Our History

The present church was inaugurated in April 1896, under the leadership of Rev. Thomas Douglas. The initial congregation consisted of 12 members, comprising 4 from Totteridge and 8 from Waltham Abbey Baptist Church. It's remarkable to note that the church's debt was fully paid off by February 1902, a testament to the generosity of its early members and supporters. Letters of congratulations were received from prominent Baptist leaders, including Rev. John Spurgeon, Rev. Thomas Spurgeon, Rev. Charles Haddon Spurgeon, and Rev. Owen C. Whitehouse, Principal of Cheshunt College.

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In 1902, the church added a brick front to match its exterior design and also received approval to perform marriages. Decades later, in 1935, the church built a new schoolroom at the rear of the building, which cost £650.00. However, the church didn't have enough funds to cover the project and sought assistance from nearby Totteridge Road Baptist Church and Waltham Abbey Baptist Church. Fortunately, the Church was able to secure an interest-free loan from Charles Spurgeon's Metro Tabernacle Building Fund.

 

Pastor Douglas's wife passed away in March 1935 and the hall was named in her memory. Twelve memorial stones were laid on June 20th the hall was officially opened on  15th August 1935. Pastor Douglas’s son (Rev. James Grieg Douglas)  preached at the opening ceremony and the hall was opened by the Pastor’s wife's sister, Miss Jessie Brown. A public meeting was held later where funds were raised and in the following October all the promised pledges were honoured!

 

The church had 44 members and 7 (communicants) who were not members, in December 1935.

 In January 1936 Pastor Douglas notified the church that he wanted to retire but would continue as Pastor Emeritus which the church approved. He would preach the first Sunday of each month, on all other Sundays students from Spurgeon's College took the lead in the worship services. Pastor Douglas recalled how he started his ministry at Waltham Cross Baptist Church some forty-two years previously. As a student Pastor, he served Waltham Cross from 1894 to 1906 and returned in 1930.

 

Finally, in 1937, the church paid off the debt for the new schoolroom, marking a significant milestone in its history.

During World War II, evening worship services ceased due to the challenges faced by elderly members in attending church, particularly with limited lighting. The church's windows were boarded up due to the high cost of blackout curtains.

 

In 1942, the Baptist Union Corporation Ltd took on the role of trustees, holding the church's deeds. The church suffered damage in 1944 but also saw the construction of a new wall and wooden gates at the front. Despite these efforts, the church's finances took a significant hit due to the need for repairs.

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Meanwhile, the Pastor was dissatisfied with his salary of £3.00 per week and requested permission to take on outside work. However, due to the church's financial struggles, he was asked to resign as Pastor. He reluctantly stepped down on March 31st, 1953. The church received a significant legacy of nearly £1000 from the Ada Douglas estate. The following year, a memorial plaque was installed in the church in honour of Rev. Thomas Douglas. In response to this void, students from London Bible College were invited to lead worship services at the church.

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In July 1958, Totteridge Road Baptist Church took over the management of Waltham Cross Baptist Church, dissolving the existing diaconate and establishing a new management committee. Mr. Hooper, a representative from the London City Mission, was appointed to oversee the church's Evangelistic program for the next three years. During his tenure, remarkable progress was made, with 3,700 homes visited in the Waltham Cross area and 50 hospital visits carried out by November 1960. August 1961 marked the end of Totteridge Road's control, and the rejuvenated management committee took charge with enthusiasm.

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To boost giving, an envelope-giving system was introduced, and Mr. Hooper was officially appointed leader of the church on a six-month trial basis. The church underwent significant renovations in 1962, including new heating and rewiring. However, Mr. Hooper's tenure was short-lived, as he departed the church in July 1962. Students from London Bible College and Spurgeon's College took over the pulpit until November when Rev. R.L. Parker from Cuffley Free Church became the Moderator. Rev. Parker agreed to preach one Sunday a month, visit the area half a day per week, and be available for individual consultations. At the time, the church consisted of 27 members and 5 associate members. Rev. Parker introduced All-Age Services, which became popular among the congregation. Despite numerous attempts to appoint a Minister, it wasn't until October 1964 that Sister Grace Howard was inducted as the church's new Minister, with a salary of £535 per annum.

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In 1965, the church made a significant upgrade by converting the old boiler room into a multi-purpose space, serving as both a classroom and committee room. However, the following year, the church found itself in a financial predicament, with a deficit at the bank. To address this issue, the church recommended a £50 overdraft, which was partially alleviated by a special thanksgiving service that raised £41, including donations.

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In March 1966, the church hired a coach to transport members to a Billy Graham Rally at Wembley Stadium. Later that year, the church launched a "Stewardship Campaign," with assistance from Cuffley Free Church. In November, the London Baptist Board made a significant investment in the church by purchasing a flat at 30 King Edward Road as a manse for the church's minister.

