St Stephen’s Church Hall, which was put up for sale in April this year, has been bought by local church: Catch The Fire Bournemouth. The attractive Purbeck stone-clad building is situated opposite St Stephen’s Church, right in the heart of Bournemouth, and just minutes away from the town centre.

Long-time locals and small business owners, David and Adele Richards started the Catch The Fire church in their home in Bournemouth back in 2014. Since then, the church has grown, and has rented various properties over the years, including Talbot Heath School. Catch The Fire currently meets on Sunday mornings at Bournemouth School for Girls.

David Richards says: “We have been looking to buy a permanent home for the church in the BCP region, for a number of years, and we are delighted to have finally found our place!”

St Stephen’s Church Hall was built in 1934 to serve as a place for the St Stephen’s church community to gather together for fellowship and events. Catch The Fire now plans to spend the next few months renovating the building, before moving in sometime in the Autumn.

Trustee of St Stephen’s Church Hall, Andrew Morgan, says about the sale: “We are extremely pleased that this building will soon be brought back to life and wish the Catch The Fire church community every success at their new place of worship.”

Catch The Fire has also recently employed Mark Reid as their full-time Associate Pastor. Mark is a gifted singer-songwriter, worship leader and recording artist who has moved here from Bristol with his young family.

Mark Reid says: “I’m looking forward to seeing our new home in St. Stephen’s Hall being a base for vibrant expressions of faith, community and art. I pray it will be a place of connection for people, especially for students looking to find a ‘home away from home.’”

Catch The Fire Bournemouth is a charismatic Christian church, and part of a global movement of approximately 300 churches, including Catch The Fire churches in London, Manchester and Farnborough. They plan to use their new building as a base from which to see the love of God impact the town of Bournemouth, and to have a positive impact on the town's vitality.

Adele Richards says, “We’re looking to the future of the town and to the future of the young adults and young families that come here. We believe that a vibrant expression of our love for God through music and creativity is one of the key ways to connect with the younger generations.”

For more press information:

Please contact Adele Richards, Senior Leader, Catch The Fire Bournemouth

bournemouth@catchthefire.com

www.ctfbournemouth.com