Central Baptist Church - Stratford, London, UK
N 51° 32.697 E 000° 00.276
31U E 292307 N 5714681
This baptist church stands on the east side of The Grove at the junction with Manbey Grove in Stratford, east London.
Waymark Code: WMG0NV
Location: London, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 12/29/2012
Views: 4
The land for the church was purchased
in 1854 and it is assumed that building started around the same time. The
church's website [visit link]
tells us:
"The Rev George Fishbourne, a
former minister at Bow Baptist Church; Joseph Freeman, a schoolmaster; and a few
others, were the founding members of Central Baptist Church (CBC) in October
1852. It was the first Baptist church in Stratford.
On August 11 1854 the land this
church is built on was purchased for the handsome sum of £269.50. Think of how
much the land would sell today!
The cost of building the church and
the adjacent hall resulted in considerable debt which took many years to repay.
We are privileged because those who went before us have paid the price and
passed on the baton.
Like almost every other Christian
church in the land, Central Baptist Church (CBC) has known both good times and
less favourable ones. Shortly after the Second World War, many local Christian
fellowships and churches in the area had to close due to poor attendance,
financial hardship and the physical damage done to many of the buildings from
the war.
The banner in front of the Church
that reads “Have faith in God – He never fails”, stands as a powerful and apt
witness to the faithfulness of God. It is also a constant testimony to the local
community and all who pass by.
This church has benefited
enormously from the generosity of her members over the years. The prayers and
commitment during the dark periods of the war, and the generous financial giving
have all played vital roles. For example, in early 2000 the church roof was
replaced thanks to a legacy from a much loved member and generous anonymous
gifts from others.
In the days before television,
radio, internet and email, the church was a crucial source of friendship and
fellowship. It is our prayer that it will continue to remain so – despite the
many distractions of the modern era.
CBC has had twenty Ministers since
its inception in 1852. The longest serving minister was Kenneth Saunders
(1974-2002) 28 years. Before that the longest serving Minister had been Rev. J H
Banfield (1876-1893) 17 years. The twentieth and current minister is Dele
Oke."