House groups, their origins and the demolition of the old church building, Newport

Description

Brian Selby explains what happened after the old church building was demolished, resulting in church members needing a place to meet to discuss what would happen to the church building and to provide a focus for Christian worship. They were in effect, 'homeless'. House groups were important because they met in different people’s homes including Cyril and Dorothy Summer's home - the manse (No.2 Eton Road). People were split into groups of 10-12 and would meet in the evening, to carry out bible studies, discuss the reports and to pray together. One of the reports circulating at the time was entitled, “What is the Church for?”
The host would provide tea and cake and they would discuss the fate of the Church. The Rev. Cyril Summers was very instrumental in the decision-making and he was very keen on ‘community’. There is a tapestry in the chapel which says
‘all communities need a centre’, something that Cyril quoted.
Brian discussed the influence of the Iona Community in Glasgow, Scotland who were doing something similar; led by George McCloud who Brian said was a prophet. This community also had a 'Community House' and shaped how we see Community House today.

• http://www.etonrdch.org/1000voices/content/story/without-church.html (link opens in new window)