History (Cont)
A home of our own!
A special joint meeting of the Board and the Ashburton church diaconate was arranged. The Board members voiced their fears and the deacons listened carefully. Afterwards, the diaconate unanimously affirmed its confidence in the venture, told the Board not to worry and assured the anxious members that if WellSpring did not continue for long, the church would use the property for some other form of ministry.
"But we think WellSpring will continue and we are willing to take that risk!"
This generous response revived confidence and courage in the Board members
and the project went ahead!
On
16 February 1996 the WellSpring Centre was officially opened and dedicated,
in a service of great joy and celebration. Dr Ken Manley, the then principal
of Whitley College, preached at the service stating during the sermon
that WellSpring
"...is a testimony both to the traditions of Baptists which honour Scripture and the place of private and shared prayer, but also to the wider ecclesial treasures of different meditation methods, of spiritual counsel and direction. Therefore we gladly affirm the ecumenical spirit and goals which are central to this house."
With the opening of the new building, new possibilities emerged—seminars, prayer times, art displays, a library all became possible—in addition to the program already operating.
Adapted from the book "WellSpring: 10 Years" (Anniversary Tribute)
