At Alfred Place Baptist Church, we are privileged to meet in a building that has served as a place of worship and fellowship for over 150 years. Our church’s name reflects the significance of this very location—the street where God has called us to gather (Alfred Place). While we recognise the flexibility of meeting in various places, and whilst we understand that a building is not the heart of the church—the people are—we do believe it is important to honour the specific calling tied to this place.
We are hindered by some of the features of our building; while lovely, they pose practical challenges; many of these elements make it difficult to welcome all, especially those with mobility issues, into our space. We are called to make this building accessible to all people, reflecting both the love and hospitality of our Lord Jesus. But many of our church members and visitors—especially those who use wheelchairs or face other mobility challenges—find it increasingly difficult to fully participate in our gatherings due to the limitations of the building.
In short, as a church, we recognise the responsibility that comes with owning a building. This responsibility wasn’t fully anticipated when the church was built in 1870, but today, we feel it is crucial to make this space accessible to everyone in our community.
