City industrial site pleases church congregration

New carpet and some new wall art is all it took to turn a Dunedin training facility into a place of worship.

 

The old Etco Dunedin Training Centre has been leased to the Dunedin branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

 

The church moved into the Jutland St site while its regular centre in Fenton Cres in St Clair undergoes earthquake strengthening and other repairs.

 

Church stake president Jason Mather said the church did not have to do a huge amount to transform the facility.

He said the area that was used by the electricians was a "bit grotty", but new carpet and a lick of paint had made it a lot fresher and nicer.

 

It was now being used by the church's primary organisation as a space for children's classes.

 

"Overall, the building's been really good."

 

The church's community had adjusted well to coming to worship in the industrial part of the city.

 

"It's been a bit of a surprise, and a real blessing for us.

 

"The feedback we've got back is that people are really impressed with this building."

 

The Jutland St site was also closer to the university area and Mr Mather was hopeful it would encourage students to attend. 

 

The church had about 250 members who split into two groups to meet on Sundays for worship.

 

It was planning on using the Jutland St site for about two years, but was prepared to stay longer if necessary while repairs continued on the Fenton Cres site.