Leavesden Baptist Church closing due to 'extra pressures'

Leavesden Road Baptist Church says the coronavirus pandemic and maintaining the Grade II listing by Historic England has added “extra pressures on an already stretched congregation”.

It has therefore made the decision to close at the end of December.

Reverend Maureen Hider said the church in Leavesden Road is financially self supported by the congregation but has seen a lack of attendance.

She also said the “added demands” on maintenance of a listed building would make it “unrealistic to continue”.

The church was listed Grade II for several reasons including having high quality architecture and for its “well preserved” interior.

Revd Hider said that making the decision to close “had not been an easy one”.

“But after 125 years of service to God, and the local community, we feel that we have been led to bring this phase of God’s vision and plan for this community, to completion,” she said.

“As a church we see the need to adapt and respond to the changes in society, and with regular church attendance in decline, new ways need to be found to connect with the community we are called to serve.”

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Revd Hider said they did have plans to transform the buildings into an “extensive, modern, facilities suitable for our own use as a church, and, also, that of the local community”.

But she claimed these plans were “thwarted” by Watford Borough Council’s decision to seek Grade II listing of the building.

She said: “As the church is, financially, totally self-supported by the congregation, and had already spent a lot of money preparing the plans for the renovations, it became clear that the added demands on maintenance of a listed building would make it unrealistic to continue.

“We are sad that the church is closing, but our faith is strong, we believe God has something new for us as we move forward, and we are trusting Him for whatever the future holds for us.”

Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said the decision to award the Church a Grade II listing was made by Historic England.

“In this case they awarded the listing without hesitation,” he said.

Mr Taylor added that church has made a “big contribution” over many years and that he was “really sad” to hear they will be closing their doors.

He said: “Whilst we recognise this must be extremely difficult for the Church, I have no doubt they will continue to play a part in our community in the future and I am grateful to them for their years of service to the town.”

A service of celebration for the 125 years of service will take place on Sunday, November 28 at 10.30am which will include a ‘Completion Ceremony’.

Services will also be held throughout Advent and the Christmas period with the final service being held on Christmas Day.