Our History
Brief history of Birches Lane Baptist Church
The Baptist interest in Amber Row (near Birches Lane) originated in the year 1845 due to the self-denying labours of Joseph Burton of Swanwick. Joseph emigrated to South Australia in 1849 and died there in 1859. The Baptist cause owed much to Joseph in those early years when Amber Row members were united with Swanwick Baptist Church.
In the year 1863 members from Amber Row decided to withdraw their fellowship and membership from Swanwick Baptist Church and build a Church of their own. In 1864, land was purchased from Mr James Godber comprising of 300 square yards at 1 shilling per yard: – a total of £15. The Church to be built on this land a year later in 1865. Four men formed a committee to oversee all the necessary requirements concerning the building of the new Church and on the January 21st, 1865, a special meeting was held to consider the details regarding the project. The Church was to be 12 yards long by 8 yards in width with a schoolroom underneath the main Chapel and an elevated platform at the rear of the building. It was also decided to construct a Baptistry in the schoolroom. The contract for building the Church was awarded to a Mr Ray of Selston at a Church meeting held on 4th July 1865; – the building to be commenced on the 17th July with a completion date agreed for 4th November.
The Church Opening Service was conducted on 17th December by Rev Thomas Lomas of Leicester, with celebrations continuing on 24th December.
In 1867, a Chapel House was constructed adjoining the Church building for the sum of £50 (including purchase of the land). The Chapel House to be occupied by appointed Church Caretakers with a rental of 2 shillings and 3 pence per week. (This building was demolished in 1973 and is now the Church car park.)
In 1878, a Vestry was built adjoining the rear of the Church building.
During the same year, it was decided to have a Pastor, and having communication with the head of the then Baptist Association (none other than Rev Charles Haddon Spurgeon) Rev E. P. Barrett commenced his ministry at the Church. Incidentally, a letter from Rev Spurgeon regarding this subject is still in possession of the Church and in excellent condition.
Many more details of the Church history are recorded in the Church Minute Books which started in 1863 and are still in possession of the Church, all being in excellent condition.
It is recorded that during the history of the Church, there were accounts of gracious moves of the Blessed Holy Spirit and times of real blessing, but also, as in all Churches, times of struggle were recorded. What cannot be told are the life – changing testimonies of those experiencing a new saving faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ over the years. Without doubt, many precious souls came to him as their Lord and Saviour through the ministry within this Church and the work of the Holy Spirit. These testimonies will become known when we gather in the “Promised Land”
Incidentally, it is recorded that in 1878 there were 147 children attending the Sunday School, learning the Christian faith through 12 dedicated teachers.
Praise the Lord, that the Church continued over the years with other testimonies that could be given during recent years, and even with the recent building problems encountered during the past year when the Church was in danger of closure, Our Lord amazingly provided the means to make the necessary repairs and enabled us to continue worship into the future. What a Great, Almighty God we have, who can do immeasurably more than we can imagine. For ALL things are possible with God.
We therefore rejoice, continuing in Worship and in preaching and taking the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the dear people within the surrounding area.