From One Act of Kindness to a Citywide Impact
How one woman’s quiet act of compassion became a citywide ministry and how five Moortown Baptist Church members are helping it thrive today.
Leeds and Moortown Furniture Store Trustees
In 1986, Hilary, a member of Moortown Baptist Church, Leeds and a lady who from1998 served for fourteen years on the Baptist Union Council, deeply moved by the effects of welfare benefits cuts on struggling families in Leeds, began collecting unwanted furniture and giving it to those in need. No big plans. No organisation. Just faith in action, one bed, one table, one sofa at a time.
But word spread. The need grew. And soon it became clear: this quiet, compassionate response to injustice needed structure. That spark of generosity eventually became the Leeds and Moortown Furniture Store, a name now widely known and deeply respected across the city.
Fast-forward nearly forty years, and the Store is still living out Hilary’s vision. In 2023 alone, it collected and delivered 8,478 separate items, everything from wardrobes and sofas to cutlery and crockery, helping families turn empty spaces into homes with dignity and warmth.
But this isn’t just a story about the past. It’s about faithful leadership today.
As the charity adapts to new challenges, it remains firmly rooted in its founding community. Its five trustees, Nick, Steve, Gareth, Rod and Mike, are all active members of Moortown Baptist Church. These men have played a vital role in steering the organisation through a major period of change: the sale of its 10,000 square foot warehouse in Seacroft, a move into a more sustainable and cost-effective rental space, and the recruitment of a new General Manager with a wealth of experience in both commercial and charitable sectors.
Their dedication is a reminder that long-term mission doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built on commitment, vision, and people willing to serve behind the scenes year after year.
If you have furniture in good condition that you no longer need, and you’d like it to go to someone who really does, the Furniture Store offers a free collection service. Call 0113 2739727 or visit leedsandmoortown.org.uk to find out more.
We’re grateful to John for sharing this story with us and for reminding us what’s possible when churches respond to local need with love, creativity, and action. At YBA, we celebrate the lasting impact of this Moortown-rooted ministry, and we give thanks for all those who have faithfully stewarded its mission, then and now.