CHURCHGOERS in Halesowen have been celebrating the official opening of Lifecentral Church’s new 400 seat auditorium.

During the weekend, hundreds of people were involved in marking the launch of the Little Cornbow-based church’s new home – just two years on from their old base being destroyed by fire.

At the time of the incident, which was blamed on an electrical fault, destroying staging and equipment, lead pastor Leon Evans vowed the church would “rise from the ashes”.

The congregation has rallied around, helping to raise millions of pounds to continue the church, which has now moved next door and is located in the former job centre and food bank building.

Rev Evans said: “In May 2005 the church began a journey to rebuild its facilities, to enlarge its capacity and to create a better legacy for the future.

“After 12 years of exploring many options – and including a major fire just over two years ago – we are excited to open a new multi-purpose 400 seat auditorium for the church and wider community.

“During the course of this journey we have also refurbished other parts of the facilities which are now extensively used by many in the community.”

Formerly known as Zion Christian Centre, the church – which had been based in the town’s old Zion Methodist Church – was renamed earlier this year after almost 40 years of serving the community.

Together with the new auditorium, which the church also hope to use for conferences and concerts, the new building also boasts a number of rooms for community use, including dance studios, offices and meeting rooms, as well as an indoor AstroTurf pitch, a 45-seat cinema and a venue for gigs.

Halesowen MP James Morris and the Bishop of Dudley, Graham Usher, helped open the auditorium at a special event on Friday (September 15).

Bishop Graham said: “I extend my congratulations to our sisters and brothers who worship here and to all those who have enabled the creation of this remarkable building.”

While Mr Morris, who cut the ribbon to officially open the auditorium, added: “I want to congratulate everybody who has been involved in this project.

“This will not only be a place of faith and hope, but it will be a place where the community of Halesowen can come together.

“In times like these when people are divided, initiatives like this which see people coming together are absolutely critical.

“I look forward to working with the church to make this place a community hub.”