History of Church in the Barn

Church in the Barn was originally set up in the 1980’s. It started with a few families who were travelling to church in Carlisle having a weekly Bible Study in Penrith.

Some time later, when having a sale ring set up at Pembroke Farm, it was decided to hold a special evangelistic Christian meeting. From this monthly Saturday night events were started. The church in Carlisle supported the planting of a new church and the barn (a former muckheap!) was given to the church and converted.

In 1997 the church became independent until in 2001 when we formed an association with the group of Christian Centres begun in Windermere – Lakes Christian Centre.

Throughout this time the church had a strong evangelistic and youth focus, holding Christian summer camps in the field and renovating another large barn for the use of young people, with the youth club growing to up to 80 coming on a Friday to skate, chill out and hear the gospel.

In 2006 the farm was put up for sale and the church moved temporarily into “The Garage”, a former car showroom which is now part of a new development, but which the development company kindly allowed us to use until they needed it, to enable the youth work to continue.

In May 2008 we moved out of the garage and now meet for church and youth at Wetheriggs Pottery at Clifton Dykes with other meetings held in our homes. We are in the process of building a new church on the outskirts of Penrith – where we will be Church in the Barn in a (considerably glorified) barn again!

As of the 6th January 2013, Church in the Barn will be meeting at Castletown Community Centre for Fellowships on a Sunday. House groups and meetings will continue to be held in various homes.