News

Rochester Christian Fellowship’s new home

By Lua Ikenasio

Jul 4, 2025

Anne and James Strate standing on the the ramp leading to their new church. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

The Rochester Christian Fellowship congregation is set to officially open the doors of its new church in less than two weeks.

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The building on 68 Lowry St is now complete, with only furniture and finishing touches left to add to it.

RCF pastor Anne Strate said they were excited to have the space become not only a home for the RCF congregation, but a place for community to meet too.

“We’re pretty excited, we’ve been excited since the walls went up and the roof went on,” she said.

“We've always wanted it to be a space that anybody can use, not just us.

“We found, and others have found, that there's no place in Rochester if you want to have an open area, well-lit and well-heated.”

Anne and James Strate are looking forward to sharing the space with the RCF parishioners and community. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Upon entering the building, visitors will be met with a cosy meeting space and the office.

At the centre of the building is a spacious area where church services will be held or that community groups can book for use.

The space also features a sizeable kitchen that both parishioners and guests can use for events.

All the necessities are also included, such as a men’s and women's bathroom and multiple air-conditioners to keep it usable during all seasons.

The church has been a work-in-progress since September 2022, after the Rochester Veterinary Service approached the Strates about selling the building.

The central area is spacious, well-lit and has air-conditioning and heating available. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

While the couple had never considered it before the vets approached them, Mr Strate said plans progressed from there.

In October 2023, the Strates sold the building to the vet and by 2024, they had submitted a development application to build a new church on the adjacent piece of land to their old home.

While the new church has been in the works, the RCF community has been meeting at the Strates’ home, three times a week.

The RCF will be hosting a community day on Saturday, July 19 which is open to all who would like to take a look at the new building.

However, the official opening will be on Sunday, August 10, the day of their first church service in their new home.