MINCHINHAMPTON Baptist Church celebrates its 250 year anniversary this month with 250 acts of kindness to the community.

Sunday, March 29, Palm Sunday, is the exact date on which 250 years ago the Baptist Church was founded on its original site in Chapel Lane.

The original chapel in Chapel Lane is now a private house. Peter and Liz Farley’s family have lived there since 1979.

The Baptist congregation in Minchinhampton was originally an off-shoot from a thriving congregation three miles away in Shortwood.

“But the first years of the church’s history were disappointing in the extreme,” said Liz.

“The Rev Benjamin Francis travelled up from Nailsworth every other Sunday evening to preach in the new meeting-house in Minchinhampton. He did this regularly for 35 years but with little to show for his efforts.”

Continuing the Church’s potted history Peter said: “The church revived in 1810 under a new minister, and by 1824 the congregation was big enough to become independent.

“Ten years later, in 1834, it was prosperous enough to build new premises on Tetbury Street – premises which after major internal modifications in the 1970s are still used today.”

Since then MBC has outgrown a number of different premises and now meets on several sites, including The Hub, next to Minchinhampton Youth Centre.

But while MBC members enjoy the Church’s history they are keen to engage in the town as well. Peter said: “While grateful for the past, the concern for the future is not about buildings – but about being part of the wider Christian Church in Minchinhampton, working harmoniously together to share God’s love with our local communities.”

Pastor of MBC Liam Eaglestone added: “We’re celebrating the 250th anniversary of the church, not just with our own party, but by sharing 250 acts of kindness with folk from Minchinhampton and the surrounding area - giving out flowers, free coffees, hampers and the like to share something of God’s love with our neighbours and friends.”

For details of the celebrations see minchbc.org.uk.