Sixty-five years after being closed, a Bristol church in the UK will reopen to reach young people, reports Premiers.

The Diocese of Bristol announced that St. Nicholas Church will reopen to focus on young people in the city. The Church will partner with other churches and organizations to develop youth-centered programs. It will also help in providing aid to homelessness, poverty, and youth unemployment.

As a young city with about 60 percent of residents in the city center are aged between 15 and 29, Bristol is a great place for the church to connect with younger generations.

The Church of England awarded the Diocese of Bristol a grant of $2.07 million to support the cost of refurbishing St. Nicholas Church for the first four years.

“As Bristol becomes younger and more diverse, we want to make an impact on the city,” said Rt Rev. Dr Lee Rayfield, acting Diocesan Bishop.”

He added that, “This is one way in which we will be developing our commitment to making more disciples, engaging younger generations and connecting with our communities in our changing city.”

St. Nicholas Church will reopen in the Autumn and will be called a “Resourcing Church,” according to Anglican News. Rev. Toby Flint, the Lead Pastor at London’s Holy Trinity Brompton, will lead the team at St. Nicholas.

“We’re really excited about our move to Bristol, getting to know the city and working out how we can join in with all that is already going on,” said Rev. Flint, as he and his wife prepare for this new opportunity to spread the Good News.

St. Nicholas closed as a church following bomb damage during the Second World War. It was rebuilt as a museum that features a large altar triptych piece by William Hogarth. The panel painting was originally commissioned for St. Mary Redcliffe and subsequently bequeathed to Bristol city.

The Church of England awarded the Diocese of Bristol a grant of $2.07 million (£1.5 million) to support the cost of refurbishing St. Nicholas Church for the first four years.

Sources:
Premier
Anglican News