Pause for a moment and consider the journey of faith that has unfolded within these walls of St. James Road Baptist. This church began humbly in October 1902. Three men gathered for Christian fellowship at 42a St James Road.
Just a few months later in January 1903 nine members officially formed St. James Road Baptist Church. Mr. W H T Chillman became its first minister. By June, they inaugurated their first building. It was a corrugated iron structure on this very corner. The cost was a mere 418 pounds.
In 1904 St. James Road Baptist celebrated its first baptism. The early years brought challenges. Mr. Chillman emigrated to Canada in 1906. In 1909, Rev Ellis resigned due to a financial disagreement. For two years, the church was without a minister.
A wedding took place in June 1910. Miss Skeggs married Mr. Cook. In 1911, Rev J S Bruce was appointed Minister. His salary was two pounds per week. Rev Bruce soon resigned due to a dispute with the Baptist Union’s Sustention Fund.
In 1913, Rev W J Willis became the new Minister. Mr. George Walker was appointed Co-pastor in 1914. This assisted Rev Willis, who often worked as an evangelist. Rev Willis resigned in 1916. He felt called to be a missionary in Japan. Rev Walker then took over as Minister.
The church oversaw the Baptist Fellowship at Abbots Langley from 1924 for ten years. In 1926, electric lighting replaced the old gas lamps. St. James Road Baptist purchased the house next door in 1928 for 400 pounds. It was number 7 St James Road. A classroom was built in the back garden.
The church celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1929. A building fund began in 1936. The aim was to raise money for a new church building. A new baptistry was dedicated in 1937. A new organ was purchased in 1951 for 1450 pounds. This was in anticipation of a new church. Rev George Walker died in 1951.
Rev Roy Bell became the new Minister in March 1952. The church bought a house and orchard at 21 St James Road. This became the Manse. In 1954, St. James Road Baptist celebrated its Golden Jubilee. A new building opened in September 1955. It was meant to be a Church Hall but served as the main church. The original iron building became the Church Hall.
Rev Bell left in 1956 to work at New Brunswick Baptist College. In 1961, a planning application for a new church was declined. Rev Norman Archer became Minister in 1957. Rev Archer left in 1962 for ministry in Canada. Rev Norman Trussler became Minister in 1963. St. James Road Baptist celebrated its Diamond Jubilee.
Architects were commissioned in 1964. They created plans for a new church building. The Baptist Union granted a loan. In 1965, the council granted permission. The old iron structure was demolished. Construction began in December.
The new building opened in December 1966. It included a pipe organ. The 1955 building became the Church Hall. In 1976, the Sunday School moved to mornings. All loans for the new building were paid off. The final cost was 38000 pounds.
The story of St. James Road Baptist is one of faith, resilience, and community. From humble beginnings to its current form, this church has been a beacon of hope. It continues to serve the community today. Each Sunday, they meet to pray and worship at 10 am. Afterwards, they move to the Hall for fellowship. On the second Sunday of each month, Jimmy’s Cafe opens in the Hall. Everyone is welcome. There is free tea, coffee, and cakes.