved into a thriving community center, attracting around 3,000 visitors annually for a variety of activities beyond religious services.
The church’s aging structure is showing serious signs of deterioration, including a leaking roof, crumbling cornices, damp patches, and draughty windows. An inspection by a building engineer and a quantity surveyor confirmed that the sanctuary is in urgent need of repair to ensure its structural safety and protection from the elements. One section of the roof is currently open to the sky, causing damage to ceiling and roof timbers.
Kevin Durrant, Minister at Keynsham Baptist Church, emphasized the building’s importance: “We have reached a critical point, especially with the roof exposed to the elements. It’s vital we preserve and enhance this building, not only for our current community but for future generations. Located in the town centre, the church supports numerous community groups and even provides the ‘Green Room’ for the annual Music Festival.”
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Leading the appeal is Deacon Alan Hale, supported by a dedicated project team. Hale stated, “This is an enormous challenge. Our church serves various local groups and charities weekly, and we hope people and businesses across the region will recognize the community benefits of supporting our project. We must save and restore the church and its facilities for everyone in Keynsham.”
Church members have pledged £45,000, and a charitable foundation from Bath has promised £50,000 contingent on further funding. Plans also include making the building more eco-friendly by installing solar panels on a concealed roof area and adding secondary glazing to enhance energy efficiency.
The church remains a vital venue for community activities. Slimming World meetings attract up to 200 people every Thursday, and weekly gatherings for Alcoholics Anonymous are held there. Age UK and a bereavement support group also use the accessible premises regularly, and Keynsham Town Council holds civic events and public meetings in the space.
Town Clerk Dawn Drury expressed strong support for the fundraising effort, noting: “This venue has become central to civic engagement and community development. Without urgent repairs, the building’s structural deterioration could jeopardize its safety and limit its use by both the congregation and wider community, including the Town Council.”
Those interested in supporting the appeal can learn more at www.kbc-renovation.co.uk or contact Alan Hale directly at 07776 493221 or [email protected].