A MAJOR fund-raising initiative to raise £200,000 to build a new church in Darwen will be officially launched on Sunday next.

A display by groups and organisations based at the Central United Reformed Church, Duckworth Street, will accompany the official launch at the current church hall.

A church building has stood on the site since 1853, but the old premises, which were listed as historically important, had to be demolished when severe structural problems were detected.

Now members of the church, headed by the Reverend Geoff Tolley, will try to raise the cash for a new building.

In the meantime services and meetings have had to take place in the adjacent church hall, which at times has been filled to over-flowing because of lack of space.

Rev Tolley said: "Building a new church will free the church hall for more use by community groups."

The vicar also said that over-crowding during church services would be alleviated when the new premises were complete. "More than 300 people a week are using the hall currently for church and community activities.

"When we have parade services, we have children sitting on the floor because we don't have enough room."

The vicar appealed to the people of Darwen to dig deep and help the rebuilding project.

He said: "This is a Darwen-wide appeal, and we are also applying for funding to help with the project from various agencies, including the Church Urban Fund."

Two open days will also be held this month on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 from 10am to noon and 2pm to 4pm with free tea and coffee to continue with the fund-raising process.

Anyone who can help the project in any way is asked to contact Rev Tolley on 01254 772449.

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