West Street Baptist Church, East Grinstead facts for kids
Quick facts for kids West Street Baptist Church |
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The church from the southeast
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| 51°07′27″N 0°00′32″W / 51.1242°N 0.0089°W | |
| Location | West Street, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 4EY |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Baptist |
| Previous denomination | Countess of Huntingdon's Connexion; Strict Baptist |
| Churchmanship | Evangelical |
| Website | www.weststreetbc.org.uk |
| History | |
| Former name(s) | Zion Chapel |
| Status | Church |
| Founded | 2 July 1810 |
| Founder(s) | John Burt |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade II |
| Designated | 28 January 1948 |
| Style | Classical |
| Completed | 1811 |
The West Street Baptist Church in East Grinstead, West Sussex, is a historic Baptist church. It was once known as Zion Chapel. This church was the first Nonconformist place of worship in East Grinstead. Nonconformists are Protestants who are not part of the official Church of England. The church building is made of red brick and is still used by a Baptist community today. It is also a special Grade II listed building, which means it's protected because of its historical importance.
Contents
History of the Church
East Grinstead's Beginnings
East Grinstead became a market town in 1247. It is located on a hilltop in an area called the Weald. The town grew slowly over many centuries.
Nonconformist Beliefs in Sussex
In the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, many people in northern Sussex chose to worship outside the Church of England. These people were called Protestant Dissenters. For example, in 1676, a large number of people in nearby Ifield were Nonconformists. The first Quaker meeting house in the world was even founded there that year. Baptist groups were also active in towns like Horsham.
Founding Zion Chapel
East Grinstead grew more important in the late 1700s. By 1801, over 2,600 people lived there. In 1810, the town's first non-Anglican church, Zion Chapel, was built. It was connected to the Countess of Huntingdon's Connexion. This was a small evangelical Christian group.
John Burt, a wealthy merchant, paid for the church. His sons laid the foundation stone on July 2, 1810. The church officially opened on April 23, 1811. A famous preacher named Rowland Hill spoke at the first service.
Growth and Changes Over Time
In May 1811, a Sunday school started at the church. It was the first in the area and taught over 100 children. By the next year, more than 400 children attended! The church itself also grew. Galleries were added inside to fit 200 more worshippers.
In 1813, a manse (a house for the minister) was built next to the church. More changes happened in 1862, when a classroom and vestry were added. In 1880, the building was repaired and reorganized. A small burial ground was in front of the church, but the last burial there was in 1846.
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New Churches and Community Changes
In 1824, members of Zion Chapel helped start a new church in Turners Hill. This church was rebuilt in 1906 and is now an independent Free Church.
In 1847, some members left Zion Chapel to start a new Congregational church. They met in rented rooms before building Rocks Chapel in 1850. This building was later used by Methodists but was eventually taken down.
Modern Era and New Name
In the late 1960s, Zion Chapel changed its name to West Street Evangelical Church. This was to connect more with its location in the town. The church grew, and they needed more space. So, the old manse next door was taken down, and a new two-story church hall was built.
In 1980, a disagreement happened between the Countess of Huntingdon's Connexion and the local church members. This was about their beliefs, especially about baptism and church authority. By 1981, the disagreement was not solved. The congregation moved out of the chapel and halls. They met temporarily in the Red Cross Hall next door.
The Countess of Huntingdon's Connexion sold Zion Chapel in 1980. In 1981, members of the town's Providence Strict Baptist Chapel moved into the building. Their old church on London Road was later taken down.
Today, the building is called West Street Baptist Church. It is home to an evangelical Baptist group. East Grinstead is known for having many different religious groups. Besides Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist, and Baptist churches, there are also other Christian groups. Even the Church of Scientology has its UK headquarters nearby.
Zion Chapel became a Grade II listed building on January 28, 1948.
Architecture of the Chapel
The chapel is a small building made of red brick. It is built in the Classical style. People say the brickwork is very good quality. The building has been called "restrained and dignified," meaning it looks simple but grand.
The front of the church has arched windows that are set back into the wall. The top of the building has a brick pediment (a triangular shape). Above that is a slate roof. Later additions to the side and front changed how the building looked. The original railings in front are also not in their first condition.
See also
