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 in the town of Cranbrook in Kent, England. It was built way back in 1787. This chapel belongs to a group called the Strict Baptists, who are a type of Baptist Christian.
Contents
History of the Chapel
Early Baptists in Cranbrook
Baptists have a long history in Cranbrook. The first Baptists arrived in 1648 from a nearby town called Biddenden. This area was already a place where many Nonconformists lived. Nonconformists were Protestants who did not agree with the official Church of England. This started with groups like the Puritans during the English Civil War.
A big meeting and public discussion happened in Cranbrook. This led to a large Baptist church being formed in Spillshill near Staplehurst. This happened during the time of King Charles I of England.
Founding the Chapel
The Cranbrook Strict Baptist Chapel was created after a split from another Baptist group. This group was called the General Baptists in Bessels Green, Kent. In 1787, two small cottages with wood panels were changed into the Strict Baptist chapel.
The chapel has old records of baptisms from 1682. These records are for people in the Cranbrook area who were not baptised in the Church of England. The chapel also helped provide leaders to start the local Providence Baptist Church in 1909.
Important Recognition
In 1967, the Cranbrook Strict Baptist Chapel was given a special status. It became a Grade II listed building by English Heritage. This means it is an important historical building that needs to be protected.
The chapel is also seen as an important building in Cranbrook's conservation area. This is a special area where buildings are protected to keep the town's historic look. The pastor of the Cranbrook Strict Baptist Chapel also helps welcome new Christian ministers in Cranbrook.
See also
- List of Strict Baptist churches
- List of places of worship in Tunbridge Wells (borough)
