A WELL-known Romsey church is to change its name to reflect on those who use it.

On Sunday, November 5, the long-established Romsey Christian Centre in Middlebridge Street, will after 27 years be changing its name to Elim Church Romsey.

The 100 strong congregation, part of the world-wide Elim Pentecostal Church, used to be called Romsey Elim Church until it was changed to Romsey Christian Centre back in 1990. It has been known locally by that name since then.

David Walker, senior minister of the congregation says, “I had felt that for some time, the name Romsey Christian Centre referred simply to a building rather than the people who worship inside it as well.

“Back in the summer, due to some repairs that were needed at the back of the church building, we had to hold our services in the Scout Hut for a while and it dawned on me that we weren’t Romsey Christian Centre then were we? I realised that we needed a name to reflect the people who worship in our building.

“Everyone always calls us Elim so we decided to go back to that name.

“The subtle difference this time is that we are called Elim Church Romsey - telling the people who we are first and then where we are.”

Reverend Walker added: “The name Elim comes from an Oasis in the desert that is mentioned in the bible, and that’s what we try to be, an Oasis from which we can reach out to others with god’s love and the Christian message.”

Everyone is welcome to the family-friendly launch service this Sunday morning at 10.30am.

Refreshments will be served afterwards.

There is also a crèche for babies and activities for children.