KICC SW opens new building in London

Despite the weather forcast hundreds braved the weather to attend the Kingsway International Church Centre (KICC SW) opening of their new building in London - the Open Door Centre. The event was formally opened by the founder of the church, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo.

After years of wrangling with local residents about how the building would be used, it has now opened to the public. Starting off the event, was some beautiful music by the church choir,  then, an excellent dance routine by the youth dance group. 


At about 12 noon on Saturday 25th August, Pastor Ashimolowo togther with his wife Pastor Yemisi Ashimolowo, Pastor Dipo Oluyomi (Pastor of the KICC SW London branch and Church Administrator of KICC UK), his wife Pastor Peju Oluyomi, Pastor Adeolu Aluko, Pastor Bimbo Oyegoke and a group of senior serving members of the church, blessed the building and pronounced it opened for business.

The building is situated at 25 Church Road, London SE19 2TE. The ground floor which is beautifully designed is made up of an entrance hall, a reception hall, a shop, a box office and the main hall. The main hall is quite grand and smells of class. It is painted in a muted grey with the walls closest to the stage designed with pieces of tinted mirrors arranged in intricate patterns   These lend serenity to the ambience of the hall by giving off an understated sparkling effect. The stage is quiet spacious and it is covered with a luxurious red carpet. It has a few steps all the way round. A large screen is hung in the centre on the wall behind the stage. The hall would probably take about 1,000 seating comfortable and there is ample space at the back of the hall for stalls.

There is a gallery which can be reached through the stairs in the reception hall. It is quite impressive with lots of room everywhere and you get a good view of the stage. Also, there are a handful of rooms upstairs which can be used for various purposes. Lastly, I give the toilets 10 out of 10!
The event closed with a business seminar and an exhibition. According to Pastor Oluyomi, the building will be used for Business events, seminars, dramas and film screenings for the public.

Dance routine

Pastor Ashimolowo cuts the tape

The beautiful stage

Pastor Dipo Oluyomi, resident pastor of  KICC SW, London

The panel of speakers - Hon Ben Akabueze, Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Richard Flemming of TBN, Accountant, Peter Osalo, Zupa Mandiwazira from Zimbabwe on stage

 A view of the hall from the gallery

Pretty automatic changing stage lights

That's me, taking it all in at the newest and best hall in London