Perhaps the most remarkable story of Teddington Baptist Church is its humble beginning. Before the grand building stood here, the faithful travelled far. They walked over two miles to Kingston upon Thames. They attended Union Street Baptist Church. This was the nearest Baptist Church in the 1870s.
Teddington transformed into a London suburb with the arrival of the railway in 1863. The population grew quickly. New opportunities emerged. The London Baptist Association sought to establish new churches.
In 1877 Baptists in Teddington decided to meet closer to home. They rented a small room above a café. It was on Bridge Approach in Waldegrave Road. They met as Spurgeon’s Metropolitan Country Mission. But the congregation grew fast. The church moved to an upper room. This room was at the junction of Causeway and Broad Street. Today Barclay’s Bank occupies that site.
By 1880 the Teddington Baptist Church needed even more space. They moved to a chapel on Clarence Road. It is known today as Craig Hall. Friends and students of Rev Charles Haddon Spurgeon ministered here. A meeting occurred on April 28 1881. Mr W Wallis became Treasurer and Mr W G Bryant became Secretary.
In July 1881 Mr John Greenwood became leader of the Teddington Baptist Church. In August 1882 Mr Joseph Clark and Mr J P Chalmers began serving the church.
Mr J T Dunn established Teddington Baptist Church formally on October 23 1883. He offered financial help. The church had only seventeen members then. The next day they decided to call Mr Joseph Clark as Pastor. He would work with Mr J P Chalmers.
Mr Clark knew of an iron building suitable for a church. He was given permission to buy it immediately. It became known as the “Tin Tabernacle”. On March 30 1884 the iron building opened on this very site. The congregation raised £51 that day.
On April 24 1884 twelve people were baptised. Rev E H Brown helped purchase land for future expansion. In October Mr Joseph Clark became the sole pastor. On October 16 1884, the church became independent.
In 1885 Mr Clark resigned. Rev Alexander Greer took his place. He left two years later. Mr John Gibb became Church Secretary. He served for 25 years. His influence on the church was considerable.
Rev Daniel Spencer broke the vacancy for seven months in 1889. He preached until May 1891. The membership grew to 90 by 1888. The Sunday School had about 130 children. A larger building was needed.
Around 1891 Rev R J Williamson became pastor. He oversaw the formation of the Boys Brigade in 1892. Rev Williamson emphasized the need for a new building. In 1894 the members accepted a tender of £2918 from Mr Donald Stewart.
The dedication service for the completed building took place on November 21 1894. It could seat 560 people.
The official opening of the new Teddington Baptist Church building occurred on January 23 1895. The “Tin Tabernacle” was moved to the rear of the new building.
Rev Williamson’s wife died early in his ministry. He suffered from a foot complaint. It resulted in amputation in 1897. Rev Alexander Corbet took oversight during his absences.
Rev Williamson had his right hand amputated in 1899. He died on September 2 that same year.
Teddington Baptist Church has continued to evolve. In 2004, the premises were remodeled. A new glass atrium and front area were added. The church now hosts many community activities. Teddington Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith. It embodies community. It started from humble beginnings. It continues to serve Teddington.