Monmouth Baptist Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Monmouth Baptist Church |
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The church
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| 51°48′47.6″N 2°42′39.9″W / 51.813222°N 2.711083°W | |
| Location | Monmouth, Monmouthshire |
| Country | Wales |
| Denomination | Baptist |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Benjamin Lawrence |
| Years built | 1906-07 |
Monmouth Baptist Church is a special building in Monk Street, Monmouth, a town in south east Wales. The church building opened its doors in 1907. However, the group of people who follow the Baptist faith had actually started meeting much earlier, in 1818. This church building was recognized as a Grade II listed building on October 27, 1998. This means it is an important historical building that needs to be protected.
The Church's Story
How the Church Began
The Baptist group in Monmouth first came together in 1818. This happened after several religious leaders from other Baptist churches visited the town. At first, the church met in a small building. This building was located just off Monnow Street.
The first pastor, or church leader, was chosen in 1831. The original meeting place was made bigger in 1836. It became a proper chapel. Later, this old building was not used and fell apart. It was taken down a few years ago to make space for a supermarket car park.
Building the New Church
Work on a new church building began in Monk Street in 1906. The first parts of the building, called the foundations, were put in place that year. The new church building was finished and opened in 1907.
The person who designed the church was an architect named Benjamin Lawrence. He was from Newport. He designed the church in a style called Victorian Gothic. This style was popular during the Victorian era. It often includes pointed arches and tall windows.
The church looks similar to another building next door. This building is the Working Men's Institute. Benjamin Lawrence had also designed that building in 1867. Today, the Working Men's Institute is a commercial art gallery.
What the Church is Made Of
The Monmouth Baptist Church is built using a type of stone called Old Red Sandstone. This stone gives the building a reddish color. It also has special decorations made from Bath Stone. These decorations are often lighter in color.
Inside the church, the porch has beautiful stained glass windows. These colorful windows were added in 1964. They let light shine through in different colors.
