On a bright Saturday morning in July, we walked and we prayed.
We walked not just for exercise or enjoyment, but for remembrance and revival, a journey that took us through five of Loughborough’s historic churches and four heritage buildings, each with stories to tell and foundations laid by faithful men and women before us. At each stop, we prayed, reflected, and drew inspiration as we pressed toward the future.
Our walk began at Emmanuel Church, a structure built in the 1830s to serve the working-class communities of a growing town. There, Opeyemi Sanwoolu shared the history of the church and led us in prayers. He reminded us that from the start, Emmanuel was founded to create room, especially for those who were once excluded.
From Emmanuel Church, we walked to Trinity Methodist Church on Royland Road, Loughborough, just a few minutes walk. At Trinity Methodist Church, we were reminded by Dr Emeka Abakasanga that heritage isn’t always made of stone. Sometimes, it’s a story. We were welcomed by Bobby who shared that he had been baptised at Holy Trinity Church in 1943. That memory connected the past and present in one brief conversation. Dr Emeka also gave thanks for Trinity’s generous donation towards our fundraising goal. The gift reflects Christian unity, a shared mission and that, as the LCP would say, ‘there is one church in Loughborough, with multiple expressions’. We hope to welcome Bobby and the Trinity Methodist trustees again when, by God’s grace, we move into our new home.
At St Peter’s, we were received with joy by Pastor Ness Wilson of Open Heaven Church, one of the congregations that now shares that sacred space. Here, Olumide Odetunde shared that this Tin mission church was opened 1889 and enlarged 1892; It was built to serve rapidly growing Paget Estate community and provide church/Sunday school space. Pastor Ness also prayed with us and spoke about their journey at St Peters and how they purchased the building together with ELIM Church in 2013. Theirs is an inspiring story of collaboration, restoration, and obedience. It was a reminder that buildings may change hands, but God’s work continues.
Our fourth stop was All Saints with Holy Trinity, the town’s medieval parish church. For hundreds of years, this church has been a spiritual anchor. Dr Sam Adema shared that the church was built by medieval manorial lords and wealthy wool merchants to serve a thriving market town. Her early worshippers were Loughborough Town’s wool merchants, merchants, clergy. In addition, he mentioned that the local grammar school founded around 1496 by Thomas Burton was also on the church grounds. We learnt about people like Rev. Henry Fearon who is known to have provided Loughborough with her first freshwater supply. The Fearon Fountain, an iconic sandstone structure which stands in the centre of Loughborough Marketplace, was installed about 155 years ago in commemoration of the important work Fearon did. Dr Adema also led us in prayers that the Lord will use us as Light to shine and make impact that will last generations and for wisdom to pass on what we have received.
Finally, we arrived at our destination: the former Holy Trinity Church on Moor Lane. Built in 1878, it once overflowed with prayer and purpose. It was closed as a church in 2005 and it is this building we now seek to revive, not as a monument, but as a mission and new home for The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Cornerstone Parish in Loughborough. Dr Ayodeji Akiwowo shared its history, shared a vision for its future, and stood together in faith with all those present that God is not finished with it yet. Pastor Chuks led us in prayers.
Overall, we had about 30 people in attendance. The children were also not left out.
We didn’t just walk through Loughborough. We walked through legacy. And with every step, we prayed for a new chapter. One rooted in worship, powered by faith, and open to the entire community.
This is more than a campaign. It’s a calling.
And by God’s grace, we are walking into it.
If you still want to give towards this project, kindly give via our JustGiving Page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/heritage-walk-2025
or if you prefer, we also accept Bank transfer:
Name: The Redeemed Christian Church
Bank: Natwest Bank, Loughborough
Account Number: 62290509
Sort Code: 60–14–10
