OLD CHURCH TO BECOME A MOSQUE
A Church forced to close by its dwindling congregation and spiralling repair bill will now become a mosque.St Matthew's Church closed in 2000 when Church of England leaders were told it needed a £20,000 refurbishment to meet fire safety rules.
But now the building in Boultham Park Road, Lincoln, has been rescued by the city's expanding Muslim community.
Lincoln's Islamic Association, which has 1,500 Muslim members in the city and surrounding villages, has needed a new place to worship since outgrowing its mosque in Orchard Street.
The former 19th century Baptist church hall holds just 90 people, forcing city Muslims to use the Grandstand, in Carholme Road, for the 300 people worshipping each Friday.
Former St Matthew's vicar, the Reverend David Osbourne, was delighted the building would, once again, be used for regular prayer.
Mr Osbourne, also vicar of the nearby Holy Cross and St Helen's churches, said:
"I look forward to working collaboratively with the Islamic Association of Lincoln in the spirit of mutual respect and understanding. It will enrich the community to welcome them here."
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Tuesday, March 13, 2007
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