History
1900
In June 1900 Rev H J Horn took up the pastorate and set about clearing the church building debt of £1255, a task which took 3 years. He also continued to invest in the future by encouraging the Church to buy two houses in Church Road adjoining the church site, which were demolished to make way for the Sunday School Buildings which are still in use today.
The 1902 Education Act included provision for a church rate - paid by all but used to support Church of England schools - to which many non-conformists objected in principle with unrest and "Passive Resistance" throughout the country. At least one of TBC's Elders was up "before the magistrates" in 1903 as a result of being a passive resister (refusing to pay the church rate).
1905
he first foundation stone for the new buildings was laid in 1907 and in September 1908 the opening ceremony took place.
Rev Horn was "a great Bible teacher" (Wally James) - he started the Blackboard Bible School in 1906 and established the Open Air Mission Band taking the Gospel to Fulwell, Hanworth, East Molesey and Twickenham.
Anyone for Tennis?
TBC's Sunday School founded the Teddington Lawn Tennis Club in 1908 - it still exists as an independent Club in Vicarage Road.
The post of Minister was taken over in the May 1911 by Rev J McCleery. This ministry saw in 1913 the disbandment of the Court of Elders (which had existed since 1901), doubling the deaconate to 14. It also saw the installation of electric light in the Chapel and Sunday School buildings.
In 1914 the outbreak of the First World War saw a number of young men associated with the church joining the armed forces. Eventually over 50 would be on active service. Over the next five years, the monthly church magazine (The Teddington Baptist Record) regularly reported news from them included a number of In Memoriam notices.
1915
1915 saw the formation of the 1st Teddington (Baptist) Scout Troop under Mr William Alexander as the first Scoutmaster. In October 1915, the 1st Teddington Girl's Life Brigade was formed under the leadership of Miss L K Elms with 6 officers and 17 girls, it quickly grew to over 70 within 3 years.
The start of the two uniformed organisations went with growing strength in the Sunday School which saw an increase in the membership to 386 in 1915. But concern about difficulties in helping children move from Sunday School into full Church life led to the 1916 establishment of a Young Worshipper's League. 1917 saw the commencement of open air work - beginning with meetings in the Causeway at 8pm after the Sunday evening service. Numbers attending the Sunday School also grew strongly under the ministry of Rev McCleery and had increased to 565 by 1918 despite the ongoing First World War. Rev McCleery left to go to Hitchin in 1918.
With the end of the hostilities, in March 1919 the Rev W Harold Tebbit took up the pastorate. He rekindled an interest in missionary work raising the giving to missionary causes considerably. The Mission Council was re-organised, giving mission education under the secretaryship of Mr & Mrs F A Leeming.
Great War Roll of Honour
The following members of the Church and workers in the Sunday School died in the Great War (First World War 1914-1919) while on active service:
Julian C Larkman
Sidney Scott
Cecil H Palmer
Support was given to Jack Saxton to pursue his training at Edinburgh University Medical School, prior to service with the Baptist Missionary Society. Others also received support and many more played their part through the Women's Missionary Society, Ropeholders and the Girls' Auxiliary.
1920
Times being hard in 1920 the price of the church magazine (The Record from which much of this history is drawn began monthly publication in 1897), already raised by 50% from 1d to 1½d was to rise again to 2d. However, the Church still felt able to purchase a manse for the Minister, and No 16 Gloucester Road was bought for £850. In 1921 the Church adopted the envelope system of giving to encourage members to give systematically.
By now, Mr R F Brett was organist and choirmaster - a post he held from 1919 until 1946. Under his leadership, the Choir often gave quite major performances - for example in November 1922, assisted by the members of "neighbouring choirs", they performed Mendelssohn's Elijah.
By 1923 the Scout Troop was joined by a Cub Pack and Rover Crew to create a Group. The Girls' Life Brigade influenced the formation of other companies in the Thames Valley region. Based on the deep friendship of the disciples Peter, James and John the 'Inner Circle' group was formed to help younger members through their early church years by meeting quarterly with Church families in their homes for discussion and then attending the evening service together. The Young People's Fellowship began in 1923 taking over from Christian Endeavour. Other fellowships benefited from Teddington's members, including in 1924 when deacon Mr Guy Fair was called as Lay Pastor at Balaclava Road Baptist Church, Surbiton.
