Renovations to HTB’s sister church at St Paul’s Onslow Square are moving ahead fast in preparation for the start of a new 11 o’clock morning service at the church starting this month.

A new sound system, big screen and new lighting have being installed for the opening of the service on January 20.

Plasterwork to the walls will also be completed by then and a new carpet will be laid.

The restoration work to St Paul’s has been going since summer 2007 and includes:

• Interior walls completely replastered and redecorated.

• Interior stonework, windows and arch cleaned.

• Floor completely renovated and strengthened, with new plywood floorboards.

• Office ‘pods’ which had housed large numbers of HTB/Alpha staff in the galleries have been removed.

• Gallery floor has been strengthened and renewed.

• New wiring and lighting throughout.

• New sound/video system and new control area for sound and lighting.

• New big screen and projector for displaying talks at services.

• Blinds installed on all windows to enable church to be blacked out for viewing of films.

• New fire alarm system installed.

• New commercial kitchen installed in the hall adjoining the church and new refreshment facilities installed at back of church.

• New reception desk built and installed.

• Half of the roof has been replaced (the other half was done 15 years ago).

• All the outside stonework has been repaired and cleaned.

Permission has now been given for the building of a ‘flipping gallery’ at St Paul’s similar to that at HTB (which can be tiered or made flat at the press of a button). Work is now beginning on the new gallery, which should be completed by the end of July.

The renovation work was set in train soon after HTB withdrew its planning application for a £15 million restoration project at St Paul’s following opposition by residents.

In September 2007, two new services were launched at St Paul’s – a traditional Holy Communion at 9am and an informal service with a central stage at 6pm.

Both services have proved a great success with growing congregations.
Now the new 11am service, which offers ‘the best brunch in London’ before the main worship begins at 11.30am, is set to be launched.

Service pastor Al Gordon said, ‘There will be brunch served from 11am and a really relaxed feel. It will be a great way to set up your Sunday.

‘Come to church, hang out with your friends, enjoy a cup of coffee and brunch before having evening-style church with extended worship, teaching and ministry.

‘We are really excited about this chance to experiment with a model of church community. It will be like the Six but in the morning.’