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2024-04-05-accounts

Trustees Report & Unaudited Financial Statements

Northridge Gospel Hall Trust For the year ended 5 April 2024

Contents

23 Sept 2024 Page 2 of 19

Trustees Report & Unaudited Financial Statements Northridge Gospel Hall Trust

Legal and Administrative Information

Northridge Gospel Hall Trust For the year ended 5 April 2024

Charity Name:

Northridge Gospel Hall Trust

Registered Charity Number:

1162847

Trustees:

J Beattie

R Mumford (Chair)

G Devenish

S Pons

I J Holding

Treasurer:

R Mumford

Principle Address:

Cuckfield, Reedswood Road, Broad Oak, RYE, GBR, TN31 6DH

Independent Examiner:

Sandra Thurgood FCCA FMAAT ATT BSc ILSPA A.NALP 3 Dells Lane Biggleswade Beds SG18 8LP

Accountant:

Oldfield Advisory LLP Santis House Curriers Close Coventry CV4 8AW

Bankers:

Lloyds TSB Bank Plc 17 Wellington Place Hastings East Sussex TN34 1NX

23 Sept 2024 Page 3 of 19

Trustees Report & Unaudited Financial Statements Northridge Gospel Hall Trust

Report of the Trustees

Northridge Gospel Hall Trust For the year ended 5 April 2024

The trustees present their report along with the financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 5 April 2024. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out on page 11 and comply with the Trust Deed and applicable law.

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document

The Charity is an unincorporated trust constituted by a Deed of Trust dated 23 July 2002, most recently amended by Deed of Variation dated 18 August 2014. The trust was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 27 July 2015 under Charity Registration Number: 1162847

Recruitment and appointment of new Trustees

The Trustees who have served during the year and since the year end are set out on page 3. None of the Trustees, nor any person connected with them, received any remuneration or expenses from the Charity in the year ended 5 April 2024.

The Trust operates one Gospel hall and Trustees are chosen from among the regular congregation of the halls. New Trustees are nominated by the existing Trustees or by the congregation and must be appointed by unanimous resolution of the congregation. They are selected according to their skills and experience and are expected to use both in furthering the objects of the Charity. Checks are made to ensure the Trustees’ eligibility to act and incoming Trustees are made aware of their responsibilities by the existing Trustees, who ensure that new Trustees read the Trust Deed and relevant Charity Commission guidance.

Wider Network

The Trustees maintain informal links with similar charities with a view to pooling experience considered useful in pursuing the objects of the Charity. The Charity also maintains particular links with Beauharrow Gospel Hall Trust with which it shares members of its congregation.

Risk Management

The Trustees have identified and reviewed the major risks to which the charity is exposed and confirm that they have established systems to manage and mitigate those risks.

Objectives and Activities

Objectives and Aims

The charitable purposes of the Charity are the advancement of the Christian religion for the public benefit, including by the carrying on of the service of God in accordance with the Old and New Testaments of the Holy Bible as followed by those Christians forming part of the world-wide fellowship known as the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (the “Brethren”) and any other charitable purposes connected with Brethren. The core doctrine of the Brethren and proper practices in furtherance of certain aspects of doctrine are summarised in two schedules to the Trust Deed.

Public Benefit

The Trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty under section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance to charities on public benefit.

Details of public benefit activities carried out by Northridge Gospel Hall Trust can be found in the separate appendix to this report.

23 Sept 2024 Page 4 of 19

Trustees Report & Unaudited Financial Statements

Northridge Gospel Hall Trust

Report of the Trustees

Main activities and achievements

The Trust provides and maintains one Gospel hall where religious meetings are held by the local Brethren community. Details of the origins, teachings and way of life of the Brethren can be found on the website - www.plymouthbrethrenchristianchurch.org and in the schedules to the Trust Deed.

Plans for future periods

Despite the increased cost of energy, the trustees feel that these increased costs are not significantly impacting on the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern.

Meetings

Meetings held at the Gospel halls include the Lord's Supper (Communion), Gospel preachings, Bible readings and Bible addresses. There is a structured weekly schedule of meetings and, depending on the particular meeting, between 40 and 800 people normally attend these occasions.

The meetings are attended by the regular congregation and most are open to other properly disposed visitors. The notice board outside the Hall welcomes visitors and displays the times of Gospel preachings, along with a telephone number for those seeking further information or help. Gospel tracts, which are distributed by street preachers, also display this information.

