St. Luke’s Community Church reopens in Leeds after 15 years

St. Luke’s Community Church, located in the Swarcliffe estate of Leeds, England, has reopened for Christian worship after being closed for nearly 15 years. The church, originally built in 1961 to serve a public housing development, ceased holding services on Christmas Day in 2011.

During its closure, parts of the complex were used for nonreligious purposes, including an archery range, a boxing ring, and a pet grooming parlor. The reopening is part of the Church of England Diocese of Leeds’ “Barnabas” initiative, which utilizes national church funding to revitalize congregations in economically deprived areas.

The inaugural service was led by the Rev. Hannah Jones, vicar of the newly formed Anglican Parish of Swarcliffe and Whinmoor. While the main sanctuary undergoes renovations, the congregation is currently meeting in the church hall.