About Park - News - Worship - Brownies - Map

Our History

Park was a 19th Century success story. Its original 900 seater Gothic building was opened in 1867, on a site also housing a large Sunday School building and a Caretaker's house. 

By the turn of the 20th Century, the church had over 400 Adult Members and as many Sunday School Scholars. However, the world changed and Park began a struggle to survive, as its mainly middle class catchment moved away, to be replaced by people of another or no faith.

The loss of belonging and collapse of believing led, by the 1970's, to  Park being unable to maintain its old Church building. In 1980, it moved into the former Sunday School building, converting it for Worship purposes and for Community outreach.

In 1994 the old Church building was sold to the Halifax Group Charity Ltd.

Current Church Life and Developments

We believe God is calling us to proclaim a living Christian presence in Francis Street and its area. We are working out a revised mission through:-

1.    Refurbishing our Church building in three Phases:-

•         Phase 1 - Was to make our sanctuary more attractive and accessible. This we have done.
•         Phase 2 - Was to improve access from the street, with a particular view to providing access for the Disabled. This we have also done.
•         Phase 3 - is to improve our kitchen and toilets and the refurbishing of the rest of our premises. This will be done, as and when the money is available.

2.    Reaching out into the Community, firstly for the simple, but vital task of reminding people that we exist. We have already had new notice boards erected in strategic positions, to let people know that Park U.R.C. IS ALIVE AND WELL.

3.    Our Christian presence is directed outwardly in a number of ways:-

        [a] We have offered hospitality to Project Colt, which is a drugs rehabilitation organisation. They are using our basement for their work in the community.

        [b] 'Keep Growing' is a title of our Sunday Evening Worship, which widens our outreach in to the Christian Community in Halifax, drawing in people from other, or no, churches.

        [c] We have opened our doors to a playgroup, now known as 'Teddies at Park', which caters for toddlers and their helpers and Mums.

        [d] We also have a cordial relationship with a local C of E congregation, St. Augustine's, and have held several joint services at both Churches, which have been enjoyed by all. We have a joint liaison group, which includes both Ministers and works well.

4.    Besides our Sunday Morning Worship and 'Keep Growing' in the evening, we have a Junior Church on a Sunday morning, led by leaders on a rota basis. The children are also encouraged to partake in Communion which is celebrated at a Monthly Parade Service, on the second Sunday in each month.

5.    The Halifax Group of United Reformed Churches Charity Ltd., meets on our premises and we have representation on the Board of Directors. They are currently looking at exciting new ways of expanding their work and Park members will be involved along the way.

6.    We have a small Guide Company and a Brownie Pack, as well as a Sunshine Club, and run a fortnightly Social Hour. We have a Candlelight Service at Christmas, when we invite our Friends in the Group to join us in celebrating the great Joy of the Christmas Message.

The Future

Park is a Church in the midst of a significant Islamic Community. We need to find avenues of dialogue with the Muslims, for the good of our area.

General Information

Current Membership - 21

Adherents - 20 (approx.)

The church has 8 Elders who are elected for 4 years

Average attendance on Sunday Mornings - 15 Adults & 3 Children

Brownies - 4

Guides - 3

Sunshine Club - 4

Social Hour - 15 to 20

Hymn Books - Rejoice and Sing; Complete Mission Praise

Bibles - New International Version

Mission Statement

'Park strives to serve Christ and bring Him into the life of the community around us'.

return to top