Two churches in the South of Hereford are to unite in one building following a meeting of the PCC (Parochial Church Council). The parish of St Martins and St Francis voted to close the building on Goodrich Grove just off the Belmont Rd and use St Martin’s Church and the centre attached in the future.

“After serious discussion and soul-searching, we have decided this is a positive way forward for the parish,” said the vicar John Reese. “The building which is St Francis Church, though relatively modern, is in a poor state of repair and has always leaked!  Maintaining three large buildings in one parish is not really a viable option. We’ve decided that the future lies in uniting at one place, the other church in the parish, St Martin’s, which also has a Church Centre attached.”

The two churches currently attract around ninety (90) people on a Sunday for services. Almost all weddings, christenings and funerals already take place in St Martin’s Church, a familiar building, which fronts the A49 just over the river crossing in the city.

“Being realistic, we have decided that pooling resources, both buildings and people is the way forward. We feel we can maximise resources better to serve the whole community,” added John Reese. “We need some fresh thinking and to stop struggling to keep the two sites going.

The building at St Francis also has a community room which is used for some activities. There are plans for The Lunch Club  and the Mother and Tots group to transfer to the Community Rooms at St Martin's. The church will continue to support the new Youth Group meeting in St Francis' Hall and work with other users to ensure that they have a new home.

“It makes sense financially and there are lots of mutual contacts in both parts of the parish,” said John. “This will affect both churches as it’s important that we all draw together and make room for each other. It’s a sad time but also an exciting time and I am sure we can all make this work for the benefit of both churches and the community we aim to serve.”

Contact Anni Holden(below) for further Information. Rev John Reese can be available for interview

Anni Holden, Director of Communications
The Diocesan Office, The Palace, Hereford HR4 9BL
Tel: 01432 373342 mobile 07889 186316
a.holden@hereford.anglican.org
www.hereford.anglican.org