A CHURCH has celebrated the official opening of its new home – in a multimillion pound business and conference centre.

Members of the Xcel Church, in Newton Aycliffe, gathered on Saturday as one of the church’s key figures, Glyn Greenow, cut a ribbon to signal an exciting new era in its history.

He was joined by local dignitaries and guests, including the Mayor of Great Aycliffe, Mary Dalton.

Established in 1967 by Jack Dickenson, the then named Full Gospel Church met in private homes and community centres in the Newton Aycliffe area.

By 1986, members of what had become known as Aycliffe Christian Life Centre raised money to build a church in Woodham Way, Woodham.

As the church grew, with more than 400 members by 2005, it ran satellite churches in Durham City and Darlington, but recognised the need for bigger premises. The Xcel Church joined businessmen to form a development company, Xcel Holdings, a registered charity, which led to the development of the Xcel Centre.

The multi-purpose conference and events centre caters for business and community use and, every Sunday, its auditorium accommodates upwards of 500 people for church services. Jack Dickenson’s son-in-law, Glyn Greenow and his wife, Pamela, have been key figures in the church from its founding and his son, John Greenow, is lead pastor.

The opening event also featured the Xcel Gospel Choir and Aycliffe Pipe Band.