Our History
Our History
Beginning at Epworth Street Methodist Church
The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) 'Living Water Parish' was established on Sunday 31 August 2003 with the commencement of formal church services and inauguration of the parish at Wesley Methodist church, Epworth Street, Stoke. However, the foundation for the church was laid in mid 2003 with the gathering of a few brethren, including the family of the parish Pastor, as a House fellowship centre at Selwyn Street,
Stoke-on-Trent. Wesley Methodist Church remained the venue for the afternoon services of Living Water Parish until January 2007 when the church relocated to an alternative worship venue on Shelton Old Road, Stoke-on-Trent.
The church began with six adults and four children who were members of the initial House fellowship. From then on wards, the Lord helped the church to grow steadily both in numbers and spiritually. Tremendous support was received during the formative period from the RCCG Living Water Parish in London. The initial members of the parish were mostly international students due to the location of two universities within the catchment area of the church; and possibly due to the fact that the Parish Pastor was also a postgraduate student during the first 4 years of the church! It is gratifying to witness the positive transformation of several lives and families, both in terms of socio-economic status and (more importantly) spiritual growth in the knowledge & service to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Moving to Kearsley Chambers
From the very start of church programmes at Wesley, plans were put in place to secure a more permanent place of worship. This was only natural in keeping with the growth of the church and to enable it operate to its fullest potentials.
While searching for alternative properties, a two storey complex was discovered to have been vacant for some time – apparently waiting for LWP to come along!. The building, known as Kearsley Chambers used to serve as an office complex; it had been used for different purposes over a period of about 100 years. Application was made by the church to the Stoke-on-Trent City Council for change of use to a community centre & place of worship. To God’s glory, approval was given in November 2006 and the parish relocated to Kearsley chambers (now designated Redemption Community Centre) in January 2007. First service was held on 4th February 2007, dedication service on 23rd March 2007.
Journey to Herbert Minton Building
As the church continued to grow and sought to serve God’s people and the local community better, the Kearsley Chambers premises became inadequate and the search for another more convenient property was undertaken. The Herbert Minton Building was bought in March 2017. LWP relocated into its current auspicious building on 01 May 2017 and plans are ongoing to make it a fully functional Redemption Community Hub which will serve the church, local businesses and community groups.
