History
Sunderland House of Prayer 1972
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.