Cranbrook Strict Baptist Chapel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Strict Baptist Chapel |
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The chapel
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| 51°05′43″N 0°32′16″E / 51.0953°N 0.5378°E | |
| Location | Cranbrook, Kent |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Baptist |
| History | |
| Status | chapel |
| Founded | 1787 |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II, ID 1068779 |
| Completed | 1787 |
The Cranbrook Strict Baptist Chapel is a special church building in the town of Cranbrook in Kent, England. It's a place where people who follow the Strict Baptist faith come to worship. This chapel was built a long time ago, in 1787.
Contents
History of the Chapel
Early Baptist Roots in Cranbrook
The Baptist faith has a long history in Cranbrook. The very first Baptists arrived in the area from Biddenden in 1648. Even before that, Cranbrook was a place where many Nonconformists lived. These were Protestants who did not agree with the official Church of England. This was especially true during the time of the puritans and the English Civil War.
A big meeting and public discussion took place in Cranbrook during the reign of King Charles I of England. This event led to the creation of a large Baptist church in Spillshill, which is near Staplehurst.
Founding the Cranbrook Strict Baptist Chapel
The Cranbrook Strict Baptist Chapel came about because of a split from another group called the General Baptists in Bessels Green, Kent. In 1787, two small cottages made of wood panels were changed and joined together to become the new Strict Baptist chapel.
This chapel has kept important records of baptisms dating back to 1682. These records are for people in the Cranbrook area who chose not to be baptised in the Church of England. The chapel also helped to start another local church, the Providence Baptist Church, in 1909, by providing pastors.
Recognition and Community Role
In 1967, the Cranbrook Strict Baptist Chapel was given a special status called Grade II listed building by English Heritage. This means it's an important historical building that needs to be protected.
In 2002, the chapel shared its views with a committee in the House of Lords. They discussed their beliefs about laws that protect religious ideas from disrespect. The chapel is also recognized by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council as an important building that helps make Cranbrook a special conservation area. The pastor of the Cranbrook Strict Baptist Chapel also takes part in welcoming new Christian ministers from different churches in Cranbrook.
See also
- List of Strict Baptist churches
- List of places of worship in Tunbridge Wells (borough)
