Standing here, let me tell you about Newtown Baptist Church. It’s a place with a rich past and a welcoming spirit. This church stands on Church Street in Newtown. It has been a part of the community since 1873.
The story of Newtown Baptist Church begins earlier. In 1846, a Baptist congregation existed in Newtown. Reverend John Morgan led this group of 30 people. They met in a chapel on Campbell Street. This was before the current building.
In 1862, land was bought to build a new church. Until the new church was ready, services were held elsewhere. The congregation met at the School of Arts. They also gathered at the Odd Fellows Hall. The original chapel remained for weeknight meetings.
Bathurst Street Baptist Church played a key role during this time. It supported the Newtown congregation. In 1860, 13 members from Newtown asked to form their own church. They left Bathurst Street and started Newtown Baptist Church.
A minister from Nova Scotia helped make this happen. He was known as Reverend Dr. Hobbs. He was a doctor of medicine and a minister. He had planned to go to New Zealand. Because of the Maori war he came to Sydney instead. Dr. Hobbs served the Newtown Church until June 1862.
After Dr Hobbs, Rev A W Murray led the church until 1863. In November 1863, Mr. George Sheppard took over. He had studied at Spurgeon’s College. In 1868, Newtown Baptist Church joined the Baptist Association.
The foundation stone was laid in 1871. The Evening News reported on the ceremony. The Hon. Thomas Holt laid the stone. Many people attended. Addresses were given and hymns were sung.
The front part of Newtown Baptist Church opened in 1873. The side wings were added over the next 15 years. The church has been a place of worship ever since.
Inside Newtown Baptist Church, there’s an organ. It was built by an unknown builder. In 1920, C.W. Leggo rebuilt and enlarged it. In 1933, the organ was moved from a Baptist Church on Harris Street.
Today, Newtown Baptist Church welcomes everyone. It is a diverse church with people from all backgrounds. Sunday services are held at 10:30 AM. A prayer meeting takes place at 9:30 AM. The church is located at 191 Church Street. It stands on the corner of Lennox Street.
Newtown Baptist Church has a long history. It has been a place of faith and community for many years. Its story continues with each new member and visitor. Feel free to step inside and experience the welcoming spirit of Newtown Baptist Church.