A Westbury church is celebrating its 200th anniversary this month with an exhibition, book launch, reunion and special service.
Celebrations to mark West End Baptist Church’s 200th anniversary will begin on Tuesday 18th November, from 10am to 4pm, when the church will be open for visitors to view a special exhibition of photographs and memorabilia showing the church’s history.
At 11am, there will be a launch of a new book, West End Baptist Church: 1825–2025, The Story of its People, Life and Times, written by former minister Revd Graham Warmington.
West End Baptist Church was founded in 1825 when a group of ten people began worshipping in a building in West End, Westbury. The church outgrew the chapel due to a growing congregation and, in 1867, the present building was constructed on the same site.
The exhibition showcasing the church’s history will also be open on Wednesday 19th, Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd November from 10am to 2pm. A reunion of invited guests and church members will start at 2.30pm on the Saturday.
There will also be a special anniversary service on Sunday 23rd November at 10.30am. The guest speaker will be Revd Lynn Green, General Secretary of Baptists Together (formerly the Baptist Union of Great Britain).
To celebrate the anniversary and compile the exhibition, the church is encouraging people to share their memories.
“If you were once part of the congregation and moved away or have had a family connection with the church, please get in touch so you can share your memories,” said Ivor Shears of West End Baptist Church.
To submit memorabilia or photographs, contact admin@westendbaptist.co.uk or phone Ivor on 07521 337499 by Friday 14th November.
Pictured: Reverend Graham Warmington with his book on the church