Bibles and an extensive range of other Christian reading material are on display at the halls and visitors are free to help themselves.

23 Sept 2024 Page 5 of 19

Trustees Report & Unaudited Financial Statements

Northridge Gospel Hall Trust

Report of the Trustees

Spreading the Gospel message and the life of a Christian

The Gospel hall is a base from which the regular congregation and others who attend the meetings are encouraged to spread the Christian Gospel, in word and deed.

Members of the congregation participate in a programme of street preaching and Gospel tracts are provided free of charge by the Charity to such preachers to be handed out to interested members of the public.

In carrying out this work, the congregation considers itself to be living out its faith in practice, as particularly exemplified in the following extract from the schedule to the Trust Deed on living a Christian life:

Funding

Funding is sought through gifts from the congregation and Gift Aid is claimed on eligible donations. Funding is sometimes received from other charitable trusts with complementary objectives.

Financial Review

In the year ended 5 April 2024 the Trust had a deficit of incoming resources over resources expended. This is due to the substantial grants made to Beauharrow Gospel Hall Trust (an affiliated charity) to help fund the purchase of a new gospel hall site they purchased during the financial year. In the 2020 financial year the Beauharrow GHT approved £1.6m of grants to Northridge GHT. Over the last few years £1.2m of this grant was paid, leaving £400,000 still to be paid. In the financial year the trustees from both trusts agreed that this remaining amount was not going to be paid and the £400,000 has hence been written off in the current financial year.

Total voluntary income received this year was £398,209 compared to £166,708 in the previous year.

All funds held were unrestricted funds.

Reserves Policy

The Trustees have considered the level of reserves they wish to retain, appropriate to the charity's needs. This is based on the charity's size and the level of financial commitments held. The Trustees aim for the charity to hold approximately an amount equivalent to 12 months operating costs in a current account to meet the day to day expenses, plus an allowance for any urgent repairs and capital expenses. The Trustees will endeavour not to set aside funds unnecessarily. Free reserves accumulated in excess of the minimum will be used at the discretion of the Trustees for the strategic development of Northridge Gospel Hall Trust. The Trustees aim to ensure that the charity will be able to continue to fulfil its charitable objectives, even if there is a temporary shortfall in come or unexpected expenditure, by raising a funds appeal.

Free Reserves at the year end were £107,848 (2023: £852,209)

23 Sept 2024 Page 6 of 19

Trustees Report & Unaudited Financial Statements

Northridge Gospel Hall Trust

Report of the Trustees

Statement of Trustees Responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales, the Charities Act 2011, Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations and the provisions of the Trust Deed require the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the Charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations and the provisions of the Trust Deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. All transactions have been reviewed and approved by two trustees.

On Behalf of the board:

..................................................................................

R Mumford (Trustee)

..............................................................

Date

23 Sept 2024 Page 7 of 19

Trustees Report & Unaudited Financial Statements Northridge Gospel Hall Trust

Report of the Independent Examiner Northridge Gospel Hall Trust For the year ended 5 April 2024 I reportto the tNsteeson my examination gf the accountsofthe Ni)rthrfdge Gospel HallTrust forthe yearended 5 April 2024. Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner The charity's trustee5 are respon5iblelorthe preparation of the accounts in accordancewith the requirementsofthe Charities Act20111'theAct'l. I report in respect of myexamination oftheTrugt's accounts carried out undersection 145 of the 2011Artand in carrylngout my examination I have followed ailtheapplScable Directlonsglven bythe Charity Commission undersertion 14515llbl oltheAct. Basis of Independent Examiner's Report My examination was carried out in accor(tance with the General Directions given bythe CharityCommiss¢on. examination includes a reviewofthe accounting records kept bythe charity and a tomparison Of the accounts presented with those record& Italso includes consideration olany unusual itemsor disclosures In theaccounts and seeking of explanationsfrom you as Trustee5concerning any such rnatters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence thatwould be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion i5given asto whetherthe accounts presenta'true and lairview, and the reportis limited to those matters set outin thestatements below. Independent Examiner's Ststement I have completed my examination. I confirm that rs0 material rnatters havecome to myattentlon in conThe£tion with the examiThation givingme cause to believe that in any material respect.. Accounting records were not kept in respectoltheTrust as required bysection 130 of theAct' or The accounts do not accord with those records; or The accounts do not comply with the applicable requirernents contemingthe form and contentof accounts 5etout in the Charities (Atcountsand Reports) Re8ulations2008 otherthan any requirementthat theaccountswe a'true and fairviev/ which is nota matterconsidered as part of an independentexamination. I have no concerns and have comeacross noothermatters in connettionwith the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report ordertoenable a proper understandingof the accountsto be reached. Sandra Thurgood FCCA FMAAT Bsc ILSPA A.NALP 3 Dells Lane 8iggleswade Beds SG188LP 20September2024 T￿￿e$R•POrt￿￿tyl￿dlte￿ Financialststemtmts | Northrid8eGospelHallTrugt 123Sppt2024 P4ge8of 19

