A Melksham church with roots stretching back to the 17th century is celebrating 250 years of worship in its current building.
Melksham Baptist Church is marking the anniversary of when its congregation acquired its own property for worship on Old Broughton Road with a two-day event for the community.
The milestone will be celebrated on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th November with a pipe organ recital, live instrumental music, a talk on the church’s history, a display of historic documents and photographs, floral displays, tea and cake.
The church’s history dates back to 1669, when a small group of believers met at John Webb’s shearing shop. The Baptist community has continued to maintain a presence in the area for more than 350 years.
Joint pastors Ian and Mary Wakeham said the anniversary was an opportunity to recognise the generations who had worshipped there and the church’s continuing role in the town.
Mary said, “It’s very important to remember that we have a history here, that people have been worshipping in this very building for that length of time. People who came to our Sunday school when they were little tots are now worshipping as adults here within the community.
“We also do a lot of outreach from the building and that’s important to us.”
In December 1776, the church community acquired its own property for worship. The present sanctuary was built much later, with foundation stones laid in October 1908 and the building opening in January 1909.
Today, the building continues to serve as a place of worship and a base for community outreach, including the town’s food bank.
Ian said the congregation had experienced periods of growth and decline over the centuries. Shortly before the present sanctuary was built, membership had fallen to just 10 people – eight women and two men.
He said, “For us, it’s recognising the history and those who have gone before us as a worshipping community and what we’re wanting to do is to promote what we’re doing here, being a beacon within Melksham itself for future generations so others can continue to benefit.”
Everyone is welcome to attend the anniversary celebrations. For more information, contact the church at baptist2015@hotmail.com.
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