A CITY centre church destroyed by fire is looking to the future as it hopes to begin the rebuilding process early next year.

The grade II listed Bethel Community Church on Stow Hill, Newport, was reduced to a smoking ruin after a fire spread from an abandoned nightclub next door in June this year.

But now, Pastor Andrew Cleverly has confirmed that the church's insurance will cover the costs of rebuilding.

"The scaffolding is all up," said Pastor Cleverley.

"We are in the middle of interviewing architects and contractors this week, and hope to have that process done and dusted by the end of the year. The rebuilding will start next year.

READ MORE: Major fire at Bethel Community Church and former nightclub Zanzibar in Newport city centre

"We hope to save the facade and the spire, and then create a 21st century space of worship inside."

Pastor Cleverly explained that no one had yet been inside the church to see what can be salvaged due to health and safety concerns.

"It doesn't look hopeful," explained the Pastor.

 

(The fire destroyed the Bethel Community Church in June this year)

"From what we have been able to see there won't be much that can be salvaged."

In the days after the devastating fire, the congregation met in the shadow of the ruined church to hold an outdoor Sunday service. Now, the Bethel Community Church has teamed up with 17 other churches across Newport to hold another outdoor Sunday service on September 23 at 3pm in John Frost Square, Friars Walk.

"It was such a success last time that we really wanted to arrange another outdoor service," explained Pastor Cleverly.

READ MORE: Hundreds of worshippers attend outdoor service in shadow of ruined city centre church

"So far there are 17 other churches involved, and we are expecting around 500 people to turn up. There will be singing, prayers and music, and even a puppet show. It's open to everyone of course."

When asked if Bethel Community Church was accepting donations towards the costs of rebuilding their Stow Hill building, Pastor Cleverly said no.

"It wouldn't be right because we have insurance to cover it. We were in the process of selling our other building next door to the church, but that has come off the market now and we are refurbishing it using our own funds."

The Pastor added that some members of the public had made donations already, for which the church was grateful.