A CHURCH community has moved into its new home.

Emmanuel Church Leftwich decided to redevelop its site on Old Hall Road after experiencing 'substantial growth' in recent years.

Work got underway in 2021 and on Sunday (August 13) the new church was officially opened.

Hannah Irwin, a member of the church, said: “We've been waiting for this for a long time and the journey has had lots of twists and turns.

“We're so thankful to Leftwich Community Primary School who have hosted us the past few years since we outgrew our existing building.

“Now though we have a wonderful space that we can bless the community with ourselves.”

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Northwich Guardian: The first service at the new building was held last SundayThe first service at the new building was held last Sunday (Image: David Hart)

Emmanuel Church Leftwich has been in Northwich since 1882.

The church’s community has been steadily growing over the past decade.

As such, the decision was made to modernise the church building.

Work began in 2021, with services  moving to nearby Leftwich Community Primary School in the meantime.

Adele Bouckley, a staff member at the church, said: “It's been great to see people getting involved from all sorts of backgrounds - young and old, those who have lived in Northwich all their lives and also people from across the world."

Northwich Guardian: The decision was made to rebuild the church following substantial growthThe decision was made to rebuild the church following substantial growth (Image: David Hart)

While Emmanuel members first met in their new building on Sunday, there are plans in place for an official opening weekend at the start of next month.

The church will open from 3pm on Friday, with two celebration services on the Saturday, 11am-12pm and 3-4pm.

Then on the Sunday there will be a guest service at 10.30am followed by another open church session at 3.30pm.

David Hart, the assistant pastor said: “Everyone is welcome to come along.

“It promises to be a great time marking God's goodness to us and giving everyone a chance to have a good look around.

“We're also really looking forward to starting or restarting our weekly community groups beginning in September - there is a toddler’s group, Lego club, kids club, community choir, a seniors group and lots more.”

More information about the church and the community groups can be found at www.leftwichchurch.org/whats-on/regular-groups/.

Northwich Guardian: An official opening will take place next monthAn official opening will take place next month (Image: David Hart)