A DRUMCHAPEL church is set to reopen three years after it was destroyed in a fire.

Newly named Fountain of Love Church — formerly known as Drumry and St Mary’s — has undergone a £1.8 million renovation.

Owners from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) now want to bring the community back into it.

The Nigerian group has set the first service for Sunday, December 20 at 2pm in the Drumry Road East church and invited the public to attend. 

Senior Pastor Joseph Omoniyi Makun, 52, said: “It feels great to be almost opening, our expectation has been high, and we want it to look amazing. We want people to come around and see what God has in store for them — we’re putting the church back into the community, it’s not our church, but for the people here.”

“The inspiration behind the name Fountain of Love is to get as many people to Heaven as possible, and unite the entire nations of the world to come to know Christ.”

Drumry St Mary’s Church’s congregation dwindled when people began to leave Drumchapel with the demolition of the tower blocks and other residential buildings. As a result, Church of Scotland’s services ceased and the building was put up for sale.

In October 2012, two youths broke in and set the building on fire and ruined a bidding war RCCGthe Redeemed Christian Church of God had won.

The building was sold to developers who then sold it to the RCCG, who were based in Maryhill Community Centre, for renovation.

Many groups used the church before it was destroyed and it is hoped they will return. The pensioners’ breakfast is one such group and will be resuming when the church opens with hopes it will roll onto a lunch as well.

Alex Morton, 59, a Drumchapel resident of 30 years was kept on as the building’s caretaker and is due to continue in his role, which he has been in for 27 years.

The father-of-three told the Post: “It’s an exciting time for the church, reopening after all these years. The Nigerian church services are very different to the more traditional and solemn Church of Scotland sermons. They’re much more upbeat, and you have drums, a choir, more instruments, as opposed to just a piano or organ.

He added: “With the new church, we have a range of rooms, a hall and a kitchen that people can rent out so we’re hoping to attract some groups back, especially the ones that fell apart when the church had to close its doors. There isn’t much down here in terms of room rental and community space, so it’s a great opportunity.”

The first service is due on Saturday, December 20, at 2pm in the church on 205-217 Drumry Road East, Drumchapel.

For further enquiries about the church, Alex Morton can be contacted on 07742 062364.

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) is a Holiness denomination founded in Nigeria. Founded in 1952 by Rev Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi.