In 1908 a group of Christian believers started meeting in Bromley. They previously travelled to Forest Hill for worship. They felt the need for a Bromley worship place. Early meetings were in a Canon Road house. Later they used a room above Hawkins Jewellers in West Street. On December 16 1908 Mr JC Burt preached the first service. Nineteen people attended. Sunday and Wednesday services continued for almost 30 years. A church formed in 1924. This laid the foundation for Rehoboth Chapel.
The Electricity Board needed the Jewellers’ shop premises in 1938. The church had to leave. The final service there was on June 19 1938. Twenty-one people attended. Mr Jesse Delves of Clapham preached. Services returned to Canon Road for a year.
In June 1939 the church rented a Bromley Lecture Hall. Services continued throughout the war years. In 1946 the search for new premises began again. A small room at the back of the YWCA Hall in London Road became available. From 1946 to 1958 Sunday services were held there. The church grew.
The church long desired its own building. Many prayers were offered. The need became urgent in June 1958. The church had to vacate the YWCA Hall by December 31. The Hall was to be sold. Finding suitable premises proved difficult. The YWCA agreed to let the Hall weekly. By February 1959 it remained unsold. The church considered buying it. The price was £4000. The chapel building fund had only £400.
A member’s faith was strengthened by Ezekiel. It speaks of the Lord willing to be inquired of. William Cowper’s hymn words also applied. A deacon inquired about a loan. A congregant offered £2000. An offer was made to buy the YWCA Hall for £3500. A £5000 loan and donations completed the purchase.
Two ministers independently suggested ‘Rehoboth’. The church adopted the name. They felt the Lord had made room for them. Opening services were held in September 1960. About 200 people attended. Mr F Windridge preached in the afternoon. Mr AG Jarman preached in the evening.
In November 1982 the Frampton Property Company proposed a site change. The church had been approached several times before. They felt no need to move. In 1982 redevelopment was significant near the chapel. The church prayerfully reconsidered moving. The pastor Mr Hedley Taylor prayed with Mr Frampton. Difficulties arose. Planning permission was refused. An appeal was made. The appeal succeeded.
After much prayer and activity plans were drawn. Building work started. The church moved to its new building on Highland Road. A Thanksgiving Service was held on July 5 1985. Mr CA Wood preached. He used Genesis 26:22 and Genesis 27:27. Many friends attended. The chapel was almost full. Rehoboth Chapel has a rich history of faith perseverance and growth.