Established around 1900, Epsom Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith. It reflects community spirit in the heart of Epsom. The story of this church is deeply entwined with the town’s own narrative.
In April 1899, a group of dedicated individuals formed a committee. Their aim was to establish a Baptist Church for Epsom. They made their presence known by advertising “A BAPTIST CHURCH FOR EPSOM”. This happened from the beginning of October 1899.
Initially, the congregation rented the Gymnasium Hall. It was formerly the Congregational Parade Chapel. They also purchased a plot in Hook Road. The aim was to build their own place of worship. They acquired an organ, chairs, and hymnbooks. All this cost around £70.
The Epsom Baptist Church was formally founded in 1900. It became part of the Baptist Union of Great Britain. Baptists practice believer’s baptism. This involves complete immersion of professing Christian believers.
At a meeting on April 8, 1900, a resolution was agreed. It stated the intention to organise a Baptist Church. Members would profess repentance towards God. They would have faith in Jesus Christ. This faith would be witnessed by immersion. It would be evidenced by a godly life.
The meeting on April 22 formalized the church’s foundation. The Rev John Tuckwell guided the founders. The Rev Arthur Charles Hodgson became the first official Pastor of Epsom Baptist Church.
Early finances were tight. The Hook Road site was sold towards the end of 1900. This generated £225. The lack of progress towards a permanent building led to Pastor Hodgson’s departure in 1902.
In late 1902, land was purchased at the corner of East Street and Hook Road. A Building Fund Committee was set up in February 1903. By March 1904, building plans were underway.
Around 1905, the East Street site was exchanged for one in Church Street. This is where the present Epsom Baptist Church stands.
The foundation stones were laid on August 14, 1907. Mr Samuel Sparks, Mr R Hayward, Mrs George Turner, and Mrs Jasper participated. The new Epsom Baptist Church opened in November 1907.
Entrance to the church is not direct. The porch requires people to turn to enter the worship space. A baptistry is revealed by removing the central platform. The text over the doors reads “Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness”.
During World War I, the church provided a meeting place for soldiers. In 1916, the building was insured against air raids. The Revd Edward William Tarbox resigned in 1916 due to ill health. His is the Church’s only memorial plaque.
In 1919, the Revd. Ernest Peskett became Pastor. The Church purchased “Westfield” in Bridge Road as a manse. In the late 1920s, the plot adjoining the rear of the site was acquired. This doubled the overall area.
In May 1928, it was agreed to buy a new two-manual pipe organ. This purchase did not proceed. The opportunity was taken to purchase a superior instrument from St George’s Chapel, Windsor.
Church life prospered in the 1930s. A Building Committee was set up to erect a hall. World War II suspended the Building Committee. Arrangements were made to use the air raid shelter at the Police garage.
After the war, thoughts returned to building the hall. Construction began in January 1953. The Hall opened in October that year. In 1959, the Bannister and Russell Rooms were erected.
From 1950 to 1961, Ernest Sharpe combined pastorship with accountancy. In November 1964, his son and daughter-in-law were killed in the Congo.
The Church Street widening proposal continued to rumble on. In October 1965, some land to the rear was purchased. This allowed room to redevelop the Church buildings.
In 1968, the Council indicated how much of the site would be needed for road widening. The scheme was formally abandoned in 1998.
Today, Epsom Baptist Church continues its wide-ranging activities. It stands as a testament to faith and community. It welcomes all to participate. It strives to be at the heart of community transformation. All people are included. All are enabled and empowered to thrive.