1925
In 1925 Mr W H James re-opened the work at Feltham, that responsibility eventually was passed in 1930 to friends at Bedfont, but not before the Feltham Sunday School had won the Scripture Exam Trophy for three years in succession (1928-1930).
In 1926 the Church helped launch an appeal to build a Free Church Hall in Ham. Planning for this project had begin in 1925. Mr Tebbit, Mr Allison (Church Secretary), Mr Alexander (Church Treasurer) were on the organising committee initially under the leadership of Rev Horace Ward of Duke Street Baptist Church, Richmond. The appeal for funds was aimed at raising £1500 to buy a plot of land and to build and equip the hall. The project was successful with the opening in 1928. (In the 1990s Ham Christian Fellowship was revitalised under the wing of Duke Street Baptist Church and in 2003 it joined the London Baptist Association as an independent Baptist Church.)
Mr Tebbit left Teddington in 1927 for Immanuel Church, Southsea before the Ham Free Church Hall was opened in July 1928. The induction of Rev H J Morley took place in October 1928 and he quickly won the hearts of the people as a whole and the younger members considered him a friend.
Evangeliostix zeal and outreach mark te years onwards and the story onece of remarkable groth and
1930
Evangelistic efforts continued in 1930 with a Young Life Week and a Parliament of Youth. The Golden Jubilee of the Church was celebrated in 1931 (dating the foundation from 1881).
The Choir had continued with concerts under the leadership of Mr Brett and in 1932 performed Mendelssohn's 'Hymn of Praise'. In this period the Choir won many trophies locally and nationally.
Many years later, many still testified to the challenge of the Great United Tent Campaign of June and July 1933 led by evangelist Rev Lionel B Fletcher. A huge tent stood in the High Street (later Collis School playing fields before that school moved premises) often filled to overflowing with those seeking Christ. This type of event was held for the two following years also.
Other successful activities of this era include two very successful football teams; Sunday School Industrial Exhibitions; a Rover Crew of 40 members under the unique leadership of 'Skip' Harris (and all Church members too!); a gymnastic club; a flourishing Girls' Life Brigade and a Sunday School of 600 scholars, meeting morning and afternoon. Congregations overflowed into chairs down the aisles and, above all, the baptistry was constantly open for the witness of 'those being saved'.
In 1934 one of the young men raised in the Sunday School and Scout Troop, Leslie Larwood, was inducted to the pastorate at Selly Oak, Birmingham. Trained at Spurgeon's College he later went to Jamaica with the Baptist Missionary Society (BMS). Eventually he became BMS Chairman and while a candidate for the Presidency of the Baptist Union had a sudden home call. The same year saw Jack Saxton leave for San Salvador, Angola with his wife, Kathleen, daughter of the Church Secretary, Mr S P Allison.
1935
There was another United Tent Campaign in 1935. The overseas missionary zeal of the Church was well illustrated by the Great Congo Missionary Exhibition held on the church premises in 1936 and by the departure in 1937, of one of our girls, Marjorie Belcham (later Mrs Newton) for missionary service in China.
Mr Morley accepted a call to a new and smaller Baptist cause at Woodmansterne, Surrey in 1938. The Church maintained its work and witness in a world that was witnessing great change in the patterns of living and an internationally unstable position which resulted in the Second World War being declared in September 1939.
1940
Teddington War Deaths
43 people died in Teddington as a result of the bombing raid of 29 November 1940 which destroyed the Baptist church buildings.
Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force
SHAEF - as it was known - was in Bushy Park, Teddington during 1944 as the invasion of Europe was planned by Eisenhower. That is why one Teddington road is called Shaef Way.
The Church was still without a minister when the war began. 'Black Out' and Government suspension of all types of gatherings naturally affected Church life, but a still very active fellowship invited Rev E F Sutton to become its minister in 1940. Within three weeks of his arrival the 1895 church building was completely destroyed by fire during enemy bombing action on 29 November 1940. He brought comfort and hope to the congregation rallying under his selfless enthusiasm cleaning, repairing and tidying the Sunday School buildings which, although damaged, were still usable.