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The year 1967 proved to be a successful one for the church, with notable achievements including:

 - A significant growth in membership

 - The reintroduction of Family Church services

 - A comprehensive redecoration of the church

 - The rebuilding of the toilets

 - The introduction of Friday "Family Evenings"

 

In 1970, the church introduced a new set of rules, which was a typical Baptist process that took ten months to finalise. The revised rules covered a range of topics, including:

 - Responsibility of church members

 - Membership, church officers, and their duties

 - Life deacons and conduct of church meetings

 - General guidelines for organisations and their activities

 - Arrangements for any future changes to the rules

 

Meanwhile, Sister Grace Howard continued to make an impact on the church. She visited Little St Mary's in Cheshunt, where she preached on the topic of Believer's Baptism. Additionally, she was appointed President of the London Baptist Board at a highly successful rally held at the church.

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In January 1971, the church initiated Church Unity Prayer Meetings, fostering a sense of community and harmony among its members. The following month, the church reported impressive statistics, with:

 - 47 members

 - 160 children attending Junior Church

 - 37 members in the Woman's Own group

 - 23 members in the Company Section of the Boy's Brigade and 25 members in the Junior Section.

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In December 1971, the church made a significant addition to its worship space with the purchase of a new organ. The following month, an amplification system was installed to enhance the sound quality. This marked a new era in the church's worship services. As the church continued to grow and thrive, All Nations College was invited to participate in the worship services. The weekly offerings were averaging £25 per week, demonstrating the congregation's commitment to their faith.

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During the holiday season, the church hosted candlelit and carol services, spreading joy and cheer throughout the community. The services were held in various areas of the church, creating a festive atmosphere.

A pair of iron gates were donated to the church in October 1973. They were fitted in January 1974 and disliked so much that they were repainted three months later!

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In May 1974 Sister Grace went off to pastures new in Norfolk. Rev. P.J. Wortley became the Moderator. Due to woodworms, the pews were renovated in January 1975. Due to crying babies disturbing the morning worship congregation a creche was initiated. Must have been the woodworms crawling on the babies!

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1976 saw the church made a significant investment by purchasing a house at 30 King Edward Road, which would serve as the church's manse. The church members rolled up their sleeves and took on the renovation project, and a special thanksgiving service was held to raise £450 towards the purchase price of £750. In May 1977, a disturbing incident occurred when one of the church stewards was taken to court for allegedly assaulting two boys who had been causing trouble in the church. The boys' mother had taken the case to court, claiming that the steward had cuffed the boys. However, when the judge learned the identity of the family involved, he dismissed the case.

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Rev. E. Lewis took up the role of part-time Minister at the church in September 1977, and in 1980, the church joined the local council of churches. However, Rev. Lewis left the church in July 1978 to take up a new position in Burford, leaving the church without a minister for two years.

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In 1982, Rev. A. Smallwood was appointed as the new Minister of Waltham Cross Baptist Church, he was initially housed by the council for six months. In 1983, the church purchased a new manse in Trinity Lane, and Rev. Smallwood and his family moved in. The same year also saw the launch of a mothers and toddlers group, the installation of new gas heating, and a donation of twenty-four Bibles to the church. In 1985, a significant milestone was achieved when Rev. Smallwood gained accreditation as a minister. Additionally, the church received a generous bequest from Gerald Cole's estate, which enabled the installation of new toilets, completion of the lounge, and replacement of windows at the Douglas Memorial Hall.

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Fast forward to 1989, the church embarked on a year of outreach, joining the Enfield Group of the London Baptist Association. The church also participated in Mission '89, a prominent event. Furthermore, a playgroup was established within the church premises, catering to the community's needs.

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In 1990, the church underwent several renovations, including the replacement of pews with chairs, the installation of outdoor lighting, and the replacement of church windows. Additionally, a painting in memory of Gerald Cole was hung in the lounge, and a model trust deed was initiated.

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The following year, 1991, saw the dedication of Rosedale Church.

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In 1993, Rev. Smallwood left the church to take up a new position at Swaythling. Rev. Simon Hughes succeeded him as the minister of Waltham Cross in September 1994.

In December 1994, the church underwent further renovations, including the installation of a new ceiling and lighting. The coming year saw various improvements, including the re-decoration of the church, the replacement of carpet, and the re-sanding and re-sealing of the hall.

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A new wall and front railings were installed in January 1996.

Source of information: Waltham Cross Baptist Church, The First 100 Years! 1896-1996. Jack Edwards

 

The author of the book, Waltham Cross Baptist Church, the First 100 Years, states.

As I delved into the minute books, I was struck by the sense of community and dedication to serving the local area. This church has been a haven for prayerful and caring individuals who have made a significant impact on the lives of children.

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One notable aspect is the long-standing tradition of children's holiday clubs, which have been a staple of the summer season for years. However, it's the Sunday school that has an even more impressive history, dating back to the 1880s when it was first established in the private home of Mr. Ablett. This enduring commitment to nurturing young minds is a testament to the church's enduring values and legacy.