A WOKINGHAM church celebrating its 250th birthday is contributing to the town’s Heritage Open Day with a history exhibition of its own.
Wokingham Baptist Church will display items from the church’s past including photographs, diary accounts, objects and newspaper clippings that chart the church’s history from its founding in 1774 right through to the present day.
People are invited to come and discover for themselves some of the people and stories behind the building.
For example, did you know that the church was established in Wokingham because Baptists in Reading had complained that members from Wokingham weren’t attending often enough?
Or that the current building was designed by the same architect who conceived Wokingham Town Hall?
Or that the church started a school in Milton Road for children of families who weren’t allowed to attend other schools because they weren’t Anglican, and this later became what is now Westcott Infants School?
Or that a young man who grew up at the church took an active stand against slavery, and was imprisoned in Kingston, Jamaica for preaching to slaves?
The Revd Nick Hudson, minister of the church, said: “The exhibition is a great opportunity to get an insight into the developing life of the church that has been part of the town’s life for 250 years, and the role that Baptist Christians have played in the life of Wokingham and far beyond.
“There will also be activities for children and free tea and cake.”
To see the free exhibition people should drop in to the church on Saturday, September 14, The doors will be open from 11am until 3pm, and all are welcome.
For information, visit: www.wokinghambaptist.org.uk and www.heritageopendays.org.uk -search for Wokingham.
