History
Blackmore Baptist Church traces its roots back to 1828 when its founding congregation first met in the village. The chapel was built in 1843 on land donated by Ashley Barratt, whose bequest included the land north of The Green between the present church building and Chelmsford Road. In addition to the church itself, a school and houses for the pastor and the schoolmaster were built. Over time parts of the land have been either sold off to meet refurbishment expenses or compulsorily purchased by the local Council, leaving the property in the L shape seen today.
The church itself, between the front vestibule and the two-story section to the rear is still the original 1843 structure. The front vestibule was added in 1997 and the rear section which was formerly a caretaker’s cottage, was rebuilt to serve as kitchen, toilets and an office in 1998.
Visitors today often come to functions that are held in our church hall which is to the rear of the church itself. In the nineteenth century this building was used as a school and parents paid a penny a week to send their children there. The building was extensively refurbished in 2004 and today bears the name “Pennies” in memory of its earlier use. The manse, in Woollard Way, was given to the church as a gift, in 2006.
Blackmore Baptist Chapel became part of the Baptist Union in 1944 and was renamed Blackmore Baptist Church in 1959. During the life of the church, the membership has for the most part been around 30-35, dropping to its lowest point in 2001 and rising to its maximum in 2008, since when it has reduced again. The current leadership team is careful to hold to the truth of the gospel, trusting that God will in His time bring forth new growth, both spiritually and numerically.
We are fortunate to be blessed with excellent, modern facilities and to find ourselves in a choice spot in one of the prettiest villages in the county, just across the road from the Green and the duck pond. It is our pleasure to welcome visitors to our services and social events and local church congregations who wish to use our premises for retreats and away days.
Our heart is to share the gospel with those who have not yet found Jesus Christ for themselves and we are pleased to be able to share this Christian witness with the Priory Church of St. Laurence.
We support both in prayer and financially, a number of local and international charities and we share with many, a concern for the direction of our nation, seeking where we may, to encourage a return to Christian values and practice.
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