History
In 1994 the vision for an ecumenical church in Great Notley emerged from a small woman’s prayer group.
In 1994 the vision for an ecumenical church in Great Notley emerged from a small woman’s prayer group.
The group gained the support of Churches Together in Braintree and then the senior church leaders of Churches Together in Essex and East London (CTEEL) who became the sponsoring body.
The group gained the support of Churches Together in Braintree and then the senior church leaders of Churches Together in Essex and East London (CTEEL) who became the sponsoring body.
Land was gifted from Countryside Properties for a church in the new garden village of Great Notley.
Land was gifted from Countryside Properties for a church in the new garden village of Great Notley.
The first meeting of the Project Steering Group was held in 1998. Ecumenical representatives of the partner denominations agreed and committed to take things forward together.
The first meeting of the Project Steering Group was held in 1998. Ecumenical representatives of the partner denominations agreed and committed to take things forward together.
Site donated by Countryside Properties
Site donated by Countryside Properties
Overhead drawing
Overhead drawing
Side elevations
Side elevations
We met in a portacabin donated by the developers and sited in the pub car park until 2002
We met in a portacabin donated by the developers and sited in the pub car park until 2002
We moved to the community centre
We moved to the community centre
Val Spouge (right) was appointed as our Lay Pastor
Val Spouge (right) was appointed as our Lay Pastor
Rev Mike Shrubsole a URC minister was appointed in 2005
Rev Mike Shrubsole a URC minister was appointed in 2005
Our puppets made their first appearance
Our puppets made their first appearance
Planning permission was granted in 2006
Planning permission was granted in 2006
We welcome Rev Beth Bendrey in 2009 as the Church of England priest in charge of the parish of Black Notley
We welcome Rev Beth Bendrey in 2009 as the Church of England priest in charge of the parish of Black Notley
The cutting of the first turf in winter 2009
The cutting of the first turf in winter 2009
Last roof tile - the topping out ceremony
Last roof tile - the topping out ceremony
Time capsule filled by local school children
Time capsule filled by local school children
Service celebrating the cross
Service celebrating the cross
Betty Barltrop MBE and founder member unveiling the foundation stone
Betty Barltrop MBE and founder member unveiling the foundation stone
Handing over the keys on 22nd August 2010
Handing over the keys on 22nd August 2010
Offical Opening Ceremony 22nd October 2010
Offical Opening Ceremony 22nd October 2010
Banner designed by our congregation
Banner designed by our congregation
Nativity scene donated from old Black Notley hosptial
Nativity scene donated from old Black Notley hosptial
Val Spouge Methodist Pastor
Val Spouge Methodist Pastor
1997-2009
1997-2009
Rev Mike Shrubsole URC Minister
Rev Mike Shrubsole URC Minister
2005-2012
2005-2012
Rev Canon Beth Bendrey CofE Minister
Rev Canon Beth Bendrey CofE Minister
2009-2020
2009-2020
Rev Rob Kean Cof E Curate
Rev Rob Kean Cof E Curate
2011-2014
2011-2014
Rev Peter Goodall Methodist Minister
Rev Peter Goodall Methodist Minister
2013-2017
2013-2017
Rev Olivia Maxfield-Coote CofE Curate
Rev Olivia Maxfield-Coote CofE Curate
2015-2018
2015-2018
Rev Iain Bendrey CofE Priest
Rev Iain Bendrey CofE Priest
2016-2020
2016-2020
Rev David Sebley URC Minister
Rev David Sebley URC Minister
2018-present
2018-present
Rev Dr Philip Howlett CofE Curate
Rev Dr Philip Howlett CofE Curate
2018-2021
2018-2021