A Short History of Alnwick Baptist Church
In 1883 a small group of 16 Baptists formed Alnwick Baptist Church (ABC), meeting in the old theatre. Some members came from Warkworth Baptist Church, which had closed, others joined from the Presbyterian and Congregational churches in Alnwick. There were at this time already 12 places of worship in the town despite the population numbering only 6000.
During 1888, ABC moved to the Presbyterian Church in Lisburn St, renting it at a cost of £25 per year.
By 1898 church membership numbered 47.
In 1900 ABC bought their current Lisburn St / Howick St premises from the trustees of St James’ Church for £400 -which would be the equivalent of over £50,000 today- by borrowing £250 as a mortgage. This building was always intended to be a temporary dwelling place but.
In 1932, members raised £150 to pay off the mortgage.
By 1934, however membership numbered only 35 and the church was struggling.
During the period 1935-1941 there was a series of short term ministers
From 1941-49 joint services were held with Sion Congregational Church, who were also without a minister.
1949-52 saw the church served by a series of student preachers
But in 1957 the building was refurbished, thanks to a bequest from a Miss Hume, and the Rev Catherall was installed as minister, beginning a period of greater stability.
In the early 1980’s the gallery level was removed
In 2001, the building was again refurbished, including new entrance and stair lift.
Today the church family numbers around 120.
Alnwick Baptist Church Leaders 2019
Current Revs. Chris & Caroline FRIEND
2003 – 2019 Rev. David ARCHER
1990 – 2003 Rev. Gordon J. TURNER
1989 – 1990 Rev. Eric WESTWOOD (Moderator)
1985 – 1989 Jack E. TURNER
1980 – 1986 James George TWEEDALE
1980 – 1982 Roger GREEN (Supplementary Minister)
1969 – 1980 Ernest M. PARKER
1963 – 1967 Rev. Thomas LITCHFIELD
1952 – 1961 Rev. Gordon Arthur CATHERALL
(1942 – 1949) Rev. R. W. CAMERON (Moderator)
1938 – 1941 Rev. Clifford MANNING
1935 – 1937 Robert SNAITH (Association Evangelist)
1907 – 1934 Rev. T. PALMER BLACK
1904 – 1907 Rev. J. K. L McLEOD
1898 – 1904 Rev. Adam KIRK
1893 – 1898 Rev. Willis W. WILKS
1886 – 1891 Rev. George LAUDER
1884 – 1886 Rev. David ROSS
With thanks to Alnwick Baptist Church. For more information see their website