The fund or the building of a new church commenced when a little girl named Joy brought a shilling just a few hours after the incident "to help build the new church". Another girl brought a tin loaded with coppers "which I have been saving ever since the church was burned out". With gifts large and small, the congregation, started the long haul towards rebuilding the church. Despite the loss of the church building, the continuation of the war and the fact so many were leaving for National Service (over 70 had gone by the end of 1940), the life and work of the Church carried on with all the enthusiasm and ardour circumstances permitted through 1941, 1942 and the remainder of the war years. The Diamond Jubilee of the Church was celebrated in 1943 (taking the foundation from 1883) and despite all the restrictions of Wartime a full programme of meetings was held although only 'Light tea and refreshments' were served due to rationing. Mr Horn, Mr Tebbit and Mr Morley joined Mr Sutton to make a wonderful gathering of TBC Pastors to take part in the celebrations. The Church took part in the formation of the Thames Valley Group of the London Baptist Association in 1943. In 1944 the oversight of the Mission Church at Ashford was undertaken. The Methodist Church worshipped with us when their building was destroyed in 1944 by enemy action.
1945
Second World War Roll of Honour
The following young men from the fellowship of Teddington Baptist Church died in the Second World War (1939-1945) while on active service:
Richard Ayres
Arley Burley
Ken Cockerell
Reg Crane
Dennis Fair
Peter Mackenzie
Neville Wiseman
Frank Wood
In September 1945, Mr Sutton wrote "I am writing this on VJ Day and I can hear the crackle of bonfires, the noise of fireworks and the happy shouts of the crowd. The long tragic years are over - everyone is rejoicing. Thank God for Peace."
All thoughts turned to the future, which was to rebuild the church. However, this was not to be under the guidance of the minister who led so ably through the war years as in January 1946 Mr Sutton accepted the call to the Church at Twynholm, Fulham.
If Mr Sutton's presence during the war years had proved him to be the man of the moment, so too, did the man that followed him into the work of Teddington, for in accepting the call to Teddington in 1947, the Rev F G Missen said that he felt that God was calling him to rebuild the church - which he did spiritually and physically. He quickly found his way to the hearts of his people becoming the driving force behind the complicated planning and negotiation for the rebuilding of the church as well as encouraging all bringing the Sunday School back at 400. The Christian Endeavour Society came into being again with a Young Worshipper's League numbering over 80.
Whilst the work of the planning for rebuilding was going on, the life and witness of the Church was maintained with public worship being continued in the Sunday School Main Hall throughout 1948 and 1949.
1950
Under the continuing ministry of Rev Missen, 1950 brought the start of a two year forward looking project, 'Baptist Advance' which ran through 1950 and 1951. Monthly People's Services started in the early 1950's and continued for many years with undoubted success. In 1952 working parties of members redecorated the Sunday School buildings, saving a considerable sum of money.
By 1953, plans for rebuilding were complete, the negotiations over war damage settled, and work began in 1954. The Church took an enthusiastic part in the Billy Graham Crusades of 1954 and 1955 in Harringay Arena and at Wembley. Coaches went regularly taking uncommitted. Many received great blessing and many served as choir members, stewards and counsellors.
1955
The stonelaying ceremony for the new church building took place on 29 January 1955 with the ceremony jointly conducted by Rev Missen and Rev Sutton. Rev Missen worked on unceasingly towards the goal he had set himself of seeing the church rebuilt. But ill health gave cause for concern, and in May 1956 he underwent treatment in Teddington Hospital and later transferred to Guy's Hospital to receive more specialised services. Although far from well he was allowed home for the opening of the new church building on 15th September 1956.
Soon after the opening ceremony for the new church building, the Pastor was back in hospital and although allowed home for Christmas, he became weaker and in February 1957 regretfully had to resign the Pastorate having preached in 'his' church on one or two occasions. Rev Missen passed away in August 1958.
With the coming of Rev Theo. F. Valentine M.A. in September 1957 from the Baptist Missionary Society (BMS) where he was Youth Secretary and his experience in involvement with the Billy Graham Campaigns, it was natural to assume that this new ministry would be focused on young people's work.
The new church building and organ gave a boost to the musical life of the Church and in 1958 the Choir gave a performance of Handel's Messiah on Good Friday and Mendelssohn's Elijah in October. Both performances involved over 50 voices and they were directed by Paul Powell, by now TBC's organist and choirmaster.
Links with other local Baptist Churches through the LBA Thames Valley Group and directly continued to feature in Church life. In 1959 one of TBC's members (Mr C L Blyth) was inducted to the Lay Pastorate of Ashford Baptist Mission.
