Build My Church

This week, whilst internet browsing, we stumbled upon some original plans for the building of the new Amersham Free Church back in 1962.  It’s rather moving to ponder these drawings of a building yet to be completed.  I can see so much careful thought behind them, much of it arising from the ‘liturgical movement’ that was popular in the Free Churches of that era.

It is, perhaps, remarkable that in the Sanctuary, at least, the building is used today in exactly the way it was envisaged nearly sixty years ago with prayer desk, communion table and pulpit being in use every Sunday in one way or another.

Since these drawings the actual building they aspired to has become a reality and thousands of worshippers have gathered in this sacred space since its opening on Sunday 30^th September 1962.

We never really stop ‘building’ the Church – the real Church – the people, the congregation, the community. 

The building we call AFC houses a community of faith that is constantly changing.  We rejoice when folks settle among us an make us their spiritual home and we are sad, like yesterday, when we hold a service of thanksgiving for a much loved friend. 

I feel quite moved as I look at these architectural plans and realise all the hope they contained for future days – pray God some of those dreams have come to pass as faithful and committed friends have given their all by serving Christ in this place for their time.