Our History

The story of South Kent Community Church (SKCC) is one of faith, friendship and God's faithfulness through many seasons of change. Our roots go back to 1959, and throughout the years we have seen God bring people together, open new doors and lead us into new opportunities to serve Him and our communities.

Our Beginnings

Our story begins in 1959, when Cyril and Margaret Coombs took up leadership of Aldington Evangelical Mission, a small village fellowship near Ashford.

During the 1960s and 1970s, the church experienced significant growth and renewal, particularly through the work of the Holy Spirit. These were formative years that helped shape the church's heart for worship, prayer, God's Word and sharing the good news of Jesus.

In the 1980s, the fellowship joined with Hythe Elim Church, marking the beginning of a new chapter. Over time, congregations developed in Folkestone, Hythe and Aldington, with the Aldington congregation later relocating to Ashford.

Although meeting in different locations, the congregations shared a common vision and identity as part of the wider church family.

Growing Together

In 1992, Johnny and Patricia Dyer took on senior leadership, overseeing a season in which the three congregations continued to develop.

Graham and Deirdre Coombs led the Folkestone congregation, Vincent and Julie Oliver led Hythe, and Richard and Pam Burgess led the congregation that had moved from Aldington to Ashford.

In 2000, Graham and Deirdre Coombs took over senior leadership. Around this time, the Folkestone and Hythe congregations came together to meet as one church family, fulfilling a prophetic word that had been given some years earlier.

Another prophetic word at the time spoke of the church moving "straight from first into third gear without ever being in second!" It was an encouragement to trust God for all that lay ahead as the church entered a new season of growth and development.

The Ashford congregation continued to meet separately and, in 2011, joined Gateway Church in Ashford, part of the Newfrontiers network.

These different journeys were all part of the wider story of God's work across the region, and the relationships and friendships formed over the years remain an important part of our heritage.

A New Generation of Leadership

In 2015, after 15 years as Senior Leader, Graham Coombs handed on the baton to his eldest son, James, and his wife Fiona.

James and Fiona continue to lead SKCC alongside Phil and Hannah Haines, supported by the wider leadership team.

While leadership and circumstances have changed over the years, our heart remains the same: to follow Jesus, be led by the Holy Spirit, build strong relationships and share God's love with the communities around us.

Finding a Permanent Home

For many years, SKCC met in school halls and other venues, all the while praying and seeking God for a permanent home — somewhere we could gather as a church family and reach out to our local community.

In 2017, an opportunity arose to purchase the former United Reformed Church building in Folkestone. What followed was an incredible journey of faith, prayer and generosity as the church family came together to raise the funds needed, alongside securing a mortgage, to purchase the building.

On 14 January 2018, SKCC held its first Sunday gathering in what is now known as The Cornerstone Centre.

Today, The Cornerstone Centre is much more than a place to meet on Sundays. It is home to our church family and a place where people can gather, build friendships, find practical support and experience God's love in action.

Looking back on the journey, we are reminded of the wonderful promise in Ephesians 3:20:

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."

What once seemed like a distant hope became a reality, reminding us of God's faithfulness and provision.

Part of a Wider Church Family

For many years, SKCC benefited from apostolic input and relationships through the Salt & Light family of churches.

Today, we are part of FORGE, a network of churches across the South and South East of England. Through these relationships, we seek to encourage and support one another, grow together in faith and work towards seeing God's Kingdom advance.

Looking Ahead

From a small village fellowship in Aldington to a church family meeting in the heart of Folkestone, our journey has been marked by God's faithfulness through every season.

We are thankful for the many people who have played a part in that story and excited about all that God has yet to do.

Our desire remains to be a church family that loves Jesus, follows the leading of the Holy Spirit and shares His love with the communities around us.