5 Nov 2025, 12:29Elizabeth GuluguluSouthampton, Southampton, England, United Kingdom
Southampton Church Bids Farewell to 130-Year-Old Church Building
“As we gather here today, our hearts are filled with so many memories, laughter that was shared, songs that lifted our spirits, prayers that strengthened our faith, and tears shed in moments of trial and discomfort,” said Ethel Muzamhindo, the Adventurer Leader, in her heartfelt farewell message. This day was not only a farewell but also a time for reflection, filled with mixed emotions of sadness, excitement, and hope.
Organised in 1883, Southampton Church is the first established Seventh-day Adventist congregation in the British Isles. The current building was purchased and officially opened in 1895. Since then, the congregation has continued to grow, necessitating several building renovations over the years to accommodate different activities such as weddings, funerals, fellowship lunches, and children’s and youth programmes, among many others. One may ask why move after such a remarkable journey of faith and progress? In an interview with Bozidar Prgonjic, the Southampton Church Pastor, he says, “The church is now fully packed, and we now stream the service to our fellowship hall for those who can't find seats in the sanctuary.” This was clearly evident during the farewell — the congregation is indeed thriving and has outgrown the building, leaving little room to accommodate our guests.
As part of this special service on 4 October 2025, pastors who once served the congregation, like Pastor David Foster and Pastor Douglas McCormac, shared their memories and best wishes. Pastor Nathan Stickland, the Executive Secretary of the South England Conference, delivered the sermon. He shared the story of Philip and the Ethiopian and encouraged the church to embrace this new chapter with faith, reminding them that God always prepares the way and the people to guide His work forward.
The service concluded with the Lord’s Supper. It was a fitting close to a chapter filled with love, devotion, and steadfast service. Though the congregation bids farewell to a beloved church building, the spirit of Southampton Church lives on stronger than ever, ready to continue God’s work in a new building, with hearts full of gratitude and hope for what lies ahead.
“As we gather here today, our hearts are filled with so many memories, laughter that was shared, songs that lifted our spirits, prayers that strengthened our faith, and tears shed in moments of trial and discomfort,” said Ethel Muzamhindo, the Adventurer Leader, in her heartfelt farewell message. This day was not only a farewell but also a time for reflection, filled with mixed emotions of sadness, excitement, and hope.
Organised in 1883, Southampton Church is the first established Seventh-day Adventist congregation in the British Isles. The current building was purchased and officially opened in 1895. Since then, the congregation has continued to grow, necessitating several building renovations over the years to accommodate different activities such as weddings, funerals, fellowship lunches, and children’s and youth programmes, among many others. One may ask why move after such a remarkable journey of faith and progress? In an interview with Bozidar Prgonjic, the Southampton Church Pastor, he says, “The church is now fully packed, and we now stream the service to our fellowship hall for those who can't find seats in the sanctuary.” This was clearly evident during the farewell — the congregation is indeed thriving and has outgrown the building, leaving little room to accommodate our guests.
As part of this special service on 4 October 2025, pastors who once served the congregation, like Pastor David Foster and Pastor Douglas McCormac, shared their memories and best wishes. Pastor Nathan Stickland, the Executive Secretary of the South England Conference, delivered the sermon. He shared the story of Philip and the Ethiopian and encouraged the church to embrace this new chapter with faith, reminding them that God always prepares the way and the people to guide His work forward.
The service concluded with the Lord’s Supper. It was a fitting close to a chapter filled with love, devotion, and steadfast service. Though the congregation bids farewell to a beloved church building, the spirit of Southampton Church lives on stronger than ever, ready to continue God’s work in a new building, with hearts full of gratitude and hope for what lies ahead.