Statement of Financial Activities

Northridge Gospel Hall Trust For the year ended 5 April 2024

Statement of Financial Activities
Northridge Gospel Hall Trust
For the year ended 5 April 2024
Statement of Financial Activities
Northridge Gospel Hall Trust
For the year ended 5 April 2024
UNRESTRICTED
FUNDS
DESIGNATED
FUNDS
RESTRICTED
FUNDS
TOTAL FUNDS
2024
TOTAL FUNDS
2023
Income and endowments:
Donations and Legacies:
Contributions from the Congregation
372,184
-
-
372,184
161,457
Gift Aid Donations
20,820
-
-
20,820
2,445
Income Tax refunds
5,205
-
-
5,205
611
Congregation Support
-
-
-
-
2,195
Total Income and endowments:
398,209
-
-
398,209
166,708
Expenditure:
Running Meeting Rooms (note 9)
93,011
-
-
93,011
145,396
Congregation Support (note 9)
-
-
-
-
900
Cost of donated services (note 4)
31,070
-
-
31,070
45,027
Grants to affiliated trusts (note 5)
649,908
-
-
649,908
-
Bad Debts Written off
400,000
-
-
400,000
-
Total Expenditure:
1,173,989
-
-
1,173,989
191,323
Net Income/(Expenditure)
(775,779)
-
-
(775,779)
(24,615)
Net Movement In Funds
(775,779)
-
-
(775,779)
(24,615)
UNRESTRICTED
FUNDS
DESIGNATED
FUNDS
RESTRICTED
FUNDS
TOTAL FUNDS
2024
TOTAL FUNDS
2023
Reconciliation of funds (note 11)
Total Funds bought forward
3,053,881
-
-
3,053,881
3,078,496
Net movement in funds
(775,779)
-
-
(775,779)
(24,615)
Total Funds carried forward
2,278,102
-
-
2,278,102
3,053,881

The notes on page 11 - 19 form part of these financial statements.

23 Sept 2024 Page 9 of 19

Trustees Report & Unaudited Financial Statements Northridge Gospel Hall Trust

Balance Sheet

Northridge Gospel Hall Trust As at 5 April 2024

Balance Sheet
Northridge Gospel Hall Trust
As at 5 April 2024
2023 2022
Fixed Assets
Tangible assets (note 6) 2,170,254 2,201,672
Total Fixed Assets 2,170,254 2,201,672
Current assets
Other Debtors 79,998 79,998
Prepayments and accrued income 8,082 400,963
Cash at bank and in hand 27,010 379,033
Total Current assets 115,090 859,994
Creditors: amounts falling due withinone year
Accruals and deferred income 7,242 7,785
Total Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 7,242 7,785
Net current assets/(liabilities) 107,848 852,209
Total assets less current liabilities 2,278,102 3,053,881
Net Assets 2,278,102 3,053,881
Funds (note 10)
Unrestricted funds 2,278,102 3,053,881
Total Funds 2,278,102 3,053,881

The unaudited financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees of Northridge Gospel Hall Trust on .........................................and were signed on its behalf by:

.............................................................................................

R Mumford (Trustee)

The notes on pages 11 - 19 form part of these financial statements.

23 Sept 2024 Page 10 of 19

Trustees Report & Unaudited Financial Statements Northridge Gospel Hall Trust

Notes forming part of the Financial Statements

Northridge Gospel Hall Trust For the year ended 5 April 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1.1 Basis of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014, and incorporating update bulletins 1 and 2, and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

The functional currency of the charity is sterling (£).

The Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).

1.2 Income

Donations are recognised in the year in which there is entitlement and probability of receipt and the amount can be measured with reasonable certainty. Income is only deferred when the charity has to fulfil conditions before becoming entitled to it or where the donor has specified that the income is to be expended in a future year. Gift aid is added to the value of the donation to which it relates.

