History
The Ark was purchased in 1996 for the Apostolic Church, Dover. This former eye-hospital was formally opened by Harold Wade in September 1997. Joel Edwards [president of the Evangelical Alliance] was the guest speaker at this occasion. The Arena and Terrace Suite extension was opened by Diane Louise Jordan [Blue Peter and Songs of Praise presenter] and local MP Gwyn Prosser, in September 2003.
The Ark is a church and community complex where an increasing variety of activities occur. The Ark is involved with providing business and conference facilities, enabling education and training opportunities and community networking.
The charities Headway and Home-Start have office and work space within The Ark. Both groups work closely with The Ark. Happy Feet Pre-School [01304 –242720] is sited on the west-end of The Ark. The Ark is a partner within the Tower Hamlets and Priory Children’s Centre. This project is enabling a further extension to the west end of The Ark [opening Easter 2006].
The Ark is the home of the Dover Apostolic Church. In the 1990’s this church was based, on Sundays, in the Dover South Kent College. Prior to this, in the 1970’s and 1980’s the Dover Apostolic Church held it’s Sunday meetings in the building on the corner of Erith Street and London Road. Previous leaders of the DoverApostolicChurch include; Mark Davies, Warren Jones, Derek Meldrum and Samuel McKibben.
The UK Apostolic Church supports overseas missionary work in 40 countries around the world, including involvement from UK Apostolic Churches in; Mozambique, Ghana, Chile, Latvia, South Africa, Malawi and Angola. The Ark has a special commitment to Alan and Sandra Skene in Malawi. Further information can be found atwww.actionoverseas.org. Young people from Hungary will be visiting the Ark in August 2006.
The National Leadership Team provides overall leadership for the denomination in the United Kingdom. Pastor Warren Jones [former pastor of The Ark] is the National Leader. Pastor Eric Parker is the Deputy National Leader. The Apostolic Church is a registered charity [number 284789]. For further information about the denomination please visit www.apostolic-church.org.
