- In May 1864 a Chapel was built on the site of our present Church known as Salem Chapel. After a few years this
ceased to function.
Some of the original members sought to re-commence this work and with the aid from
other Baptists the building was transferred to the London Baptist Association as Trustees, and after repairs, was opened again
in 1868 as the Union Chapel West Green.
For the last 141 years a Baptist Church has continued to witness on this site.
The
adjoining land was purchased later and the Memorial Hall was built in 1886 and was known as the " Iron Room" and
used to house the Sunday School which by 1907 had grown to 300 plus with another 200 meeting in a hall in Avenue Road.
In
1924 the Dorset Halls were built at a cost of £3,673.00 and this enabled the Sunday School work to continue and be housed
under one roof.
The coming of World War II had a profound effect on the Church with so many members serving in
the forces and most of the children being evacuated to the country. During this time the Memorial Hall became unfit for
use. This was renovated in 1953 in memory of Mr H Jackson who for 36 years was Church Secretary.
Today the Memorial Hall is
again unfit for use however, considering that it has stood there for 122 years it has served the Church and the community
well.
We are now actively seeking to rebuild the Memorial Hall which will enable us to provide a wider service to the
community-
See page - "Current and Future Initiatives"
Our Past Ministers
Over our 140 years of existence,
many gifted men and women have served our Church. The Church experienced growth and nurture during the different periods that
these men and women served here as they brought their gifts and personalities into their respective ministries.
Below is a register of Ministers who have served at West Green Baptist Church.
Rev
Thomas T Gough - 1869-1872
Rev John Edmonds
- 1898-1907
Rev Charles Garratt - 1909 -1916
Rev W A Livingstone -
1917 -1928
Rev E.A. Rhaidr-Jones - 1929- 1943
Rev. N.L. Stokes
- 1945-1968
Rev. Eric Laing - 1970-1977
Rev. Steve Jackson - 1980-1982
Rev. D.R. Crisp - 1986-1997
Angela
Harvey - 1995-2001 (Youth Minister)
Rev. Terry
Gallagher - 1998- 2003
The Church pays glowing tribute to all these men and women
who have made significant contributions to the growth of West Green Baptist Church. We honour with gratitude the memory
of those who have passed into life eternal and are proud of those who are still alive.
Those who are still alive are:
- Rev.
Eric Laing
- Rev. D.R. Crisp
- Rev. Terry Gallagher
- Rev. Steve Jackson
