Ordinariate Acquires Former Methodist Chapel

There are reports on the internet that the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham has completed the purchase of a former Methodist chapel for its congregation in Torbay. Earlier reports indicated a purchase price of £150,000, which seems good value for a package which includes both the church and a former school. I understand that it is intended to spend at least another £100,000 on works to improve the church and on converting part of the former school to a presbytery. This will not only provide accommodation for the priest, but will give a good sized meeting room for the Ordinariate group to use. The purchase is evidence that the Ordinariate is not only alive and well, but in expansionary mood, at least in some parts of the country. There is further good news of Ordinariate expansion in Pembury, near Tonbridge Wells, where a new hall is being completed. This will allow the main building to be used exclusively as a church. Up to now, it has only been a church on Sundays. During the week it has been used for various other purposes, including a pre-school play group.