Reference
MB2/LIND
Title
Luton Industrial College (formerly Luton Industrial Mission and Community Centre)
Admin/biog history
Luton Industrial Mission and Community Centre was created in 1954 based in the Chapel Street church and Sunday School buildings [see MB2/LCHA]. In 1957 the Mission was renamed Luton Industrial College. The Charter of the College states its aim as:
"To make the Christian faith relevant in the realms of industry and commerce
To give training in industrial evangelism, not only in the theory, but the practice.
It is not for Methodists only, but is open to members of other denominations. Whilst it is a Christian enterprise, it is not for Christians only but for anyone willing to consider the claims of Christ and the need of the world.
The College is for both ministers and laity."
The chapel remained a place of worship at the heart of the college and was remodelled in 1960. In 1968 an eight storey building including bedrooms, lecture hall, library, refectory etc. was opened and a second phase building extension was completed in 1976 when the Wesley Church was transferred to the chapel at the heart of the College. The old chapel was demolished in 1978 and Wesley House was built on the site. The College closed in 1996 and closure of the Wesley Church followed in 1997.
A large number of photographs of the College at various stages of its development were deposited in 2012. Identification of many of the important Methodists who came to support the work of the College was carried out prior to deposit with the help of Rev R Raymond Brown and Rev Edgar Daniel.
Circuit: Luton Industrial Mission
Level of description
series