St Marys Project 2000 - Rebuilding
1991: Opposite the old church (sold and converted into sheltered housing - the tower still stands, is the Methodist church, Highfield Trinity. A Local Ecumenical Project was set up so that some of the Anglican members of St Barnabus worshipped at Highfield Trinity. The parish and benefice became those of St Mary with Highfield Trinity, Sheffield.
1995: The LEP folded and the benefice and parish became those of Sheffield St Mary, Bramall Lane.
On the Shoulders of Giants
There is a story to tell. In 1990, it was clear that the building was wearing out as a result of intensive use. As early as June of that year, a planning group was convened which agreed to carry out a feasibility study into the long term future of St Mary's. Salt and Light were recurrent themes as we thought of enriching community life and proclaiming the Gospel of Christ. The PCC had three aims
- To simplify the complex organisation.
- To unify the church and community centre.
- To clarify the vision for the future of St Mary?s.
In Spring 1992 the study was published and the PCC agreed to go ahead with a development project 'St Mary's 2000'. An inspection quickly revealed serious defects in the roof and it was agreed that our priority should be to make the outer shell wind and water tight. We could then spend more time planning the internal refurbishment of the building. This went ahead in 1993 with the aid of a grant of £90,000 from the Sheffield Church Burgesses Trust. The parish raised £10,000 by various means including a sponsored bike ride to London.
The roof finished, we turned our attention to developing the interior of the church and community centre and began to learn the language and practice of community development.
By 1995 we were thinking about franchise training and education, environment, health, employment, disabled access, a cafe, catering, Asian women's groups, community forum, and complex funding arrangements. By the end of that year we were discussing business plans and financial projections and serious estimates for the building work.
In 1997 we were discussing with our Architect how to develop a centre for training, education and enterprise...recreation and artistic expression...an holistic approach to health and welfare for local people....a place for worship, quiet, sanctuary and reflection.' The overall concept was in place.
At the end of '99, the funding package being in place, we signed the contracts for work to start in January 2000. All through that year we watched with fascination as the fulfilment of our dreams took shape. Scaffolding, demolition, terrapin huts, fencing, all the paraphernalia of major construction dominated the site. Sheffield United gave us a home during the building work.
What lies at the heart of all this is a story of God at work among his people. Why did we not give up long ago and opt for an easier existence? Because we have all along been inspired to patient commitment by the Holy Spirit who has harnessed a remarkable range of talents to bring this project to fruition. The dream and the vision were never entirely lost and somehow, here we are.
The centre and church finally opened in May 2001. As we look back over the last decade we can see the faithfulness of God who continues to sustain us.
'Now to him who by the power at work within us, is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3 vs 20.
Julian Sullivan (Vicar)
January 2003