Brett Memorial Organ
Click for an organ rendition of the hymn which was played as the inaugural hymn for the Brett Memorial Organ on Saturday 2 November 1957.
The organ orginally stood in St Peter's, Hoxton Square, London (now demolished) where it was installed by Henry Speechly and Son in 1883. It was moved to Teddington and installed there by N P Mander Ltd. The organ was dedicated to the memory of Mr R F Brett who was TBC organist and choirmaster 1919-1946.
1960
Mr Valentine designated 1960 'A year of opportunity' with emphasis on many aspects of Christian life - Devotion - Obedience - Stewardship - Fellowship - Service. In the September of 1960 in the Student Campaign, 'Who cares?', university students visited neighbourhood homes and in every way spread the Good news of the gospel.
1961 saw the final clearance of the debt on the Building Fund. The fellowship felt free to turn its monetary resources to more direct outreach and the church was used as one of the broadcast centres, in London, for the Billy Graham Manchester Crusade in June 1961.
The Church adopted the Baptist Hymn Book in 1962 replacing the Baptist Church Hymnal which had been in use since 1934. The congregation was asked to buy and donate copies for use by visitors.
A first for 1963 was the holding of a Deacon's Conference to consider the way ahead for the Church under the continuing theme of Christian Stewardship.
Mr Valentine took a leading part in the foundation of the Teddington Christian Council in 1964, uniting most of the local congregations. He also instituted 'Youth Weekends' - combining deep Christian fellowship and lively activities.
Despite all this it was noticed that the advent of the 'family car' was drawing people away, noticeably from the Sunday School numbers, to spending Sunday in the country or by the seaside. After much discussion, it was decided to change the Sunday School to the mornings, and the afternoon school was eventually given up. This led the School Council, under the guidance of Mr Valentine to consider new forms of united worship that were becoming part of a new approach in response to lowering congregations. Despite a long and intense study of All-Age Sunday School it was felt that this was not the time to make these changes.
However, the long debated subject of women Deacons was finally resolved with the election of Miss Evelyn Hart in 1965 following a rule change in 1964. Since then there have been many women Deacons and a woman Minister, Mrs Wyn Herd.
1965
Both the Scout Group and the Girls' Life Brigade celebrated their Golden Jubilees in 1965 and many old friends came to join the celebrations at the reunion. Early in 1966, Mr Valentine resigned the pastorate to take up work as an Industrial Chaplain with a local engineering firm. Within a year, the Rev J Ronald Harper, from Bury St Edmunds, came to continue the work of a lively Church and a Sunday School of something just over 200. There was a further Billy Graham Crusade in London in 1966 and again the following year.
Youth and children's work continued to play a central role in the life of the Church under Rev Harper's ministry. For example:
- in 1967 a first Holiday Club was held in August attended by 245 children in total, with over 180 present on some days;
- in 1968, a record number of 54 young people spent a Youth Weekend in Worthing;
- In 1969, the Sunday School appealed for funds to buy a film strip projector ("Day by day children are exposed to modern [teaching] methods ... in the day schools and we cannot successfully teach the Good News with inadequate equipment");
- In 1970, the Scouts put on the first full-length Gang Show - "a colourful, tuneful, funny and fast-moving show" to a packed hall.
1970
Rev Harper led his people into the 90th Anniversary Services of the Church (celebrated in 1971) and continued the building relationships with the congregation, particularly the older people, by means of visitation. He encouraged the establishment of a Stewardship Renewal Campaign to challenge people to give of their time, talents and treasures. This was taken up by many and was a source of renewal and a deepening of the spiritual life of the Church, and this continued into 1972 with a Church Conference held in April.
The Rev 'Ron' Harper left Teddington in 1973 to continue his ministry at Colchester, and early the following year, 1974, saw the induction of the Rev Roger Martin from the Isle of Wight. Roger brought with him an enthusiasm and vitality for the continued winning of children and young people to Christ. He brought the Church back to an enthusiastic study of Scriptures, that was the inspiration of the Rev Horn at the beginning of the century. He was also the driving force behind a 'Forward Together' Campaign 1974.
1975
Rev Roger Martin led the Church into 1975 which was a year of special events, started by the Choir's 80th birthday (a small band of singers had collected together to lead worship and form the first choir in 1895) and followed by the Diamond Jubilee for the Scouts and Girls' Brigade.
