We are pleased to celebrate the successful completion of the recent lighting upgrade in our historic church building. The transformation has made the space brighter and more welcoming for staff, students, and visitors. With this milestone now achieved, we are also looking ahead to the next phase of development: the refurbishment and expansion of our hospitality facilities.
The work was carried out during December and January — the best possible time operationally — allowing the project to be delivered on schedule and within budget, with minimal disruption to staff and students. The new lighting system has made an immediate and noticeable difference. The building is now brighter, more welcoming, and easier to use for study, gatherings, and worship. Staff and students returning at the start of the year have commented on how much the improved lighting has enhanced the atmosphere of the space.
The beautiful St Philip & St James Church is a remarkable 160-year-old building that has served the OCMS community faithfully for many years. Maintaining and carefully improving such a historic space is an important part of ensuring it continues to support global mission research for generations to come. Alongside the lighting work, some careful decluttering and reorganisation around the altar area has also helped to open up the space, making it feel lighter and more accessible.
For those who have not been able to visit the building recently — particularly our supporters and friends further afield — the photographs below give a glimpse of the transformation.
Looking Ahead: The Next Phase
While the lighting upgrade represents an important milestone, it is only one step in a wider vision for improving the building so it can better serve the OCMS community and the wider public.
We are now preparing for the next phase of the building project: the refurbishment and expansion of the current kitchen area to create a new hospitality suite.
This development will include:
- A refurbished and expanded kitchen
- New bathroom facilities
- A flexible multi-purpose room
The new space will serve several important purposes. It will provide students and visiting scholars with a place to gather, meet, and share community life, while also creating an additional room that can be used for teaching, meetings, and congregational activities.
Importantly, the improved facilities will also help make the building more accessible and welcoming to the local community, allowing us to open the space more easily for external meetings, events, and room hire.(Insert hospitality suite plans here)
The cost of this next phase of development is expected to be around £1 million. With planning work already underway, we are currently seeking the remaining funding needed to move forward. Subject to securing the necessary support, we hope to begin work later this year.
Proposed Plans for New Hospitality Suite
