Aycliffe Evangelical Church began life back in 1988 as an FIEC (Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches) church planting work with just a handful of people meeting in the old Greenfield Community Hall in Newton Aycliffe. Restrictions on the hall’s use, and the general condition of the building, resulted in the decision of the church in 1997 to move to a local primary school for its Sunday services.

The church has grown over the years to a membership of about thirty, with regular attendees exceeding sixty. It had always been the church’s desire to have a building of its own and several attempts were made over the years to acquire various properties or building land. However, they were not to be, for God had other plans and now he has provided us with a building – the very community hall we began in, back into an area where we had become known!

In 2004 Sedgefield Borough Council closed down the Greenfield Community Hall, with initial plans to demolish the building. The church was, however, able to acquire the building at a very reasonable price, with the attached condition that a certain amount of renovation be done on it. That work, and more, has now been completed.

Nixon Construction commenced work on the site on 26 October 2005 and the building was sufficiently renovated for the church to move in on the first Sunday of May 2006. The pitched roof, new entranceway, suspended ceilings, carpets, new lighting, kitchen and toilets have transformed the building.

God has been good to us. We are grateful for the many gifts received from members, individuals, trusts and other churches. Additionally, we have received many gifts in kind (materials and labour), including from local businesses. The local council have been supportive, and have even provided a road sign to us from the main road.

An official opening service was held on 5 October, and was attended by many of the people who were involved in the work as well as several local councillors and council officials. This was followed by a thanksgiving service on 7 October, attended by many Christians from other churches near and far. With about 160 present the building was filled to capacity.

We look back with thankfulness to God. Already we have seen a few people visit the church, and we are now planning with eager anticipation where we go from here in terms of activities and how we might use the building in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Already we have begun a weekly coffee morning aimed at the local community.