Smith Wigglesworths mission base brought back to life after 92 years

Bowland Street Mission today sits between a taxi firm and takeaway in Manningham, Bradford, but at the turn of the 19th century it was the scene of world-famous healings and supernatural happenings.

Now a group of Christians have come together with a vision to continue his ministry with the restoration of the building and its re-opening as a centre of healing, museum and coffee shop.

Brian Holland, of Idle, with his wife Kathryn, and international preacher and broadcaster Terry Quinn are founding members of the Smith Wigglesworth Foundation which has agreed a long-term lease on the building.

Mr Holland said: "I have been studying Wigglesworth for nearly two decades and while only a select number of Bradfordians know about this guy, he is big news around the world.

"Wigglesworth was a catalyst for the charismatic revival of the church and one of the fathers of the Pentecostal church.

"So, we have literally had inquiries from everywhere wondering if the rumours are true and wanting to know when they can come."

The group envisage restoring the building back to its original 1889-1919 design, the heyday of Smith and his wife Polly's ministry in Bradford.

The start of the restoration project will officially begin with a dedication service on January 26, with plans to open the building as soon as April this year.

The project is being funded entirely by donations from the public around the world. Once completed, the building will be used as the venue for ministry weekends and one-day lectures, and will also be open for heritage tours.

Mr Quinn said: "We aim to hold Saturday night meetings enabling people to attend their own churches as well as visit the mission.

"We are not a church and don't intend to become one.

"Wigglesworth belonged to the wider church, taking Holy Communion in the Church of England, serving alongside the Salvation Army and of course ministering with the revivalists.

"Smith was a poor lad from Menston who moved to Bradford with his family to work in a mill and later established himself as a plumber.

"He really was a straight-talking lad, very much one of the people and, like him, we will welcome everyone in who wants to see what goes on.

"We are preparing to see visitors from across the globe."

Mr Holland added: "The enormity of this is awesome, especially for Bradford. This is a vision I have carried for many years."