Old chapel set to reopen as a mosque

A former Wolverhampton chapel is being turned into a mosque, it was revealed today.

Bethel Chapel in Willenhall Road, which dates back to 1890, will re-open in a few months. The chapel closed more than a year ago and has since fallen into disrepair, having been targeted by squatters and vandals.

Located opposite the Malt Shovel pub, it was bought by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association.

They purchased it at auction for £93,000 last February.

Zarina Khan, aged 53, spokeswoman for the Wolverhampton-branch of the association, confirmed today work had started to transform the chapel into a mosque.

"The association bought the chapel for £93,000 at auction and we have started renovating it," Mrs Khan said.

"It was in a bad state when we first bought it.

"Squatters had broken into the building and were using it as a place to take drugs."

She added carpets were being fitted, the roof replaced and furniture installed.

Up to 100 worshippers will be able to fit into the mosque at any time when it opens.

"This is a beautiful old church building which had been abandoned," she continued.

"We want it to become a community centre used by many different people.

"We want to promote peace and we believe in working with the community."

The mosque will feature a main prayer room, two offices, kitchen, store room and toilet blocks.

The detached chapel was previously owned by the Wesleyan Reform Union, an independent Methodist Connexion based in Sheffield.

It also used to play host to a Sunday school for young children, a young men's class and a 'Pleasant Sunday Afternoon Class' for women.