The Baptist Church at Bourne, Lincolnshire

Image: © Rex Needle Taken: 14 Aug 2012

The Baptist presence in Bourne began in 1645 when Oliver Cromwell set up a garrison in the town and non-conformist meetings which were banned by law began in private houses and even barns. In 1717, prayers and bible study were held at a cottage in West Street and increasing membership led to the erection of a chapel on the present site in 1835, built mainly through voluntary labour. Extensions have been added over the years such as extra galleries in 1868, a new organ, organ gallery and vestries in 1876 and a Sunday School in 1891. A major refurbishment was completed in 2006 to modernise the church when cars were banned from using the forecourt, thus enabling the elegant Regency frontage be seen at all times. See inside the church Image

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