THE Pastor of a Grade II listed church which burned down in a city centre fire has thanked the people of Newport for their “incredible support”, and promised the building will be rebuilt.

In a message of thanks to everyone who has supported the Bethel Community Church in Stow Hill, Newport, since the fire of Friday, June 15, Pastor Andrew Cleverly said was “overwhelmed with gratitude.”

The Pastor also confirmed he was hopeful the steeple and façade could be saved, and said he wanted to assure people that the church will be rebuilt.

“We just want to thank everyone in the local community,” he said.

“We want to thank all of the residents, the other churches in the area, all the businesses who have bent over backwards and offered us so much.

“We’ve got a place to worship for as long as we need it. We will be paying our way too, so it’s a blessing for us and for Havelock Street Presbyterian Church.

“They have a small congregation but the church will fit about 300, so we should slot in nicely. We’re overcome by their generosity, but that was one of many offers that came in from all over Newport. We’re just so grateful.

“Obviously we were insured. The structural engineers have taken a look at it already, and while there are areas of the building that will have to come down, the façade and the steeple look good.

“There’s been a few rumours that it will be demolished but it’s not the case. The steeple is a landmark in Newport and we want to assure people that it will not be pulled down. We will rebuild.”

Memories of the beloved church have been pouring in since the fire.

Joey Jones, from Rogerstone, Newport, said: “Myself and my husband were married in Bethel Community Church on June 27, 2009 when we were just 20.

“I was also baptised at the church a few years later and my husband’s parents are still heavily involved in the church. The church is so much more than a building, it is the community.”

Jeanette Marshall told us: “I went to Bethel Community Church, or Bethel Temple as I knew it, about 35 years ago.

“Myself and my brothers all attended the Sunday school and later the youth services .

“My mother also attended the evening services. As a family we went there for quite a few years. I can remember looking forward to the Christmas parties and church outings.

“We were always made to feel welcome. I have been back there on a few occasions over the years and although it changed a bit inside, the warmth of the congregation hadn’t.”

Ann Sykes wrote: “I cried when I heard the news. I first went to the then Stow Hill Methodist church in 1956 as a 16-year-old.

“The moment I walked through the doors I knew I had found my spiritual home. I joined the flourishing youth club and the church choir in quick succession, being taken under the wing of the choir mistress Mrs. Barnfield who was also the conductor of the Newport Ladies Choir.

“I had my 21st birthday at the church, when the then minister Rev. Cyril Clarke and his wife Constance opened the manse for the whole of the youth club, for my party. It was a wonderful gesture. I have wonderful memories of bringing up countless vases to fill the church with the flowers brought by the members to decorate the church for Easter and Harvest.

“In 1971 my husband and I were married there by Rev. Fred Pritchard and this year we celebrate our 47th wedding anniversary.

“I have such precious memories of this church, but as it has been said – the church is the people and not the building.”

Ruth Jeffs, who married Martin Jeffs at the church in 1979 said: “ I attended Youth Group Bethel Temple in Pill until the church moved to Stow Hill. Both of my parents funerals took place here over 20 years ago. Many friendships made and still maintained. We moved to Nottingham in 1983 but Bethel will always remain in our memories particularly under the leadership of Pastor Eric Dando and Pastor Warwick Shenton who both took part in our wedding.”

Judy Taylor wrote: "I got married there 33 years ago, got baptised there and attended church there, so I have many good memories. Andrew and Karen are very committed and loyal Pastors of the church and I'm sure they will continue forward."