X349/1

Thurleigh Baptist church book

1837 - 1866

From: 1837 To: 1866

p.6 "An accurate copy has been made by me & examined; which I keep: for Church books do get lost sometimes". p.7 church covenant p.12-30 roll of members 1837-1900 p.32 "The Meeting House was erected in 1827. Mr.Crockford who had been preaching in a house near the meeting about 12 months subscribed 15 pounds and a good deal of labour he being by trade a carpenter. Friends gave liberally according to their ability and the house was finished and opened for Divine Worship. ...Mr.Wells commenced October the same year [pres.1836] and in Oct 5 1837 the Church was formed". p.43 Meeting House enlarged 1849 Mr.Wells died 23 Nov 1860. 19 members in Jan 1861. p.45 Pastor to be Mr.Wm.Knibb Dexter of Bedford 1861 p.48 Open Communion. "Mrs.Harvey, a member of the Wesleyan Body, lately come to Thurleigh, wishing to sit down with us; it was resolved that she should be allowed to sit down at the table, but should have no vote in Church matters, she not having been baptised". p.50 new baptismal robes (black). 1861 p.52 rules for church government 1862 p.63 2 members transferred from Keysoe Baptist Church, without a regular dismission p.64 repairs to house p.69 now 38 members, 1863, compared with 19 in 1861 p.72 discussion of question of strict communion, and alteration of other rules. Considerable opposition from families of converts 1863 p.83 member came from Wilden Baptist Church, where matters "very difficult". p.86 dissatisfaction of some Sunday School teachers at Mr.Dexter being Whitsunday preacher. p.89 An established church Sunday School teacher attending services 1863 p.91 Mr.Knibb Dexter considering returning to his native Jamaica 1863 p.94 Mr.Dexter to supply at Sharnbrook, there being no minister there, and the Sunday being the village feast 1863 p.98 proposal to get magic lantern to show in chapel on Bedford Fair Night, 12th October, to get people to return early from the fair. Cottage adj. minister's house now empty 1863 p.99 Children's tea etc. on Bedford fair day. "They all declared it was better than being at Vanity Fair - May the Lord lead his Churches to fight earnestly against these strongholds of Satan - Feasts and Fairs". p.106 A church member had been seen in dancing booth at the feast at Wilden. Much preaching in neighbouring villages p.111 Convert turned out of doors for refusing to attend the established church. p.112 Landlord of a farm required tenants to attend established church. p.117 question of lighting with paraffin lamps 1864 p.118 66 members in 1864 p.121 distribution of tracts p.137 land for a burial ground 1864. Question of Mr.Dexter's salary and proposed resignation p.149 Mr.Dexter's resignation 1865 p.158 alteration of rules - printed rules inserted - open communion

Deposited by the church secretary, Mr.F.W.Wildman of Thurleigh, on 9th December 1966

item

Crockford,
Wells,
Dexter, William Knibb,
Harvey

Baptist Church, Baptist ministers, feasts, chapels, festivals & celebrations fairs, cottages, CHILDREN, Vanity Fair, dancing, Thurleigh farms, tenancy, church lighting, burial grounds, Sunday Schools, teachers, Whitsun, church services, , CHURCH, baptism, COSTUME & DRESS, HOUSING, DEATH, pastoral work, vicar, books, preaching, money, carpenter, charity, THURLEIGH, KEYSOE, WILDEN, Jamaica, SHARNBROOK