Our story
Judy Faulkner and Fran Wilson were the founders of Greenhill Christian centre (the original name, before it was re-named The House of Bread). In 1987 God gave a very clear outline of a work that he wanted to set up. Three years later he indicated that it was time to share the vision with a small group. Was it from God or just a good idea?
– If the latter it would be a disaster, but if from God we had to go ahead. One of that group, unbeknown to the rest of us, had inherited Burmington Mill a couple of years previously and offered us the use of the ground floor rent free until they needed to sell. It was semi-derelict but with wonderful help from volunteers and one skilled builder it was ready just in time to open by January 1991. The first day with the paint still wet on the walls 91 people came for tea!
About 18 months later, with the ground floor serving the general public as a coffee room and shop, selling Christian books, cards and crafts made by Christians, we were loaned the rest of the four-storey building which, again with the help of volunteers and one skilled builder, was transformed, over many months, into a residential non-denominational centre serving the church nationwide. Purely by word of mouth God brought in groups and individuals.
On 9 April 1994 a word was given that, ‘the building would be God’s within the year’, by a prophet who had no idea that the Trust needed to purchase the estate but had no money. On 6 April 1995, the Trust completed the purchase of the whole seven and a half acre estate without having asked anyone for money.
In 1998 God used the effect of a four foot flood to refurbish the ground floor of the mill, enlarging the size of the coffee room, giving us excellent fixtures and fittings for the shop area and a prayer and meeting room.
For the next ten years God continued to grow the ministries both to the church and the general public through the service of many dedicated volunteers with thousands of guests meeting with him and returning home in this nation, and others, renewed, challenged and blessed with new vision.
Then suddenly, in July 2007, when the work was at its peak, everything came to a halt because of a seven foot flood. The mill was still being dried out by industrial dehumidifiers when in September in the middle of the night, flames burst out of the front first floor windows, taking out half of the inside of the building.
Thirty hours later the fire rekindled and took out the rest of the inside.
- What was our heavenly Father saying?
- What was his plan?
In May 2008, in following our heavenly Father’s leading, the Trustees met to formally terminate the Trust; but at the outset of that meeting, through a prophetic word, Father made it very clear that if it died the seed would bring forth much fruit.
So the refurbishment of the buildings continued without knowing what the new vision would be, but knowing that the mill was now to be called ‘The House of Bread’ and that fresh bread was to be provided for all who are really hungry.
The mill re-opened as The House of Bread in spring 2010. We continue to welcome people on retreat and to come along to various events. We also welcome churches and Christian organisations to host their own events. The House of Bread continues to thrive. Many are coming and meeting with God, the team is united and focused on Jesus being the centre of every aspect of The House of Bread.
The grounds and gardens and buildings are continually being developed and cared for to create places for prayer, quiet retreat time, and gathering with others. In more recent years, this included the development of the beautiful old barn to become a large meeting space. We are excited to have planning permission to convert the old forge building at one end of the main mill building. This will provide two more meeting rooms.
The leading, provision and blessing of God on The House of Bread is what makes it the place it is today.
- To walk by faith and trust in Jesus Christ, and to seek God, with a desire to know him and make him known.
- To be attentive to the voice of God, to be obedient and to follow his leading in his Word and by his Spirit.
- To have thanksgiving, worship and prayer at the heart of all that we are and do.
- To create a safe place, rich in the presence of God, where people can take time in solitude and also gather with others, to seek God, growing in oneness with him, and learning to love God first and to love others as we love ourselves.
Please see ‘Our vision’ for the future life of The House of Bread.
We value
An ever deepening relationship with God
Knowing true peace and joy
The word of God
Unity, joy and laughter with people we journey with
Good coffee and comfy beds!
