The story of West Kingsdown Baptist Church - available from the church
The first records of a Baptist Church in West Kingsdown appeared in a census in 1851. Seventy six people attended an evening service on 30 March at Pells House, a property belonging to Pells Farm on the east side of the village. Forty children attended the morning and evening Sunday Schools. Henry Rogers, from Eynsford was the minister. Wisely, it seems, the times of the meetings were chosen not to conflict with those of the Anglican Church. The local population numbered 423 at the time.
On 11 December 1861 a new chapel was opened on Fawkham Lane next to the Old Post Office. The building cost around £125. It is reported that the timber building had been a tool shed taken from a site at Swanley Junction following the construction of the railway there.
The present building on the same site was completed in 1981 and was constructed by members of the church.
In 2006 we celebrated 25 years after the opening of the new church with a new banner. Now we have plans to enhance the church again with a new entrance.
West Kingsdown Baptist Church
For more details on all church activities contact
Minister
Revd. Anne Clements
01474 852054