History of the Church

Wellow Christian Centre is a local village church, built by local villagers with a heart to share the Good News about Jesus Christ.

A small group of local Christians wanted to start a Church after the two World Wars.They first met in Mr Reynolds house opposite Canada Common. He gave up his front room for the piano and seating. This continued for approx. two years. In good weather there was an open air service. Their were two services on Sundays and two midweek meetings.

One day a visiting speaker Rev.Joseph Smith came back from a walk and said he had seen a plot of land where a Church could be built. The owner was found (Mr Petty - a local builder). He said if the group could get planning permission he would sell the land, (he had not been able to). Permission was granted and a price was set. Everyone in the group were given an envelope for their contribution. When they were opened them was just the right of money!!

The army were selling off some huts. One was bought as a temporary building. After approx. a year the Church building was started. No one was employed as the men of the group built it themselves. In those days they worked a 48 hour week at their respective workplaces 7.30-5.00 Monday -Friday and 7.30-1200 Saturdays.With Church meetings this left 3 evenings and Saturday afternoons. The four local men were Fred Snellgrove , William Banister and Joe and Peter Sainsbury, As each phase progressed the money came in. No loans were ever taken.

It took 18 months to two years to build and was officially opened on 3rd November 1950. The name chosen was El-Nathan (El =God, Nathan = Given).. The Church remained an Independent Church until 1980 when the original founders decided to be part of hundreds of other Churches as an Elim Pentecostal Church.
Their have been a number of Leaders/Pastors over the years, including David Sainsbury (a son of one of the founders) who was instrumental in getting the extension built.

The Church's name has changed over the years to Wellow Christian Centre ("The Church at the Roundabout").

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                                     Registered Charity 251549 (England & Wales)