The Early Years

The origins of Kington Baptist Church (KBC) date from 1805. At first believers met in the home of a gentleman called Mr Scandrett. The historical record of the Church's constitution reads:

'This Church was regularly constituted the Lord's Day, September 1st, 1805. Brothers Evans and Kiplin met (with a number of families from England and Wales) at Brother Scandrett's house where the friends assembled. Suitable exhortations were given, and prayers offered to God upon the occasion. They then went down to the large room at the Bridge End, where they usually met for divine worship.'

The names of Kiplin and Scandrett seem to have disappeared from Kington and district many years ago. It is recorded that the first three baptisms were of William Scandrett, Richard Hebb, and William Bowen.

By 1810 there were 23 members and the Church was about to remove to different meeting place. As the record states:

'On Wednesday January 31st 1810 Brethren Kiplin, Evans and Jones etc. met at the same place to take their public farewell of the old room. Brother Evans began in prayer, Brother James preached from Colossians 1.13: "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated is into the Kingdom of His dear Son", and Brother Kiplin concluded in prayer. Thursday morning assembled at the new chapel*. Brother Kiplin began by reading suitable portions of Scripture, and engaged in prayer, solemnly devoting the place to the worship and honour of the Great Eternal, Everlasting and Ever living Jehovah.'

*This building was located off High Street, and became the private house known as Arrowdale in 1934.

Following C. H Spurgeon's mission in Kington (see article below), a new Baptist Church was constructed, in which the Church continues to meet today. The Trust Deed, dated 11th April 1868, states:

The building '…used occupied and enjoyed as a place of public religious worship according to the usages of the Society of Protestant Dissenters commonly called Particular or Calvinistic Baptists under the direction of the members or persons for the time being continuing or representing the Baptist Church now assembling for worship in the present Baptist Chapel…'

'A settled Pastor of the said church such person or persons of the Protestant Dissenters called Particular or Calvinistic Baptists as the members of the said church shall of two third part of them in number shall from time to time elect'

Admit to the Lord's Supper any person or persons professing faith etc.

Hence KBC by its Trust Deed is a Particular Baptist Church but not a Strict Baptist Church, which is the position the Church holds to and confesses to this day.