Think for a moment how much gospel activity happens through the ownership and use of property. Manses, church buildings, offices, halls, cafes, and many more such venues house all sorts of vital ministries that are seeking to grow God’s Kingdom. Providing that property for churches and Christian organisations is therefore a vital mission of itself!
The Littlegate Trust
The Littlegate Trust has this very mission. A property-owning charity, its purpose is to provide premises for churches and other Christian organisations in sympathy with its Statement of Faith.
The Trust helps to locate and finance the purchase of suitable properties, ranging from residential housing for church workers, to office premises, and even to the acquisition of redundant church buildings. With the ever-increasing cost of property this has called for creative funding solutions, involving negotiations with both private and commercial lenders.
Conveyancing for the Gospel
In these endeavours, said Robin Cooper, trustee of The Littlegate Trust:
“We have found the lawyers of ECS to be immensely helpful and constructive. First, in terms of setting up the charity, advising on the appropriate corporate structure – in our case a charitable company – and drafting all the necessary constitutional and governing documentation.”
Once the charity was set up, ECS has had the privilege of helping the Trust with individual property transactions as they have come along. Robin commented:
“ECS’ conveyancing expertise in purchasing the very varied types of properties described above, each with their unique characteristics and challenges, has been invaluable.
“Added to that is an underlying knowledge of charity and corporate law and practice which has been of great assistance to us.”
The unique status of ECS as a Christian law firm meant The Littlegate Trust was provided not only with professional expertise, but genuine gospel understanding too. Robin reflected:
“It has been good to find a Christian firm of solicitors which combines that ethos with the range of professional skills which we have needed.”
Helping your church or charity’s property matters
If you would like to have an initial chat to discuss a property matter for your church or Christian organisation, we would love to hear from you.
