SNU Spotlight – 6 months in, the new Halton Spiritualist Church is a story of community, renewal and remembrance…

In every church’s journey, there are moments that test both faith and resilience — times when difficult decisions must be made, and where the future may feel uncertain. For Halton, that moment came when Runcorn Spiritualist Church, long cherished by its congregation, was faced with the reality of extensive repairs that made remaining in their building impossible. Leaving behind a beloved spiritual home is never easy, and for a time, services continued within a community centre — a necessary step, yet one that could never fully replace what had been lost.

And yet, from this challenge came an opportunity — the coming together of two congregations, two histories, and two communities into one shared future, now rooted in their new base on Lacey Street.

As Secretary Megan Fletcher reflects, “It truly has been full steam ahead!” — a sentiment that captures not only the pace of progress since the amalgamation, but the spirit in which it has been embraced.

Today, Halton Spiritualist Church stands as far more than the sum of its parts. It is a space where histories are honoured, not left behind. This is beautifully symbolised in the installation of the former Runcorn rostrum from Ashridge Street, now carefully restored with new carpeting. In this simple yet meaningful act, the past continues to serve the present — a reminder that while buildings may change, the essence of a church endures.

The physical transformation of the church has been striking.  Renovations have brought new life into the main hall office and porch, with updated lighting, flooring, and decoration, alongside new doors and windows that quite literally open the space to light and possibility. As Megan shares, “The improvements have really lifted the space,” and that sense of renewal can be felt by all who enter.

Of course, such work required patience. A six-week closure could have slowed momentum, yet instead it became a moment of quiet preparation. When the doors reopened, it was to a completely sold-out event — a joyful and affirming return that marked not just the reopening of a building, but the beginning of a new chapter.

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“It truly has been full steam ahead… the improvements have really lifted the space.”

What has followed has been nothing short of inspiring.

Membership has grown to 69, with many individuals discovering Halton Spiritualist Church for the very first time. Attendance has risen across all services, reflecting not only curiosity, but a deepening sense of connection. Divine Services now regularly welcome 25 – 30 people, midweek gatherings continue to expand, and open circles are so well attended that, as Megan warmly notes, “we are even having to run a circle within a circle!”

Yet beyond the numbers lies something far more meaningful – a community that is thriving.

Familiar faces remain at its heart. The return of cherished congregants such as ‘Marianne’ and ‘Linda’ has brought continuity and comfort, as they continue “faithfully handing out hymn books and, as always, bringing humour and warmth to the congregation.” They are the human threads that hold the Spiritualist community together, the very ‘service of Spirit’ that the Union is championing this year, especially during times of change.

There have also been moments of sadness, as some valued members have had to step back due to ill health and family commitments. Their contributions remain deeply appreciated, their presence still felt within the fabric of the church.

Encouragingly, given the new church formed in the SNU’s Year of Healing, healing has also returned. Now available both before Sunday services and during Divine Service, it has been, in Megan’s words, “so well received,” offering comfort and support to those in need.

Perhaps one of the most profound reflections of the church’s purpose can be seen in its outreach beyond its own congregation – what this series has frequently called ‘Spiritualism in Action’. Halton have formed an onging relationship with the Oasis Rehab Centre in Runcorn, welcoming residents from the Centre into the new church.

What began with four hesitant visitors has gently grown into a group of ten regular attendees from Oasis. Megan recalls, “Initially, they were understandably hesitant, but by simply sitting with them and reassuring them that everyone is welcome, that number has grown.”

In that simple act of welcome lies the very essence of the Brotherhood of Man, and of our SNU churches, centres and philosophy as a whole.

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“There have been times… when it has been difficult to see the light. However, through continued encouragement and guidance, we have remembered why we give our time and why we stay at the Church.”

The transformation of these particular visitors has been deeply moving for Megan and the team. “Seeing them arrive withdrawn and then leave at the end of their treatment stronger and ready to return to their families,” Megan shares, is something that has touched the entire church. Many of these individuals have expressed that the church and its principles have supported them in their recovery.

In response, Halton Spiritualist Church has extended its support in both practical and compassionate ways. Wednesday spaces have been made available free of charge for those facing financial difficulty, ensuring that no one is excluded. Alongside this, the church is actively fundraising in support of the Oasis Centre, including a raffle where the prize is a brand-new bicycle, with all proceeds dedicated to the Centre.

Plans are also underway to extend this support even further, with weekly visits to the centre to provide meditation and healing sessions on-site — bringing the church’s work directly into the heart of the community it serves. As mentioned, with 2026 being the SNU’s Year of Service, Halton are really inspiring example of exactly this.

The spirit of generosity and openness continues through new and creative partnerships, too. A local band now rehearses within the space, with plans for a candlelit acoustic event to support church funds, while collaboration with Kind Minds – a local PA compnay –  will see the building used for arts, crafts, and meditation sessions — broadening Halton’s growing presence as a hub for wellbeing, creativity, and connection.

Megan and the team at Halton, pictured here with SNU Ordinary Director, Patricia Redman, whose support Megan says has ‘meant more than you know’.

Looking ahead, the church is also taking time to honour those who have given so much. At the upcoming AGM, the aforementioned Linda and Marianne will be put forward as Honorary Members,  whilst others are to be honoured in Spirit — a touching acknowledgement of dedication, service, and enduring presence.

Underlying all of this is a deep sense of gratitude. Megan’s heartfelt words reflect not only on recent achievements, but on the journey that made them possible: “There have certainly been times… when it felt difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. However, through continued encouragement and guidance, we have remembered why we give our time and why we stay at the church.”

Megan extended her thanks to the support from the SNU during these difficult times, and in particular Ordinary Director, Pat Redman, whose support, Megan says, “has meant more than you know.”

In many ways, the story of Halton Spiritualist Church is one of transformation — not just of a building, but of a community. It is a story of letting go and holding on at once. Of coming together, and of moving forward with shared purpose.

From a place of seeming loss and hopelessness, to the creation of something new and vibrant on Lacey Street, this is a reminder that Spirit is not confined to walls. It lives within people — in their resilience, their kindness, and their willingness to begin again.

And here in Halton, and in the community about them, that spirit is not only alive — it is flourishing.