Fire-ravaged chapel to be replaced by new building alongside the A35

A NEW church is set to rise from the ashes in Kilmington.

Plans have been unveiled to replace the village’s fire-ravaged Baptist Chapel with a “bold” new building, on a site alongside the A35, near the Old Inn.

The ambitious scheme is being called “Project 360”, to reflect the number of years the Baptist Church has been part of village life.

Since the old building was almost razed to the ground, the 90 regular Sunday worshippers have had to hold services in the village hall.

Now it is hoped to have a new church ready for worship by the middle of next year, providing planning permission can be obtained.

Baptist Pastor Darrell Holmes said it would be : “A church that will combine a flexible space with easy access and a welcoming environment. The building will also incorporate many environmental and ecological features in line with our policy of wanting to minimise our carbon footprint on the land.

“I am excited about the design of the building which will be eye-catching and unique, with echoes of our heritage and local features incorporated into the overall feel of the scheme. Many people have expressed positive views about the bold design. I am also pleased that there has been a strong feeling that people want to retain a Baptist congregation in the village.”