St Mildred’s Church in Tenterden reopened its doors on Sunday after months of being closed, with worshippers left “gobsmacked” by the transformation.
The church closed in January for building works, and so the congregation of around 90 people gathered for services in the church hall instead. A vibrant season of worship followed, proving God can be found and worshipped anywhere.
It was a time of unexpected togetherness, as the change of setting meant people found themselves sitting alongside new faces, deepening friendships and creating a fresh sense of community.
Now the works are complete, the building is more flexible and welcoming, with a new level floor and a moveable dais that allows worshippers to gather closer around the altar.
A new plant room has also been built in the churchyard, housing the equipment that allows for the heated flooring, improving both the church’s eco and cost-efficiency. Further improvements, including a new lighting system, are planned for early next year – as the church continues to improve the space and encourage new communities inside its walls.
The Reverend Canon Lindsay Hammond, Team Rector of The Benefice of Tenterden, Rother and Oxney, reflected on the changes:
“The previous rigidity of the interior of St Mildred’s was suffocating our hopes and aspirations. Now we can breathe!”
St Mildred's now stands as an example for other churches, showing how thoughtful design can both transform worship and care for creation. If you're interested in exploring how your church can work towards our diocesan net zero ambition, but don't know how to get started, get in touch with our Net Zero team.
Our 'Celebrating Creation Care' Eco Conference on
4 October 2025 may also be of interest, hosted by St Luke’s, Maidstone, who will showcase the journey they have taken to decarbonise their church.