Reference
X347/3
Title
Church Book
Date free text
1854 - 1887
Production date
From: 1854 To: 1887
Scope and Content
+1854 Mr Thomas Baker pastor Mention of "light company" at the last Statute Fair
1855 Reference to a legacy left by Mr. Ayres in 1830
1856 The Sunday school has 136 scholars, and has a library. The church has 70 members.
1857 Mr. Spurgeon preached twice. Debt on new School Room and minister's house reduced
1858 new buildings totally paid for - £400 raised in 5 years.
1860 question as to trust deed. Some trustees dead, some in U.S. and Canada. Setting up of finance committee
1864 mention of British Day School
1865 resolution against frequenting alehouses. Number of members 97 (24 non-resident)
Mr Thomas Baker leaves, and Mr. William Cuff accepts the pastorate.
1866 Mr. Cuff got 51 new members in one year, and reclaimed on backslider, who had been in the American war.
1867 Mr Cuff moved to Bury St. Edmonds. In 2 years 5 months he had increased the congregation by 81. Mr. Spurgeon asked to recommend a new pastor. Mr. William Julyan came
1869 Progress continues slowly. Alterations to the chapel, and the Wesleyans kindly offered their chapel for Sunday mornings
1869 Aug 11 Chapel reopened
1870 36 people received into communion
1871 The church agreed to the Duke of Bedford's request that the room adjoining the chapel be used as an infant school during the erection of another building
1871 church free from the debts incurred in alterations and purchase of a clock. Fence put up.
1872 Rumour that High Church principles taught in the infant school held (temporarily) in the vestry
Wm. Julyan leaves for Cheltenham. If possible, the replacement to be from Spurgeon's college, as two previous ministers. William Hillier, Mus. D., came
1876 Mr Hillier left. Mr. Knell appointed pastor on the recommendation of Mr. Cuff.
During Mr. Knell's ministry no entry in the church book. He left for a commercial career. About 3 added in his time, and several died. Between 1876 and 1878 the infant day school removed to the new premises erected by the Duke of Bedford adj. the other schools.
1878 Mr. A. Knell left.
1879 Mr. W. J. Tompkins on the recommendation of the Rev. W. Cuff.
1880 In the last 16 months, 21 persons have joined the church A Strict Baptist applied for membership, but as her original church would not dismiss her to an open communion church, she was merely received as a member.
1881 Church member moved to the Woburn Strict Calvinistic Baptist chapel
1882-3 alterations to chapel and new classroom. £320 raised
1884 mention of a working men's club
1885 The Rev. W. J. Tompkins moved to Rushden - a very happy pastorate. Under his ministry 61 new members, chapel altered, classrooms built, house repaired. "I leave with profound regret this place and church. Never shall I have a happier pastorate, or a more kind hearted people" W.J.Tomkins. 14 Nov 1885
1886 The Rev. W. J. Juniper proposed by the Rev. W. Cuff, and became pastor.
Level of description
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