'We're moving back into our Walsall church which suffered £140,000 damage during Storm Darragh and we can’t wait' - say worshippers
Worshippers and wellwishers will be celebrating the official reopening of a Walsall church which suffered £140,000 worth of damage as a result of Storm Darragh.
The main worship hall at the premises in Bell Lane, Delves was wrecked after the felt roofing was blown completely off in high winds in December 2024 resulting in rain pouring into the space and causing further damage and devastation.
Members and guests including a representative from the West Midlands Lieutenancy and the Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Louise Harrison will be gathering at Delves Baptist Community Church for its grand re-opening on Saturday(11) from 11am-2pm to mark the completion of major repairs and refurbishments.
In addition to a new roof, the worship area has been decorated and modernised for services and midweek activities. The repair bill was covered by the church's building insurers meaning that the members did not have to mount a major fundraising campaign, although some money was raised inhouse towards furnishings.
Minister the Rev Esther Gladwish explained: "We lost the roof to the main hall during storm Darragh in early December 2024. It has taken 11 months, but we re-open our main hall on Saturday October 11th.
"The repairs has cost us around £140,000 but has been covered by insurance. God has provided all we’ve needed in this difficult season, but we can’t wait to get back into the main church.
"We hope to open a food bank shortly after the reopening, which was originally planned for January and is a much needed resource for our local community."
Following the incident services and community activities were held in an adjoining hall which escaped the storm damage.
A Deputy Lord Lieutenant and the mayor will be performing the official opening of the newly refurbished hall in Delves . Residents, community groups and church representatives from the town are welcome to join in the fun from 11am.
Cakes, stalls, games, music, poetry and kids crafts will be available as part of the celebrations.
Mrs Gladwish is also the minister of Wednesbury Baptist Church in Vicar Street in Wednesbury and she was instrumental in organising the inaugural Walsall Easter Festival held in the town centre in March 2024.
