History of Gage Road Chapel
The history of Gage Road Chapel was first established in the late 1960’s with the church at Oak Grove Chapel on Catton Grove Road.
With the membership approaching a hundred and the beginning of a “Young Wives Group” members coming from families living in the Sprowston area. A number had been Christians for a period of time; others had recently come to experience Gods involvement in their lives. There was a real feeling of friendship amongst the group and as many had young families, they found they had much in common. A “baby sitting group” was also formed which presented many opportunities for Christian Fellowship, discussing the way forward of the Christian life together.
From these “Young Wives” came a group of children being taught Christian values in the homes of members on Sundays. This grew into what was known as Gage Road Sunday School.
The Sunday school outgrew the homes in the area and was re-established at one of the local schools – Sparhawk School under the watchful eye of Mr Kerry the caretaker.
That was where John Payne came on the scene, having moved to Wroxham Road, helping with children in the Christian community.
There were 15 or so members of Oak Grove Chapel living in Sprowston and beyond. The possibility of a new church was raised especially when one of the Elders at Oak Grove approached a local builder who owned land in Sprowston, with planning permission for a group of shops. As the local Supermarket Bugdens was doing so well in the area nobody was interested in the builders venture. Eventually the land was acquired enabling plans to be produced for the building of Gage Road Chapel. The plans required approval and with the help of Christian counsellors on the local parish council the chapel was eventually built in 1981.Trustees were appointed and then members of the chapel and friends from Oak Grove solved the matter of finance with other churches, providing loans that became gifts. After ten years the church belonged to the members. In 1982 20 Christians some from churches other than Oak Grove began worshiping at Gage Road Chapel with their families.
On the official opening date greetings and blessings came from 9 churches in the area and since that time Gage Road Chapel has enjoyed Christian Fellowship with the churches. The local Methodist Church at Wroxham Road christened the Baptistry within the chapel, and has been used by both churches ever since.
It was a very different Gage Road Chapel in the early 1980’s compared with 2005.
In time iron railings were installed round the area of the car park, the landscaping around the chapel was in its early stages of developing into the mature scene today.
The average age of the members at the time would have been in the 30’s to 40’s compared with today; the average age is in the 60’s to 70’s.
In the 1980’s the Sunday school had grown to over 70 children and as well as the Sunday school being held at the chapel trips were arranged for the children.
Today Tot Spot and Junior Club have replaced the Sunday school as all of the children have grown up, and some have children of their own. Some of the members organized and run Tot Spot that has up to 40 children on Mondays. Some of the mothers are the children of the original “Young Wives” group Junior Club takes care of the physical and spiritual needs of up to 20 children on a Wednesday evening. The Christian work is carried on but not in the same way.
Today there is no “Young Wives” group or even the combined men’s group with Oak Grove known as the “GROGMEN” (Gage Road and Oak Grove Men).
New groups (clubs) have emerged over the years they include the Arts and Crafts club, Luncheon club, Medau Keep Fit, Aerobics, Facing it Together, Parkinson’s Society, Prayer and Bible Study Groups.
The Chapel has its own library with a good selection of interesting books. New books are added over periods of time.
The Chapel produces a magazine called “Link” three times a year in the Spring, Autumn and Winter. Homes in the local area receive a free copy that is delivered by members of the chapel.
Many Christian Workers and organisations are supported by the members of the chapel of which, Tear Fund, Helen Brackenbury, Norwich Youth For Christ, Brian and Angela Savage, Missionary Aviation Fellowship, The Willcock Family, Leslie Moor and Far Eastern Broadcasting Association. Members of Gage Road Chapel also support other projects and organisations through prayer, personal interest and financial support.
The Chapel leadership are able to advice on Baptism, Christenings, Weddings, and Funerals.
Over the years many changes have taken place from those early days, the work goes on day by day, week by week seeking God’s will for the work at Gage Road chapel.