August 18 marked the opening and inauguration of the UCKG (Universal Church of the Kingdom of God) HelpCentre, with its 500-seat auditorium, at the site of the former ABC cinema, at 1 Bromley Road.

After the closure of the ABC cinema, which was built by James Watt in 1913, but has been derelict for many years, the UCKG organisation has fought a long battle, with two planning applications, in order to win planning consent for the building.

This has been followed by the arduous task of revamping the building, in order to make it suitable for its role in the community, through the provision of daily services for its congregation.

However, there has been a great deal of controversy surrounding the opening of the HelpCentre, after opposition in 2005 by many Catford residents, as well as the Mayor of Lewisham, Steve Bullock, who felt that a new cinema would be a worthier enterprise, especially as Lewisham is the only London borough without a cinema.

These opposing views were quashed as many felt that a one-screen cinema would be unprofitable and unnecessary, especially as residents can still watch films at the Broadway Theatre, which has screenings of specially selected films.

Despite the setbacks, the HelpCentre finally won its application and opened last weekend, seven months after winning planning consent.

The task of renovating the dilapidated cinema into a function centre for hundreds of people has been a feat, with much work being done to make the structure of the building fully wind and watertight.

The much-publicised inauguration, which occurred in the afternoon, was a great success, with the 500-seat auditorium being completely packed with people to hear prayers from the head of UCKG in Britain, Bishop Renato Cardoso, who will lead services in the centre, and will be assisted by pastors from other centres.

On the UCKG website, Bishop Cardose introduced his organisation to the residents of Catford by stating that: "We look forward to welcoming members of the local community, church members and regular attenders to informal worship that aims to connect people with God without undue ceremony getting in the way."

UCKG has managed to secure a foothold in Britain, with the Catford HelpCentre being one of many centres dotted around the United Kingdom.

The church, which was originally formed in Brazil in 1977, by Pastor Edir Macedo, will provide services like one-to-one, free drop-in counselling, youth and senior groups, IT courses, English lessons, as well as a crèche.

By Nali Sivathasan