Bury Baptist Church

1831

Andrew Nuttall of Haslingden commenced the work as a branch from West Street, Rochdale. This work taken over by County Home Mission who rented Commercial Buildings, Spring St, Bury.

1844

Rev'd. Joseph Harvey appointed as missioner for Bury.

1845 Good Friday

Church formed of 15 members including the pastor, his wife and Mr Nuttall. Church building erected in Knowsley St. During this time, Rev'd. Franklyn Haworth, Unitarian minister, accepted Trinitarian views and principles and was baptized by immersion by his friend the Rev'd. Joseph Harvey.

1853

Rev'd. Franklyn Haworth breaks away from the Unitarian Church.

1854

Rev'd. Franklyn Haworth founded church in Commercial Buildings as a Free Christian Church.

1859

Foundation stone laid for Christian Church, Rochdale Road - a Mr Kemp from West St, Rochdale, was at the ceremony.

1860 Sept 30th

Christian Church, Rochdale Road, opened.

1865

Baptist College for training of ministers founded at Chamber Hall, Rev'd Henry Dawson, President. Forerunner of the present Northern Baptist College at Manchester.

1881

Chesham Baptist founded in upper room of a stable in Back St Anne's Street, as an offshoot of Knowsley St. Work commenced by Rev'd. Joseph Harvey.

1895

Foundation stone laid for a new church on Chesham Road.

1898

Tenterden St (Ebenezer Baptist) moved to Tenterden St from Knowsley St.

1968 November

Decision made to unite the three churches and a committee formed for this purpose.

1970 Oct 25th

Last service at Chesham.

1970 Dec 13th

Last service from Knowsley St.

1971 June (1st Sunday)

Room of Bungalow at 114 Manchester Road used for morning services until new church built.

1971 December 19th

Last service at Christian Church.

1972 Jan 15th

Official opening of the new church. The Preacher was Rev'd. MH Taylor, Principal of the Northern Baptist College. Rev'd TA Hubbard & Rev'd. TA Roberts, minister of the church.

1978 July 15th

Rev'ds. T.A. Roberts and J McEwan inducted to ministry of Bury & Rochdale.

1981 Jan

Rev'd Arthur Roberts accepted a call to be Minister of Fishergate Baptist Church, Preston and Rev. James McEwan was invited to become solely Minister of Bury Baptist Church.

1981 Sept

Membership Roll reached 100 for the first time.

1984

Two members of the Church, Colin Sherwin and Tony Jones were accepted for ministerial training at Northern Baptist College.

1988

Another member, Ted Kelly was accepted for Ministerial training at Manchester.

1997

The Church celebrated 25th Anniversary, with special Services led by Dr. Brian Haymes. We also shared a Celebration meal on the Saturday evening.

1998

The church held its first Easter Mission week, which has since become a regular event in its calendar.

1999/2000

Significant improvement were made to the premises, the installation of a new floor in the Church, and the constrruction of a new roof, in order to equip us for the new millennium.