Construction has officially started on the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer, set to become Britainโs largest Christian monument. Located near Coleshill, just outside Birmingham, the project broke ground this week after surpassing an initial $50 million fundraising target. The monument is scheduled to open in 2028.
Monument to Feature a Million Stories of Faith
Standing 167 feet tallโtwice the height of the Angel of the Northโthe Eternal Wall will take the form of a Mรถbius strip. Built from one million bricks, each brick will represent a unique story of answered prayer, viewable via smartphone. So far, more than 120,000 prayer testimonies have been submitted from 125 countries.
Broad Support and International Backing
Over 20,000 donors worldwide have supported the project. Richard Gamble, the former chaplain of Leicester City Football Club and founder of the Eternal Wall, shared that the idea first emerged over 20 years ago. He expressed gratitude to supporters, volunteers, and prayer contributors for helping bring the vision to life after a decade of planning.
Significant Donor and Architectural Vision
The land for the structure was donated by IM Properties, owned by Midlands businessman Lord Edmiston, who also contributed financially to the project. Snug Architects won the design bid through a competition organized by the Royal Institute of British Architects. VSL is leading the construction as the main contractor. The finished site will cover 10 landscaped acres and feature a car park, with plans for a visitor center and conference facility.
Public Reaction: Inspiration or Controversy?
Supporters describe the project as a powerful symbol of hope and a testament to the enduring role of faith in modern Britain. They believe it will offer spiritual encouragement and preserve Christian heritage. However, critics question whether such significant funding should be used for religious infrastructure, particularly when the UK faces pressing social and economic challenges. Some also express concern about the environmental and traffic impact near the busy motorway junction.
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Construction Begins on Britainโs Largest Christian Monument, โEternal Wall of Answered Prayerโ
Photo by Chris Dack on Unsplash