In March 1975, Dr Michael Collis resigned as Church Secretary to begin training for the Baptist ministry at Spurgeon's College. (In 1978 he took up his first pastorate at Hertford Baptist Church and while there had Richard Littledale - later to become Minister of TBC - as a student associate.)
1976 saw the death of a grand old man of the Church - Mr William Alexander who had been baptised in the church in March 1913, had been a member for over 60 years, and a Deacon for 50 years. It also saw the Church beat the Scouts at football (soccer) 4-2 in a match with a referee described as 'short-sighted and whistle-happy'!
In 1977, Teddington Baptist Church joined the Evangelical Alliance. The same year, 79 Hampton Road, Teddington was purchased to replace the Wellington Road manse with accommodation closer to the church and able to house the Martin family with its four sons.
TBC Logo
1978 saw the introduction of a new logo (left) for Teddington Baptist Church - this may have been the first time the Church had an official logo.
At the beginning of 1979, Trevor and Stella King began preparations for service with the Baptist Missionary Society (BMS). After a period of training, they went to Nepal under the auspices of the BMS. They worked in the Kathmandu headquarters of the United Mission to Nepal (UMN) from 1980 until 1984.
Changes in worship with the singing of modern songs lead to the production of a TBC song book (Him Praise) in 1979 which was initially used to supplement the Baptist Hymn Book.
1980
TBC Centenary Musical
Click for words and music of two songs from our Centenary Musical which was performed by members of the Church in December 1981.
Built to Love | One
Rev Roger Martin left to go to Poynton Baptist Church at the end of 1980 and the Church began its centenary year of 1981 by looking for the Minister of the Lord's choice to lead it into its second century. The highlights of the Centenary Celebrations of 1981 were the Spurgeon's College Mission held in September and the Centenary Musical in December.
The period without a Minister in 1981 and 1982 saw further changes in the style of worship. Previous ministers had usually preached from the pulpit, but we now found that almost all visiting preachers chose to preach from the lower platform instead.
Rev Jim Binney arrived in the autumn of 1982 and immediately began to introduce fresh enthusiasm into the spiritual and worship life of the Church. Banners began to be hung to decorate the church as can be seen in the photograph below of the church ready for morning worship in the mid-1980s. This also shows the overhead projector screen by now used regularly for new worship songs not in any book. The pulpit was hardly used with almost all services being conducted from the platform.
Open Door (a mother's and toddlers club) began in 1982 under the leadership of Joan Blyth. In 1983 the morning service was changed from 11 am to 10.30 am to allow the serving of tea and coffee after the services in the Main Hall. This created an opportunity to build deeper friendships and was so successful that coffee and tea was also served after the evening service from the autumn of that year.
TBC Logo
A new church logo (left) was
introduced in 1983. This logo is based on several Bible passages and summarises the Church's mission - click here
to have it explained.
"Growing by the river ... for the healing of the nation"
In 1984, Mrs Wyn Herd was called as Associate Minister specialising in counselling and work amongst women - the first time TBC had called a woman Minister. A second manse was needed and 112 Cambridge Road was purchased the same year in time for her arrival.
Peter Jamieson left Spurgeon's College in 1984 (after being supported by the Church through his training). He took up an initial appointment with the Haggai Institute in Atlanta, Georgia but then returned to the UK in 1987 to become the pastor of Broadmead Baptist Church, Woodford Green.
1985
Wyn Herd began to take forward her work among women with a Women's Day Conference in March 1985 which examined the opportunities in that area.
A new Constitution was adopted at the beginning of 1986 which re-introduced Eldership to the Church. John Cant and Ernie Holder were recognised as Elders at the February Church Meeting.
On 29 December 1986 the sanctuary was damaged by a small fire in the ceiling directly over the pulpit (1986 Fire). This led on to a major renovation project in 1988 (see below).
1987 was a difficult year for the Church as it began with cleaning up after the fire and was followed before the year ended by the departure of both Ministers. But there were also positive things happening as when during 1987, the Church sent Chris Baker to be trained for youth leadership at Moorlands. Since 1990 he has been in youth work in Leicester, initially with Youth for Christ.
The 1988 fire renovations were undertaken mostly with our own labour as most members took one or two weeks leave to work on the project under the supervision of Dave Smith. In this project we modernised the sanctuary - removing the old high pulpit and building a new platform. The pews were also removed, the sanctuary was carpeted and was furnished with more comfortable seating.