Donated services are recognised as income and expenditure in the financial statements when organisations or individuals offer their services and support pro bono. The value of these donated services to Northridge Gospel Hall Trust is considered to be equal to market value which would be paid were the service formally procured. This includes services paid for by other trusts.

Investment income is accounted for on a receivable basis.

1.3 Expenditure

Expenditure is included on an accruals basis. Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.

Charitable activities comprise those costs directly attributable to the fulfilment of the charitable objects.

1.4 Governance and support costs

Support costs have been allocated between governance costs and other support costs. Governance costs comprise all costs involving the public accountability of the charity and costs related to statutory requirements. Governance and support costs are allocated to charitable activities on the basis of capacity used.

1.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets (costing more than £100) are stated at cost less depreciation. Freehold land is not depreciated. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset over its expected useful life as follows:

Freehold buildings 2% straight line

1.6 Taxation

The Trust is a registered charity and is not liable to United Kingdom income or corporation tax on charitable activities, provided income falls within the charitable exemptions and is spent on charitable purposes.

23 Sept 2024 Page 11 of 19

Trustees Report & Unaudited Financial Statements Northridge Gospel Hall Trust

Notes forming part of the Financial Statements

1.7 Funds

The general unrestricted fund is free for the Trustees to use for any purposes in furtherance of the trust’s charitable objects.

Restricted funds arise from donations to the trust, which are made for a specific purpose. Restricted funds can only be used for the purpose for which funds were given.

1.8 Preparation of consolidated financial statements

The Charity does not have a trading subsidiary.

1.9 Going Concern

The Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

1.10 Significant estimates and judgements

The trustees do not consider that there are any sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next reporting period.

2. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES

No Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits from an employment with the charity and no Trustees were reimbursed for expenses (2023: none)

3. WAGES AND SALARIES

There are no employees (2023: none)

4. Donated Services

2024
2023
2024
2023
Donated Services
Donated To:
Donated services to Beauharrow Gospel Hall Trust
31,070
45,027
Total Donated Services:
31,070
45,027

5. Grants

2024
2023
2024
2023
Grants
Grants To:
Grants to Beauharrow Gospel Hall Trust
649,908
-
Total Grants To:
649,908
-
Total Grants
649,908
-

23 Sept 2024 Page 12 of 19

Trustees Report & Unaudited Financial Statements Northridge Gospel Hall Trust

Notes forming part of the Financial Statements

6. Tangible Fixed Assets

Cost Freehold Land Freehold Property Totals
At 6 April 2023 531,339 1,778,170 2,309,509
Additions - 4,172 4,172
Disposals - - -
At 5 April 2024 531,339 1,782,342 2,309,509
Depreciation
At 6 April 2023 - 107,837 107,837
Current Year Depreciation - 35,590 35,590
Eliminated on disposals - - -
At 5 April 2024 - 143,427 143,427
Net Book Value
At 5 April 2024 531,339 1,638,915 2,170,254
At 5 April 2023 531,339 1,670,333 2,201,672

Land registry titles of the above property held are ESX314280.

7. TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES

During the financial year, aggregated donations of £252,920 (2023: £3,520) were received from related parties. Included within this amount was a £200,000 donation from Dolphin Solutions Ltd, a company of which J Beattie, a trustee, is a director of. At the year end, Udiam Construction Limited (a company in which the trustees IJ Holding and G Devenish are directors) owed the trust £79,998 (2023: £79,998). During the financial year invoices totaling £42,537 (2023: £41,568) were received from Udiam Construction Ltd in regards to Site Management Fees & Electricity Charges.

8. VOLUNTEERS

Northridge Gospel Hall Trust relies entirely on volunteers to carry out the management, administration and general maintenance work. The Trust has no paid staff or paid Trustees.

23 Sept 2024 Page 13 of 19

Trustees Report & Unaudited Financial Statements Northridge Gospel Hall Trust

Resources Expended

Northridge Gospel Hall Trust For the year ended 5 April 2024

9. Resources Expended

MEETING ROOM
COSTS
OTHER
CHARITABLE
ACTIVITIES
TOTAL COSTS
2023
TOTAL COSTS
2022
Direct Costs
Insurance 957 - 957 1,911
Premises costs - repairs and maintenance 22,641 - 22,641 26,427
Premises costs - heat, light and power 21,897 - 21,897 17,608
Telephone 1,196 - 1,196 866
Legal and professional 3,221 - 3,221 2,593
Congregation Support - - - 900
Depreciation 35,590 - 35,590 35,278
Governance 3,386 - 3,386 950
Special meeting costs - - - 50,484
Other Expenses 4,122 - 4,122 9,279
Total Direct Costs 93,011 - 93,011 146,296

Governance costs include £180 (prior year: £180) in respect of independent examiners fees.

