The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) will officially open its newly renovated Leicester church on Sunday 7 December, unveiling a transformed space designed to serve as both a spiritual home and a hub for community support.
Located at 2a Prebend Street, the new church sits within one of Leicester’s historically significant buildings – a site that has served the city in multiple forms over nearly 150 years.
Originally built in 1876, the property was designed by architect Edward Burgess as a Quaker meeting house for the Religious Society of Friends. It remained a place of Quaker worship until the 1950s.
Over the decades, the building has served the city in various roles, including:
After extensive restoration and refurbishment by UCKG, the site enters a new chapter of community service.
Goldlynn Wanjiku, 39, a member of UCKG in Leicester, said of the impact the organisation has had on her life: “Before I found the Universal Church here in Leicester, my life felt like it was stuck on repeat. I was drifting with no direction, trapped in a cycle of depression, suicidal thoughts, drinking and drugs. I tried to fill the emptiness with relationships and partying, but the loneliness always came back stronger.
“I grew up around Christianity, but I never truly put any of it into practice. Things reached a breaking point the day I found myself standing on a bridge, genuinely considering ending my life. That was the moment I knew I needed help.
“Walking into the UCKG was the turning point. I wasn’t judged – I was encouraged to take small, practical steps to rebuild my life. For the first time in years, I slept peacefully. I kept coming back because I could feel something changing inside me. My smile became real again. I didn’t feel alone anymore, even when I was by myself.
“Today, I’m genuinely happy. I don’t rely on alcohol, drugs or relationships to feel complete. I finally have peace. What I was searching for all those years, I found through faith – and through the support I received at the Universal Church right here in Leicester.”
The newly renovated church has been redesigned to create a warm, accessible, and inclusive space for the city’s diverse communities. The opening event will bring together neighbours, local leaders, volunteers, and congregation members for a day of celebration, testimonies of faith, and a special blessing of the new auditorium.
This launch forms part of UCKG’s nationwide investment in local infrastructure across its 38 full-time branches. It also follows national research commissioned for UCKG’s 30th anniversary, which found that 72% of Generation Z believe churches like UCKG play a vital role in tackling youth crime, mental health issues, homelessness, and family breakdown.
Bishop Allan Passos, UCKG: “Leicester is a vibrant, diverse and hard-working city, and we are honoured to open this new space for the community. This church is more than bricks and mortar – it represents transformation, hope, and the belief that no one must face their battles alone. Our goal is simple: to support people practically, emotionally and spiritually, every day of the week.”
UCKG runs several nationwide programmes including the Victory Youth Group, which supports over 1,400 young people; the Night Angels homelessness outreach; a 24/7 emotional support line; family and relationship support initiatives; and a wide range of practical community services.
These initiatives directly align with public expectations highlighted in the Faith and the Future research, where 60% of UK adults said faith groups are uniquely positioned to address societal issues such as poverty, mental health struggles, and family breakdown.
The new church will offer:
All are welcome to attend the grand opening.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Sunday 7 December
Location: 2a Prebend Street, Leicester, LE2 0LA
Opening Ceremony: 5pm
Programme: Welcome reception, guided tour, testimonies, community prayers, and blessing of the new auditorium.
