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As followers of Jesus we seek to be a centre of Christian Worship, |
Our HistoryThe First 150 YearsClick here for a list of Previous MinistersIn the beginning
HagglingIn 1874 the work was flourishing sufficiently for the Baptists to buy the chapel from the Wesleyans − after haggling over the price (£500). The history written by Rev R S Burden plots the ups and downs of Whitstable Baptist Church − it closed for a short time in 1889 and, after re-opening, services were often conducted by students from Spurgeon’s college. Pew RentsMembership was now up to 35 but again there were financial difficulties. Spurgeon gave 10/- (50p) a week to help and a system of pew rents was adopted: 2/- (10p) per quarter in the middle and 1/6 (7½p) at the sides, but a resolution was passed in 1900 to allow free seats to visitors after the first hymn had been sung! All work & no payOne of the ministers was appointed with no salary although he did receive the offerings and the pew rents. Fortunately, the situation improved and the following year his salary was set at £80 and a few years later increased to £100. Another indication of the financial difficulties was that the £3 registration fee, required to license the church for weddings, could not be found until 1903. Times were hard! Plants, Galleries & Extensions
According to the records, this improvement was much needed and due, in no small part, to the “exceptional preaching powers” of Rev Roland J W French. Our ministers were a diverse lot − Rev H Passmore (1891 − 1898) was totally blind and was assisted throughout his very productive ministry by his devoted wife. Titanic DisasterIn 1913 the church took up an offering for the Titanic Disaster Fund. The first organ was installed at about this time and this was subsequently replaced by the present one in 1923 − some of the current members well remember having to pump the organ before it was electrified. Church at warThe closeness of Whitstable to the Channel caused concern during the war years but very few meetings were allowed to lapse and some new ones actually began − the Baptist Women’s League was started on 6th June 1940. The premises were hardly damaged at all by enemy action although they were vacated for a short time during which the Freemasons kindly put their hall at the church’s disposal. Manse boughtIt was agreed to purchase a manse in 1945 (for £1150), following the Annual Church Meeting at which it was declared that the balance was the largest on record (but neglected to say how much!) Read all about it!Our church magazine, “The Messenger”, was born in 1948 and is still going strong today. (click here to read the latest issue on-line − and earlier ones, too). Church flooded!In 1951 the church was decorated and the Minutes record, “that £20 be spent extra to add to the beauty and dignity of the church”. Unfortunately, 1953 will be remembered in Whitstable, and elsewhere on the East Coast, as the year of the flood. The church was flooded to a depth of four or five feet − nearly £1000 worth of damage was done and many records were lost. The Fellowship were invited to join with the congregational church while the buildings were repaired. This was not the first time − in December 1897 hundreds of homes and shops suffered great damage and loss, our church among them was flooded to a depth of four to five feet. Our friends at the congregational church had helped us on that occasion, too! In 1960 the now-ancient hot water boiler gave up and was replaced by electric heating. Ironically this, too, was replaced quite recently − by a hot water boiler! Change The RulesSince the beginning, this church, in common with all Baptist churches, was run by the members − all of which were baptised believers. In 1957, the rules were amended to allow communicant members − those who had not been baptised but who, in all other respects, upheld the principles of our Baptist church. First LadyThe first lady deacon was elected in 1962, although the rules had been amended eight years earlier to allow this event − provided that their numbers did not exceed more than 25% of the Diaconate and that they did not serve at communion! (That rule has also been amended!) Renovate, Decorate and Re-BuildThere had been a temporary building standing alongside the church, which was used for Sunday School and a variety of other purposes. It was originally licensed by the council for a period of three years. The license was subsequently renewed − and then renewed again. Twenty something years later the council decided enough was enough! The building would have to come down. New History Book
ConclusionAnd this is where we are today, in a lighter, brighter and altogether more attractive place in which to worship God “Throughout its history Middle Wall has had many faithful and loyal church members and we pray that this succession may long continue thus enabling the church to bear its witness in succeeding generations. What of the future? We can only say that we believe that the same Lord will continue to be with His church to guide and bless it.” Click here for a list of Previous Ministers Registered Charity Number: X20357 © Tony Harris 03/01/2025 |