23 Sept 2024 Page 14 of 19

Trustees Report & Unaudited Financial Statements Northridge Gospel Hall Trust

Analysis of Net Assets - Current year

Northridge Gospel Hall Trust For the year ended 5 April 2024

10. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

10.1 Current Year
UNRESTRICTED DESIGNATED RESTRICTED TOTAL FUNDS
FUNDS FUNDS FUNDS 2024
Funds
Tangible Fixed Assets 2,170,254 - - 2,170,254
Current Assets 115,090 - - 115,090
Current Liabilities (7,242) - - (7,242)
Total Funds 2,278,102 - - 2,278,102

23 Sept 2024 Page 15 of 19

Trustees Report & Unaudited Financial Statements Northridge Gospel Hall Trust

Analysis of Net Assets - Prior Year

Northridge Gospel Hall Trust For the year ended 5 April 2024

10.2 Prior Year

UNRESTRICTED DESIGNATED RESTRICTED TOTAL FUNDS
FUNDS FUNDS FUNDS 2023
Funds
Tangible Fixed Assets 2,201,672 - - 2,201,672
Current Assets 859,994 - - 859,994
Current Liabilities (7,785) - - (7,785)
Total Funds 3,053,881 - - 3,053,881

23 Sept 2024 Page 16 of 19

Trustees Report & Unaudited Financial Statements Northridge Gospel Hall Trust

Movement in Funds - Current Year

Northridge Gospel Hall Trust For the year ended 5 April 2024

11. Movement in Funds

11.1 Movement in funds - current year

UNRESTRICTED DESIGNATED RESTRICTED TOTAL FUNDS
FUNDS FUNDS FUNDS 2023
Movement in Funds
Total funds bought forward 3,053,881 - - 3,053,881
Incoming resources 398,209 - - 398,209
Resources expended (1,173,989) - - (1,173,989)
Total funds carried forward 2,278,102 - - 2,278,102

23 Sept 2024 Page 17 of 19

Trustees Report & Unaudited Financial Statements Northridge Gospel Hall Trust

Movement in Funds - Prior Year

Northridge Gospel Hall Trust For the year ended 5 April 2024

11. Movement in Funds

11.2 Movement in funds - Prior year

UNRESTRICTED DESIGNATED RESTRICTED TOTAL FUNDS
FUNDS FUNDS FUNDS 2022
Movement in Funds
Total funds bought forward 3,079,121 (625) - 3,078,496
Incoming resources 163,313 3,395 - 166,708
Resources expended (188,553) (2,770) - (191,323)
Total funds carried forward 3,053,881 - - 3,053,881

23 Sept 2024 Page 18 of 19

Trustees Report & Unaudited Financial Statements Northridge Gospel Hall Trust

Comparative Statement of Financial Activities

Northridge Gospel Hall Trust For the year ended 5 April 2024

Comparative Statement of Financial Activities
Northridge Gospel Hall Trust
For the year ended 5 April 2024
Comparative Statement of Financial Activities
Northridge Gospel Hall Trust
For the year ended 5 April 2024
UNRESTRICTED
FUNDS
DESIGNATED
FUNDS
RESTRICTED
FUNDS
TOTAL FUNDS
2023
Income and endowments:
Donations and Legacies:
Contributions from the Congregation
160,257
1,200
-
161,457
Gift Aid Donations
2,445
-
-
2,445
Income Tax refunds
611
-
-
611
Congregation Support
-
2,195
-
2,195
Total Income and endowments:
163,313
3,395
-
166,708
Expenditure:
Running Meeting Rooms (note 9)
143,526
1,870
-
145,396
Congregation Support (note 9)
-
900
-
900
Cost of donated services (note 4)
45,027
-
-
45,027
Total Expenditure:
188,553
2,770
-
191,323
Net Income/(Expenditure)
(25,240)
625
-
(24,615)
Net Movement In Funds
(25,240)
625
-
(24,615)
UNRESTRICTED
FUNDS
DESIGNATED
FUNDS
RESTRICTED
FUNDS
TOTAL FUNDS
2023
Reconciliation of funds (note 11)
Total Funds bought forward
3,079,121
(625)
-
3,078,496
Net movement in funds
(25,240)
625
-
(24,615)
Total Funds carried forward
3,053,881
-
-
3,053,881

23 Sept 2024 Page 19 of 19

Trustees Report & Unaudited Financial Statements Northridge Gospel Hall Trust

Northridge Gospel Hall

Trust

Public Benefit Report 2023/24

1

Northridge Gospel Hall

Trust

Northridge Gospel Hall Trust Public Benefit

The purpose of this factual presentation, is to show how the Northridge Gospel Hall Trust community engage in many acts of public benefit and interact with the wider community in so many ways.