1990
A disappointing event in early 1990 was the closure of the Girls' Brigade Company as it came up to its 75th anniversary.
But the autumn brought two happier events: First Rev Andrew Willis came as Assistant Minister to Rev Bill Miles in 1990 and then Dave Smith went to Redcliffe College in 1990 to train for missionary service. While there he met and married a nurse from Finland, Halle, who was also studying at Redcliffe College for missionary service. In October 1994, Dave and Halle Smith went with Africa Evangelical Fellowship (AEF) to work in Zambia at Luampa Hospital where they served until returning to Europe in the summer of 1998.
In 1991 the Oversight (Elders and Ministers) put before the Church what became known as the R3 Vision. This was eventually expressed as set out in the box below and it remained the guiding vision for the Church until the middle of 1997.
- serving the local area without forgetting the wider world;
- seeking to make disciples in and through all it does;
- committed, individually and in fellowship, to
growing together in 
Renewal
Reconciliation
Reaching-out
At the beginning of 1979, Trevor and Stella King began preparations for service with the Baptist Missionary Society (BMS). After a period of training, they went to Nepal under the auspices of the BMS. They worked in the Kathmandu headquarters of the United Mission to Nepal (UMN) from 1980 until 1984.
Changes in worship with the singing of modern songs lead to the production of a TBC song book (Him Praise) in 1979 which was initially used to supplement the Baptist Hymn Book.
1995
Rev Bill Miles brought Alpha to TBC from Holy Trinity Brompton in January 1995. Departures for mission continued as Janet White went to Zambia in 1995 where she worked with Sakeji School.
At the end of 1995, Rev Bill Miles left Teddington to become Minister of Henley-in-Arden Baptist Church. His departure was followed at the end of 1996 by Rev Andrew Willis who moved to Brixham Baptist Church.
1996 and 1997 saw the Goods News go online from Teddington as TBC launched
(launched September 1996)
an Internet information service for
Teddington and the Hamptons
(launched September 1997 and closed June 2014)
In 1996-97, major renovation works were undertaken under the guidance of Geoff Hawkins including a new kitchen and a new frontage onto Church Road - the railings being taken away to make the church more open and accessible.
In 1996-98 we had a Frontline Team from Oasis Trust working with us. The team of four young people (Thomas Graf, Chrissie Le Goupillot, Becky Owen, and Paul Unsworth) brought energy and enthusiasm to our work with children and young people during 1996 and 1997. Paul Unsworth stayed on with TBC for a further year into 1998.
Rev Richard Littledale came to the TBC ministry from Purley Baptist Church in September 1997 accompanied by his wife Fiona and their three sons, Joseph, Jonathan, and Luke.
An early innovation introduced by Richard Littledale was the gifts survey "Where? What? How?" which was launched in 1998 for completion by all members of the fellowship. Our widening range of evangelistic events in we were trying to attract people into the church buildings and reach out from the buildings to the people of Teddington increased again in June 1998 with the first TBC Summertime Arts Festival.
In September 1998, Richard Colpus joined TBC as full-time Youth Leader. He soon set about developing new activities for young people like "The Alternative" to Halloween and Youth Services in a radically different style.
Mr Richard Colpus
(Youth Leader)
Football Double Champions
The 1997-98 season was the best season ever for the TBC Soccer Team as it did the double, winning the Southern Area Christian League and the Cup competition in the same season.
1999 began with another innovation - an outing to the cinema as the Church hired a local cinema for the showing of the commercial animated film 'Prince of Egypt' (the story of Moses) and 130 people attended the Saturday afternoon showing.
The TBC Arts Festival was repeated in June 1999 and again attracted new people onto the church premises as did a Sunday Café in September 1999 which starred the television comedian, Sid Little, talking about his Christian faith. Investment in the premises continued with a £40,000 renewal of our central heating system assisted by a grant of £10,000 from the Hampton Fuel Allotment Society.
We ended the year by working with the other Churches in Teddington to distribute a Gospel of Luke to every home in the area carrying the message that Jesus is the Man of Every Millennium. We also presented a nativity play (The Adult Nativity) in which all the parts were played by adults.
During the year, we sang over three hundred different hymns and songs during our more than one hundred worship services. The one sung most often (on ten separate occasions) was "I will worship" - a fitting emphasis for a significant year in all our lives.