The church has been part of the neighbourhood since 1886, with the existing church built in 1923 and extended in 1974 to what you see now. So, has been a part of the neighbourhood for over a hundred years. However, the church really is more than just a building. Rather, it is God's people gathered together. Here are further details taken from our Centenary Booklet of 1986)
History of the Church – 1886 – 1923
The Church was founded in March 1886. The Rev J T Felce, with a few followers, commenced worshipping together in a cottage in Hall End. Later, an old weaving shop was rented on the site where the present church stands and with many alterations was turned into a real place of meeting. After 18 years of faithful service Mr Felce died in 1904. The church lost a great leader and friend, but he had laid a real foundation upon which the progress to follow securely rested.
The local preachers who laboured with the founder were Mr James Bacon, Mr Sam Randle, Mr Powell and Mr Wiggins. Other founder
members were Mr J Pugh, Mr N Paul and Mrs M A Siviter. Also, in those days Rev Ernest Dennis as a young local preacher, before entering the ministry, gave faithful service. Mr W Dennis, brother of Ernest, was chosen as leader after the death of Mr Felce, a position which he held for some 42 years, 30 years of which he was also building fund treasurer. In 1906 the little chapel, which had been rented, was purchased together with two small cottages at the front. With the premises now their own property improvements were made. In 1910 the old windows were replaced and a Ministers Vestry added. The growth of the Church membership and Sunday School scholars brought further extensions in 1923. Land was secured at the rear of the old building and the present church was erected. The stone laying took place in August, stones being laid by Miss M Paul and Mr J Pugh. The new church was opened in December 1923. The church was known as the Baptist Mission Church
1923 Onwards
1924 – The church was licensed for the solemnisation of marriages.
1930 – The church joined the Wesleyan Reform Union of Churches and recognition services were held in August.
1932 – Installation of a new pipe organ, seats for the choir, a solid oak pulpit, a communion rail and oak table and two chairs, and central heating.
1941 – The church was badly damaged by the air raid on Nuneaton, however the Sunday School Anniversary was held without glass in the windows and part of the roof missing.
1946 – Diamond Jubilee year where the debts were finally cleared and Mr W Dennis received the deeds of the church.
1958 – The two cottages were demolished and improvements made to the frontage of the church.
1973 – Jubilee Tea and Meeting to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the new church building.
1974 – A celebration of the new frontage of the church incorporating vestibule, meeting room, toilets and kitchen.
1986 – Centenary Anniversary Celebrations 8th – 11th March.
We hope you enjoyed reading about the history of our church and if you have any memories or photos you'd like to share with us we'd love to hear and see them.