Manor House Project

Uniting past and present, taking a step of faith to reclaim the South Chard Manor House in order to establish a Christian Retreat Centre for the Body of Christ

In 1953 Uncle Sid and Aunty Mill Purse moved into the Manor House at South Chard. Having made a commitment to God they founded a church in the Manor House itself, packing more than 100 people into their small living room – converting it into a chapel style meeting room (see pictures below).  The church soon outgrew the Manor House, compelling Uncle Sid to convert the coach house into a dedicated meeting space.

South Chard Church experienced a great revival and people from all over the world came to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  For many years the Manor House has been a source of great blessing to the body of Christ around the world.  Literally thousands of people have stayed in the many bedrooms over the years, receiving love, help and restoration through the ministry of the Holy Spirit and the unrivalled hospitality of Aunty Mill.

Uncle Sid and Aunty Mill sold the Manor House in order to send the proceeds of the sale to the mission field. A Christ-centred agreement was made with spiritual son and daughter Vince and Pauline Matherick, who bought it, to allow Uncle Sid and Aunty Mill to remain in the house with them, for the duration of their lives. Pauline served and nursed Aunty Mill until her death in 2004 at the grand old age of 92.

The time has now come for Vince and Pauline to sell the Manor House and we believe God is calling us to return the house to its original purpose – serving the Body of Christ across the world – by establishing it as a Christian Retreat Centre where God’s people can find healing and restoration through the ministry of the Holy Spirit.  We truly feel that the Manor House, playing such an essential role in the early days, must remain a part of South Chard Church and that now is the time to see the church building and the Manor House reunited, enabling us to firmly secure together our heritage with our long term future.  We strongly believe that many more thousands of people can be touched and lives transformed as a result.

The Manor House has been independently valued at £375,000. We have yet to agree a figure with the Mathericks, although we are sure an agreement can be reached for less than the independent valuation.

Firstly, we are asking all our friends to stand with us in prayer, asking God to release the funds we need to complete His commission. Secondly, we are asking all our friends and those who have received from the ministry of the church over the years to consider making a financial contribution to the restoration of the Manor House to South Chard Church and its service in the Body of Christ.  Please prayerfully consider how you may be able to help. You can make a donation via this website.

In the service of our Saviour.

South Chard Church Leadership Team