Building Project
History
Our present site was given to Baptists in Northampton by the developer of this area in the 1920's so that there could be a Christian presence on the then newly built estate in the area between Kettering Road and Eastfield Park. The vision, then, as now, was to reach the local community with the message and love of Christ. The vision was for a large church building which would have extended across the grass area to Park Avenue North, in fact in some of the documents from the 1920's it was called 'Park Avenue Baptist Church'. The picture below shows what the church building might have looked like.
The school room was built first, the building on the left, and quickly became a well used facility. However the depression and World War Two intervened and the main church was never built, giving us a grass area much enjoyed by our youth groups.
Vision
Today we want our building to be appropriate for the work God has called us to do. We want to serve the area around our strategic location at the junction of Broadmead Avenue and Park Avenue North (where the Eastfield, Spinney Hill and Abington areas of Northampton meet) with improved, modern facilities.
As a church our Vision for the Future is based on Connections:
Connecting
- with God and each other
Connecting with God's mission in Eastfield, Northampton, United Kingdom and the World.
- Connecting Out
- Connecting Further With Those We Serve
- Connecting With Others
- Connecting Throughout God's World - short and long term mission opportunities
The Project
Early in 2008 we set up a Building Team to look into what our next steps might be. The team consists of: Matt Pocock, Andrew Coleman, Gillian Murray, Mike Poole, working with an architect to develop plans that will:
- bring glory to God
- meet the needs of the church (including those who currently use the building)
- benefit the community
- satisfy the planners
This process has continued to the point where a planning application will be submitted early in 2012.
We recognised that fundraising was required even before planning approval, because the likely cost will be considerable so a Fundraising Team was established late in 2009 and this now consists of Adam Eakins, Andrew Coleman, Owen Dawkins, Helen Town, Joe Lee, Julie Griffiths and Sandra Richardson. The team has set out terms of reference (see downloads) but a key aim is to ensure that at least 10% of the funds raised are used for the benefit of other Christian organisations and workers.
The fundraising strategy involves funding from a variety of sources:
- Internal: members giving in a variety of ways: regular giving, one off events, money boxes and smartie tubes
- External: there is the possibility of grants and loans but potential funders will want to see that we are committed before writing out their cheques!
Our fundraising efforts were launched on 30/31 January 2010 with an evening of food and information on Saturday, followed by a further presentation in the Sunday service. Each family was given a D-I-Y fundraising kit to help get us started. The kit included a money box for change, a Smartie tube for each member of the family to fill with coins, a loyalty card, a letter of explanation and a commitment form (see downloads).
D-I-Y fundraising kits can still be provided if you would like one - please contact the team at fundraising@broadmead.org.uk
In the two years since we started fundraising we have raised nearly £40,000, mainly through giving from within the church but also through a variety of events including a ceilidh, a promise auction, a quiz night and our “Tryathlon”, cycling, running and walking around Pitsford Reservoir. There is also a “green” shopping bag available for £5 with all proceeds going to the fund. Broadmead Baptist Church, Northampton has also registered for Everyclick so that you can raise money as you surf the internet - more information is available from our downloads section.
If you have an idea that would help us raise funds please let us know.
The team is currently focusing on a business plan to assist with applications for external funding.
The downloads below give you more information, including the response form and presentations used to launch the project and update the church.
If you have any questions, comments or ideas please contact the team using the email address fundraising@broadmead.org.uk
Downloads:
