Church History
"For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ". (1 Corinthians 3 v 11)
Westminster Baptist church is the oldest Free Church in Westminster. It was founded in 1807 when services were started in Grafton Street S.W.1. The church then moved to Panton Street and soon after to Lewisham Street.
In 1828 a permanent premises was found and on 12 March 1828, Romney Street Baptist Church was opened. The Rev C. Woolacott was the minister at that time. The church was temporarily closed in 1865, but was re-opened later that year by C.H.Spurgeon and the Rev J.S.Morris was the minister. Romney Street was eventually demolished and so services were held at a local hall, Stockwell Baptist Church and even on the street corner of Old Page Street in Westminster. The present building in Horseferry Road was opened on 27 March, 1935.
Prior to the purchase of the present building an attempt was made to buy another building but the Lord closed the doors and 100 Horseferry Road was purchased. The Lord knew which building he had planned for us as during World War Two the other building was damaged by enemy action, but Westminster Baptist Church was left untouched. In 1956 the Rev Thomas was inducted and 42 years later he was still faithfully preaching the word of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Rev W.H Thomas retired from the pastorship in 1999.
In September 2005 God blessed the church with a new minister, Pastor Kevin Keenan was inducted on 17 September 2005(the audio for which can be found on the sermons page) since then Pastor Keenan has gone on to start a pioneer church in Hungary and often returns to preach. The church remained under the care of the deacons until Jonathan Arnold became Pastor in April 2016.
Westminster Baptist church is the oldest Free Church in Westminster. It was founded in 1807 when services were started in Grafton Street S.W.1. The church then moved to Panton Street and soon after to Lewisham Street.
In 1828 a permanent premises was found and on 12 March 1828, Romney Street Baptist Church was opened. The Rev C. Woolacott was the minister at that time. The church was temporarily closed in 1865, but was re-opened later that year by C.H.Spurgeon and the Rev J.S.Morris was the minister. Romney Street was eventually demolished and so services were held at a local hall, Stockwell Baptist Church and even on the street corner of Old Page Street in Westminster. The present building in Horseferry Road was opened on 27 March, 1935.
Prior to the purchase of the present building an attempt was made to buy another building but the Lord closed the doors and 100 Horseferry Road was purchased. The Lord knew which building he had planned for us as during World War Two the other building was damaged by enemy action, but Westminster Baptist Church was left untouched. In 1956 the Rev Thomas was inducted and 42 years later he was still faithfully preaching the word of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Rev W.H Thomas retired from the pastorship in 1999.
In September 2005 God blessed the church with a new minister, Pastor Kevin Keenan was inducted on 17 September 2005(the audio for which can be found on the sermons page) since then Pastor Keenan has gone on to start a pioneer church in Hungary and often returns to preach. The church remained under the care of the deacons until Jonathan Arnold became Pastor in April 2016.
Church History Book:
A short historical account of the 19th century beginnings of this church has recently been published. Please click on the image to purchase it below, or pick up a copy at one of our services.
"Romney Street Baptist Church was arguably the first 'Free Church' in Westminster. This short history elucidates the history of this small church which in the twentieth century became known as 'Westminster Baptist Church' - the name by which it is known to this day. In this history you will find details about its beginnings in the nineteenth century, focusing on the social context in which it developed, significant individuals who participated in its growth and expansion, and the expectations and processes implemented for membership."
"Romney Street Baptist Church was arguably the first 'Free Church' in Westminster. This short history elucidates the history of this small church which in the twentieth century became known as 'Westminster Baptist Church' - the name by which it is known to this day. In this history you will find details about its beginnings in the nineteenth century, focusing on the social context in which it developed, significant individuals who participated in its growth and expansion, and the expectations and processes implemented for membership."
Church Archives:
Please click here for more information about the church's history via their archives.
