BRATTON Baptist Church celebrated its 350th anniversary with a special service led by the Rev. David Kerrigan, the General Director of BMS World Mission – a Christian mission organisation, working in over 35 countries.
The church supports missionaries around the world and was delighted to hear stories and insights from the Reverend. Afterwards, the church members shared lunch together and enjoyed a treasure hunt in the afternoon.
Pauline Hubbart, secretary of Bratton Baptist Church, explained, “Bratton Baptist Church is celebrating 350 years of a church on the site, but the history of the church goes even further back to when people met to worship in nearby woods. Worshipping God is the strength of the church. Then there’s support of missionary work, young people, and the care and love of everybody. There’s a great warm welcome for everyone and a spirit of love and helpfulness.”
The church recently bid farewell to Rev Colin Edmondson who retired and will welcome their new minister, Rev Simon Gray, next month.
As well as Sunday services, the church supports missionaries overseas, has a strong junior church, house groups, and prayer meetings.
Other events to celebrate the anniversary year include an Olympic-themed afternoon of fun and games on Bratton Village Green on 28th July from 3pm, followed by a barbecue at the church at 5.00pm. To find out more about the church and its events visit www.brattonbaptistchurch. org.uk
There was once a time when the church’s future was in doubt, but now welcomes both members and visitors every week.
Pauline said, “People prayed and gradually people came in and the work started to build up and it started to thrive. It’s been totally refurbished, it’s very modern inside compared to the old dark days of pews. It’s been good work that has lasted. Churches have their problems, but we’re going along in God’s grace.”
