A Brief History of Baptists in Twerton - The 20th Century
The years from 1906 were years of determined struggle on behalf of the Baptist cause. This was not a financially rich church; money was expended on the new Oldfield Park venture. The mother church had to struggle as her new offspring flourished. However, the resolution of members saw new schoolrooms developed in time for the jubilee of the original schoolroom. The baptistry was also repaired, the old schoolroom renovated and the church heating improved. Indeed, George Morgan had vision of growth even then, and bought King Edwards Cottages for the Church, with a view to future extension. Like many things in Twerton things were to take time and it was to be 65 years later that the Farm Close Suite was finally developed.
Following the resignation of Henry Mallard due to ill health, the future of the Church was discussed by a Conference of Bath Baptist Ministers. Members were asked to pledge more funds and obtain a Sustention Grant to purchase a manse and call a full time minister. This they did with Revd. Appelby moving into the Clyde House Manse. It was also at this time that the uniformed organisations and Girls Brigade and Boys Life Brigade established.
Bomb damage to the church and other properties during the Second World War bought the need for folk to share buildings. Whilst essential work was carried out, Baptist church services were held in the Parish church. The local school was also burnt out and the LEA used the Village Hall and Baptist Church schoolrooms until 1958. While this curtailed midweek activities, the church was blessed by the rent to assist with their finances.
Following the development of Farm Close unit, the finances were again under pressure but loans and gifts ensured that the work was completed. It was shortly after this that moves were made to work closer with Twerton Zion Methodists. During the winter and spring of 73/74, joint services were held with a view to a merger. Whilst this did not materialise, a link was established and friendly relationships maintained.
The church at Twerton Mill Lane was blessed through the years by the faithful and loyal service of many ministers, each in their respective way being part of the ongoing and proud history of the Baptist community.
It has seen members mature and leave Twerton to serve as officers and senior members of various Baptist churches. It has also seen two members, Steve Bond and Kerry Birch enter the ministry following service as officers within the Mill Lane church.
© Twerton Fellowship 2011
Registered charity number 1116341
Following the resignation of Henry Mallard due to ill health, the future of the Church was discussed by a Conference of Bath Baptist Ministers. Members were asked to pledge more funds and obtain a Sustention Grant to purchase a manse and call a full time minister. This they did with Revd. Appelby moving into the Clyde House Manse. It was also at this time that the uniformed organisations and Girls Brigade and Boys Life Brigade established.
Bomb damage to the church and other properties during the Second World War bought the need for folk to share buildings. Whilst essential work was carried out, Baptist church services were held in the Parish church. The local school was also burnt out and the LEA used the Village Hall and Baptist Church schoolrooms until 1958. While this curtailed midweek activities, the church was blessed by the rent to assist with their finances.
Following the development of Farm Close unit, the finances were again under pressure but loans and gifts ensured that the work was completed. It was shortly after this that moves were made to work closer with Twerton Zion Methodists. During the winter and spring of 73/74, joint services were held with a view to a merger. Whilst this did not materialise, a link was established and friendly relationships maintained.
The church at Twerton Mill Lane was blessed through the years by the faithful and loyal service of many ministers, each in their respective way being part of the ongoing and proud history of the Baptist community.
It has seen members mature and leave Twerton to serve as officers and senior members of various Baptist churches. It has also seen two members, Steve Bond and Kerry Birch enter the ministry following service as officers within the Mill Lane church.
© Twerton Fellowship 2011
Registered charity number 1116341