Christchurch | Posted on March 31st, 2026 | return to news

Brand-new church opens in Christchurch

Christchurch Baptist Church held its first services on Sunday 29 March in its brand-new £2.5 million, 250-seat building on Bargates.

Hundreds of people gathered on Sunday 29 March to attend the first services at Christchurch Baptist Church’s new £2.5 million building, marking a significant milestone for the local congregation and wider community.

The opening day saw strong attendance at two morning services, with around 220 people at the second service alone. The auditorium reached capacity, prompting organisers to bring in extra seating while some attendees stood at the back.

The new facility, located opposite the church’s former site, offers a 60 per cent increase in seating capacity, along with modern meeting rooms and updated audio-visual technology. Designed as a community hub, it will host youth programmes, support networks and local events throughout the week.

Church Minister Chris Brockway said he was “thrilled” by the turnout, emphasising the building’s role beyond Sunday worship.

Long-time member Daphne Smith, who has attended for 51 years, described the opening as a hopeful moment after years of planning. She said: “It’s wonderful to see the new building finally open after such a long time of praying and planning. I’m really hopeful we can increase our blessing to the town.”

The project concludes an 11-year effort by the congregation, who raised most of the funds themselves. Built in just 13 months by Dorset firm A Hammond & Sons, the new centre replaces a site the church had occupied for more than 150 years but had outgrown.

Brockway added: “We would really like to thank our Beaconsfield Road and Bargates neighbours for their patience over the past year.

“The whole project cost well over £3 million to complete, yet almost all that money was raised by the generous gifts and pledges of the church family themselves. We have seen God provide in incredible ways as the funds came in.”

A formal opening ceremony with the mayor of Christchurch and community open day is planned for 23 May, giving local residents a chance to explore the new facilities.