Mystery benefactor helps Dereham church create new entrance

Dereham Baptist Church (DBC) unveiled its new look at a grand community opening at the weekend and revealed the amazing story behind the gift.

In 2021, DBC began the process needed to repair its back wall opposite the QD store after an inspection flagged concerns over the integrity of its infrastructure. 

The Rev Nigel Bayley, the church's lead minister, said: "This was no surprise as the wall looked unsafe but it was clear that now was the time for us to act."

Mr Bayley said the church was told by a heritage buildings officer the wall needed to be rebuilt to its original state as it was covered by the listed building status. 

Left to right: associate minister Dave Ward, Breckland councillor Alison Webb, Dereham mayor Linda Monument and lead minister Nigel Bayley at the unveiling of the new entrance on Saturday, September 7. (Image: Dereham Baptist Church)

He said: "He made it clear it needed to be rebuilt as it had been originally, using Norfolk flint. We were aware that this would likely increase the cost."

The church found an architect, Rob Wilson, who then suggested Bunting and Son of Stibbard, specialist flint builders, who quoted the church for the work.

The unveiling of the new entrance took place this weekend. (Image: Dereham Baptist Church)
Mr Bayley said: "It was jaw-dropping.

"As the wall was very fragile with no foundation, it would need a complete rebuild and the cost of the flintwork was far more expensive than we could have imagined."

However, the morning after a meeting of the church's elders, the church received a call from a solicitor, saying that it was one of three beneficiaries of Trevor Emmins - a local man - who had recently died.

Mr Bayley said: "We have no idea who this man was and despite efforts to find out, we still do not know of anything that links him to DBC, never mind something significant enough for him to be so generous to us in his legacy. 

Thanks to a generous benefactor, work on a church wall was able to proceed. (Image: Dereham Baptist Church)

"He had written the will 20 years previously and it was right at that moment of great need that we found out about it. 

"We give thanks to God as we realise that He wanted this to happen and had been putting everything in place ready for this years ago."

The church was able to extend its planning permission to build a gateway through the wall to its new entrance in the back hall, making the church more accessible and visible.

The church now has a new entrance and pathway. (Image: Dereham Baptist Church)
It also means that there are now entrances to DBC from all four directions in town, which has real significance.

The church held the grand opening on Saturday, attended by a large number of people from the community and a range of those who have supported the project.

It was followed by a joint service of praise with the church's Portuguese-speaking congregation.