THE campaign to save a historic sailors' and fishermen's church in Lowestoft stepped up a gear this week with the launch of an appeal to purchase the building.

THE campaign to save a historic sailors' and fishermen's church in Lowestoft stepped up a gear this week with the launch of an appeal to purchase the building.

Last month The Journal launched the Save Our Bethel campaign which has shown just how much the church in Battery Green Road means to the people of Lowestoft and north Suffolk.

The support shown towards the church has encouraged the trustees to set up an appeal to purchase the building so that it can continue the Bethel's 158-year service to the community.

The building has been put up for sale by the British and International Sailor's Society as there is no longer a sizeable sea-going community in the Lowestoft area.

The sale is being handled by Lowestoft-based agents O A Chapman and Sons and offers are being invited in the region of £145,000.

In a statement released this week from the trustees at the Bethel it was hoped that an appeal to purchase the building from the sailors' society could keep the building for its original use as an independent church serving the community of Lowestoft.

Trustee John Durrant said: “There has been much verbal support for the campaign and the trustees believe there are many people in the town who would be willing to contribute towards its continued use holding Sunday services, weekly activities, funerals, weddings and child dedications. Two local charities also hold their monthly meetings here.”

Annual civic services held at the Bethel include those for the Coastal Forces and Harvest of the Sea.

Anyone wishing to pledge their financial support can do so by writing to: The Trustees, The Bethel, Battery Green, Lowestoft, NR32 1DL, or via the dedicated e-mail address thebethel@live.co.uk stating the amount they are willing to contribute to the fund.

The Journal is happy to hear from readers about their memories of the Bethel. Write to the editor Russell Cook at The Journal, 147 London Road North, Lowestoft NR32 1NB or e-mail russell.cook@archant.co.uk