I've saved the Holy Spirits!
A VICAR felt so strongly that his community was in need of the Holy Spirit that he persuaded the church to buy a pub.
The Rev Hugh Ellis, whose ministry includes eight parishes, took the unusual step after deciding that the church should go back to its medieval roots and provide Christian hospitality.
He said: “Running a pub is simply reviving ancient traditions, where monasteries gave solace and sustenance to travellers and pilgrims.”
There was little hostility to his idea when, armed with a £200,000 grant, he began negotiations to buy the Old Custom House, in Langport, Somerset.
Mr Ellis said: “We consulted the public before we bought the pub, which had been closed for a year.
“There was concern in some quarters that we would be force-feeding customers religion when all they wanted was a pint, but that’s not what we’re about. Other Langport pubs have turned into bistros, been converted into flats or simply closed down. We need to look at this one differently as a community service rather than as a business for profit.” When the Grade II listed pub was bought last March, Mr Ellis discovered it had originally been called The Angel. He added: “We discovered the name had been changed in 1975 – why, I’m not sure. As well as the bars we will have a library, conference room, skittle alley, garden and prayer room.
“I think offering hospitality runs very much with Christian values. If drinking is controlled, it isn’t the drink of the devil.
“The grant was £200,000. We have a £100,000 loan to pay back to the Bath and Wells Diocese and Church Commission at £10,000 a year, plus interest. So we have to create a place that people will be drawn to and keep coming back to.”
