A South Leeds church community is celebrating a major milestone after successfully purchasing a historic Methodist building in Beeston, marking the beginning of a restoration project set to benefit the wider community.
Mosaic Church, an evangelical Christian church which was founded in Leeds 20 years ago, has long held a vision to establish a permanent base in South Leeds. Since launching its Mosaic South Gathering in 2013, the church continues to meet at Cockburn School on Sunday mornings and uses various spaces throughout the week to run community projects. Now, after years of prayer and perseverance, that vision is becoming a reality.
The building on Wesley Street, originally constructed in 1865, has deep roots in the area’s spiritual and social history. Originally built to seat more than 500 people, it was established during a time of significant growth in Christian faith across Leeds, following the ministry of Methodist preacher John Wesley, who visited Beeston in the mid-18th century.
From its beginnings, the building was intended not only as a place of worship, but also as a hub for compassion and social action.
Leaders at Mosaic describe the acquisition as an “answer to prayer” and a significant step forward in their mission to serve the South Leeds community. However, they emphasise that this is just the beginning of the journey.
The building, which has stood vacant in recent years, requires extensive restoration work before it can be reopened. Significant investment will be needed to transform the space into a safe, modern and welcoming environment while preserving its historic character. Plans include creating a vibrant venue for worship, alongside facilities to host youth and children’s activities, community initiatives and outreach programmes throughout the week.
Dan Chadwick, Pastor of Mosaic Church, hopes the site will become more than just a Sunday meeting place:
“We have a vision to see a welcoming church building at the heart of Beeston—a place of hope and belonging, where community can flourish, practical support is offered with compassion, where friendships are made and people from all backgrounds feel welcome and at home.”
Construction is expected to take around two years, the church anticipates opening the building for public use by the end of 2028.
Church leaders say they hope the restored building will serve not only the current generation but also future generations, continuing the legacy of faith, community care, and social action that has defined the site for over 150 years.
Local resident Sue Richardson, who went to Beeston Methodist Church as a young child commented:
“I have wonderful memories of this building from my childhood, where I experienced friendship, encouragement and grew in faith. From being christened there as a baby, attending Sunday School with such lovely caring teachers, becoming a Sunday School teacher myself and then a Girl Guide leader, the church on Wesley Street was a big part of my life. I got married there in 1981 and all three of our children were christened there too.
“It is exciting to think that, through its restoration, it can once again become a place where children, young people, families and older people learn and grow together.”
For more information visit mosaic-church.org.uk/buildingproject or email info@mosaic-church.org.uk
This post is based on a press release issued by Mosaic Church
Main photo: The former Wesley Street Methodist Church
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I remember pointing the front of the church over 20 years ago with kevin dowson. Glad it has not been turned into flats or something else.
How fantastic to have a second place of worship in such a prominent position They so so much good work they deserve a permanent home.