History

Church History

In 1971 brother Lin-Heung Lai was the first member of the True Jesus Church to reside in Portsmouth. His wife and three of his children joined him in January of the following year. Shortly after their arrival, brother Tin-Po Lai also settled down in Portsmouth with his wife. By 1978 brother Mun-Yau Ho and his family had moved down from Newcastle making the total number of believers to about a dozen. Although the membership grew steadily they were only concerned about making a living and had no intention of any fellowship gathering.

Thanks be to God’s wonderful arrangement, Deacon Silas Chan visited the brethren in Portsmouth after attending the Newcastle Spiritual Convocation in July 1977. Through this visit, the first Sabbath worship was held in brother Lin-Heung Lai’s restaurant, marking the beginning of Sabbath worship in this area. By this time members had grown to around twenty.

In 1978 brother Yung Liu (present Deacon Mark Liu) moved to Portsmouth from Kent. However, due to transportation problems, the family could not attend the fellowship gathering in Bognor Regis. At that very moment Deacon Simon Hsu happened to be visiting the brethren in Portsmouth and he exhorted them with God’s words. A congregational meeting was held shortly afterwards and the Portsmouth Prayer House was established on 7th September 1978. The number of believers had increased to 31 and the place of worship was transferred to Deacon Mark Liu’s takeaway.

Since the establishment of the Prayer House, believers continued to grow gradually. Religious Education classes were set up and soon the congregation realised that the place of worship was no longer sufficient for their growing demand. Therefore the church agreed on the need to search for a suitable place of worship. However, no immediate action was taken until 1982 when the church building committee was eventually formed under the encouragement and support of ministers. The resolution to search for suitable property was made and much positive action was taken. Many buildings were viewed and applications were made to the local district council but to no avail.

However, God has his own will and time for everything. In October 1984 a suitable building (the present premises), which could be converted for ecclesiastical purposes, was found. Just then the council happen to receive an application for the conversion of a Methodist Church into residential use. The council then advised the church building members on the suitability of the building for church use. But after much negotiation the plan to purchase the Methodise Church had to be abandoned because of fierce competition for the property.

In August 1985, the proposal to purchase the present premises was passed after a church board meeting. But worries arose on learning that the property owner had already accepted the deposit of another buyer. With one heart and one mind the members prayed earnestly for this matter. Truly, the Lord hearkened to the cries of His people. In July, the property owner decided to sell the building to the True Jesus Church and so declined the original buyer’s offer by refunding him the deposit. On 16th October, all legal matters were finalised.

After acquiring the building, only small portion of her was refurbished due to insufficient fund. On 25th December, the congregation moved into the new church, and a special service was held. Many were moved and touched by the grace and mercy of the Lord.

Having moved into the new building, proposals of reconstruction was passed and approved by the church. Plans were drawn up to convert the building into two storeys. The upper storey was to be used as a chapel while the lower story was to be divided into a multi-purpose hall, classrooms and kitchen. Under the blessings of the Lord and through the constant prayers of the brethren, procedures for the refurbishment were carried out smoothly and assuredly. The renovation work began in April 1988 and was completed on the 19th March 1989. Praise the Lord.

The House of Prayer

The House of Prayer was established in Sunderland on 12th November 1972. Its beginning included the observation of the Sabbath in bro Kai-Pou Liu’s restaurant. But this temporary arrangement later gave way to the use of a hired school hall. To educate the young, an additional classroom was hired to accommodate the children class, whereas the youth class would meet on Mondays in a take away shop. Having classes in a take away shop caused complaints from neighbours and prompted investigation by the police. So the venue had to be moved again and again.

The school janitor controlled the access to the hall and classroom. If the janitor failed to turn up, the members would have to gather at the side of the playground, and disperse after a few hymns and prayer. The thought of having a permanent place of worship, a church, was very much the top priority because of the irregularities and the constant interruptions encountered. They then put their effort in praying to God and seeking for a suitable place.

The First Church Dedication

In autumn 1977, a four-storeyed office building in Stockton Road at the south side of the city was purchased at the then price of 6,000. After some simple renovations this office converted to church was dedicated to the Lord on 16th July 1979. On the day of dedication the congregation gave praises and thanksgiving to the Lord for His abundant grace.

The Second Dedication

After the first church dedication, the increase of members had compelled the church to consider acquiring another bigger premises. After several months of searching, the members found that a Methodist church which was up for sale. Many parties bid for the building, but it was the owner’s wish that the building be continued to use for religious purpose after the sale. With the Lord’s help, hindrances were overcome, and the building was purchased with 25,000. A Spiritual Convocation and Church Dedication took place on 12th-14th July 1982.

The Third Dedication

After a few years, the members gradually felt that though the premises was big, but rather impractical. There were not enough classrooms. Also major renovation work was necessary due to the age of the building. It was in 1991, after unanimous approval by the congregation that a committee was formed to implement the project of renovation and the building of classrooms. Several plans were prepared by the architect (the same architect who designed the newcastle Church), but the plan to demolish the existing building and rebuilding a two-storeyed one was chosen. With months of preparation and discussion to the new plan, it finally went through on 26th August 1993, when the planning permission was given. The cost of the whole building was projected to be just less than half a million pounds. The demolition work began on 14th September 1993. Under the guidance of God and the prayer and support of the brethren, the new church building was completed at the end of May 1994. The church was dedicated on 22nd August 1994.

Current Status

May all glory be unto His Holy name!