The Plymouth Brethren were established in 1828 when John Nelson Darby broke with the established Church in Dublin. Darby and others formed a fellowship based on the strict observance of Christian teachings as set out in the Holy Scriptures. Darby came to Plymouth in the early 1830s and the congregation grew rapidly. Early publications were produced in Plymouth and distributed to other congregations of followers throughout the globe.

2

Northridge Gospel Hall

Trust

Introduction

There are over 18,000 Plymouth Brethren members in the UK, spread across 87 locations. These locations can be found on the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (PBCC) UK Site.

Follow this link for more information on the Plymouth Brethren

There have been Brethren Gospel, or meeting halls in the Hastings areas for over 150 years.

The Northridge Gospel Hall Trust was formed in July 2002 to acquire buildings to be used for the advancement of the Christian religion by carrying on the service of God, including the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, Gospel Preachings, Bible Readings and addresses on the Word of God and other meetings of a Christian religious character according to the injunctions contained in the Holy Scriptures and the tenets and practices of those Christians forming a worldwide fellowship known as Plymouth Brethren.

The Hastings congregation is one of the smaller congregations in the UK, with 153 members living in the Hastings and Rother districts primarily; however with residents from the Tonbridge area attending services once a week, together with other visitors, numbers attending services regularly approach 350 persons, from young babies to nonagenarians.

A small scale map indicating the rough locations of Plymouth Brethren congregations across the UK and Ireland. Follow the above link for more detailed information

3

Northridge Gospel Hall

Trust

Our Network

To read more on the PBCC way of life, visit the https://www.plymouthbrethrenchristianchurch.org website.

4

Northridge Gospel Hall

Trust

Street Preaching and Tract Distribution

Street Preaching

Street Preaching has been actively promoted by the Plymouth brethren for many years, at least from the 1920's, and today is enthusiastically supported by members of the Northridge Gospel Hall Trust congregation, as we seek to follow the example set out by our Lord Jesus Christ (Luke ch4 v17-20)

The essential activity of publicly preaching the name of Jesus and God’s wonderful Gospel indiscriminately, gives joy and encouragement to our daily lives; as having personally proved the tangible benefit and immense improvement believing in Jesus brings, we seek to highlight the availability of Jesus to all mankind.

Currently the main chosen location is on High St, Battle opposite Abbey Green.

Romans 10v13; “For everyone whosoever, who shall call on the name of the Lord, shall be saved”

The aim of the street preaching is not to recruit additional members for the Plymouth Brethren but to present eternal salvation as available to all men by faith in Jesus Christ and His blood and His work of atonement.

Tract Distribution

In addition to the tracts handed out at the street preaching in Battle, members of the congregation have continued to hand out tracts to neighbours and people in need when they have met them.

Tracts are available for download on the below website: https://christiandoctrineandgospelpublishing.org/

5

Charitable events organized and supported by us

Illustrated in the following pages are three public benefit events that occurred during 2023/4 organized and executed by members of the local congregation with support of the trust.

As a trust we often use the resources of the Rapid Relief Team as the framework to support events. At these events our congregation members act as volunteers of the Rapid Relief Team (RRT). Equipment and trailers are stored in the secure ground of the gospel hall where volunteers can freely access them as much of the work of RRT is done out of normal operating hours

Rapid Relief Team

Our Vision

Our Mission

To serve people For the Plymouth Brethren Christian with care & Church to express Christian compassion in their principles of care and compassion, time of need. by way of benevolent relief to people in need.

Our Values

Global Team | Community Care | Compassion | Consistency

6

Northridge Gospel Hall

Trust

Northridge Gospel Hall Trust Public benefit

Hastings Fire & Rescue team lunch event

7

Northridge Gospel Hall

Trust

Planting and tidying on the green at Broad Oak Brede

8

Northridge Gospel Hall Trust

Operation Radcott, Camber training event for fire, police and ambulance

9