Ebenezer Chapel, Gaddesden Row

We actually found Ebenezer Chapel in May 2001. At that time, the Chapel was owned by an antique dealer who was merely using it as a store. “Lovejoy” had been unsuccessful in his efforts to obtain planning permission to convert the Chapel into a couple of flats.

Having agreed a price, we then had to wait months while, we in turn tried to obtain permission for the office conversion, which finally arrived.

An archaeological survey was required because of the fact that the Chapel was built on a site of archaeological interest and this took an age to be completed.

Next obstacle was to find a builder who was prepared to do a legitimate job with no “cash in hand”. Well, the first four asked to quote were not interested!

Eventually, the drawings were completed and the conversion went to tender and the building eventually started in May 2002.

As you may have experienced with projects yourself, we experienced delays and complications along the way.

Rupert, our very own Bob the Builder hurt his back playing football and was out of action for a few weeks. Then on a sunny morning in early August we struck upon a major difficulty. In the middle of digging footings for a small extension, the workmen found an unmarked grave.

What followed was eventful to say the least. Of course, work was stopped and understandably we wanted to do the right thing and show appropriate respect.

No one knew what to do. The local planning office did not want anything to do with it. We were told to contact the police. Half an hour later the armed response unit turned up, having received the message that a body had been found in Gaddesden Row.

Four hours later, there was a change of shift at the police station. The next shift received the same message and again, sleepy Gaddesden Row was full of panda cars with flashing blue lights.

Drama continued apace including the local paper trying to get a story during a quiet August. They sent up a stooge to pretend that the paupers grave that had been discovered was his grandmother. This turned out to be a hoax, but it gives an indication of how many of the stories in the tabloids should be treated.

Ultimately we were informed by the Home Office that we needed to obtain a licence to remove ancient remains. This was duly granted and the licence arrived signed by David Blunkett. It was then a logistical problem to arrange for the ground workers, the grave digger and the Environmental Health Officer to be on site together. This eventually happened and the grave digger carefully moved the body, which was then reburied in the nearby graveyard.

After the local vicar had “blessed” everything, work recommenced, be it slower than we would have hoped.

Finally a moving date was set and Emery-Little started operating out of Ebenezer Chapel on Monday 24 February 2003. It all feels worthwhile already as we beaver away in our plush new offices.

When we have time, we will try and research the history of the Chapel. We have decided to retain the name Ebenezer which seems rather appropriate. From a financial perspective, we have Ebenezer Scrooge renowned for being careful with his money. In relation to advice, well, the meaning of Ebenezer is “stone of help”.

We would be delighted to see any of our clients at Ebenezer Chapel in the future. With the state of markets in recent times, perhaps we should introduce prayers before review meetings!

It was always our intention to provide “Cradle to Grave advice!”