During the last 5 years we have worked, covenanted and given towards the new development. We have worked helped and supported each other and had a lot of fun on the way.
Since the inception of the Building Fund there has been a change of plans and an increase in the cost. Some have wondered if the target and ambitions would ever be reached.

On the 31st March 2004 when we used the new building for the first time it was all worthwhile.  It was fitting that Bishop Stephen Platten was with us to enjoy coffee, fellowship and discussion at the last of our Lenten meetings. Fr Bob Cooper, the Churchwardens and the Building Committee, both past and present, have steered the project to completion.  This task must have seemed at times like climbing a mountain.

Since the building work began in October 2003 there has been much extra work in the Church.  Our thanks are due to Fr Bob Cooper, Fr Simon Pitcher and others too numerous to mention, who have cleaned up for funerals and the Friday evening services.  The Church cleaners also had extra work to do.
A big thank-you must go to Kate Cooper, who has accommodated the Sunday School most of this year in the Vicarage, besides some mid-week services.  This helped to keep the disruption of the running of the Church to a minimum.

The new facilities are a great asset to St. Matthew's.  May they be fully used to expand the work of our Church.
A sincere thank-you to everyone who has been involved in ANY way with this significant project.  

Opening and Thanksgiving

The congregation of about 140 were in church on the evening of the beautiful sunny Ascension day of May 20th 2004 to welcome the Rt. Rev'd Tony Richardson , Bishop of Pontefract, who was presiding over the dedication.  The vicar, The Rev'd Bob Cooper welcomed all the invited guests and especially the Rt. Rev'd Tony Richardson.

In his sermon, the Bishop said that the use we make of the new extension would help in our relationship with God and the work we do in His name with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Following the communion the choir and servers led the congregation into the Nyamatare Room , the largest room in the extension,  to conclude our service of dedication and blessing by the Bishop, who in his prayers blessed the skill of the builders, the generosity of the people who financed it and the members of St. Matthew's Church.

Fr. Bob Cooper then thanked the Bishop and the Archdeacon of Halifax for being with us this evening and everyone in the church for their support in this exciting project.

Drinks and nibbles were served afterwards  giving everyone a chance to have a word with the Bishop and the Archdeacon.

This was a lovely evening, with the members of St Matthew's joining together as a family to enjoy this happy and successful occasion.
L.P.W