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   The History of the Eynsford Christian Fellowship

This history, is a living history about a people of God, who have sought to maintain a witness in Eynsford and surrounding area, to the Good News proclaimed by Jesus, and by their care and sacrificial giving to maintain a Minister of the Gospel within the community, to encourage them, and share with them in this task. Within this fellowship of people, Eynsford has seen a Church faithful to the Scriptures for over 234 years. A very warm welcome will be extended to all who wish to worship with us. Also those who wish to identify with us, but cannot join us in worship, may do so, by supporting our witness, most importantly, by prayer, and if the Lord directs, by assisting in the maintainance of a Minister within this community.


The history of Eynsford Baptist Church 1775-1905.

Chapter One, Part Two
Additional details not recorded in the original Booklet covering the early years.

In order that the men who laboured for the cause of the Gospel at Eynsford in the early years are not simply names on a chart - further information on these men of God has been researched and the fruits of that labour now appear in this second part of Chapter 1, illuminating the booklet written in 1906. Emerging from the stories of the early leaders, three types of Pastors emerge:
• For some men, such as Pastor John Morris, Eynsford was part of a pioneer ministry. John Morris also served a total of 14 years, ensuring the Church was established before he stepped back into obscurity. However it was not for long, when with others he pioneered Borough Green Baptist Church.
• Other men made Eynsford their life's work, such as John Rogers who once in post laboured for a total of 38 years until he died - from 1802 to 1840 . He was ordained at Eynsford straight out of the Kent Itinerant Seminary to begin his work, and continued to the end of his life. His contribution not only to Eynsford, but to the Baptist cause, and the formation and enlargement of the Baptist Union especially in the planting of new Churches was prolific. He was active until the very end.
• For a few of the Pastors, Eynsford was a place they were passing through. Instructive is the story of William Reynolds. He had a definite calling to the Baptist Church at Wattisham, Suffolk. However through pride over an argument, he accepted a calling to the Church in Hull - though this was not God's calling. He wandered as Pastor after that from Church to Church, of which Eynsford was one. In the mid 1850s retired through ill health he never-the-less became a guest preacher at Wattisham and elsewhere. The Lord had brought him back to the place of ministry where he should have remained. Although of ill health, he was publicly engaged at Wattisham on the 4th of May, 1856, the last full Lord's day in which he was able to serve. Severe ill health took over from that time and he fell asleep in the Lord, 6th of September, 1856, but having returned to the place of God's will.

So here are recorded from original sources, parts of the stories of some of the men of God, and members of the Church at Eynsford from those early years;

• Foundation date of Eynsford Baptist Church. 1786 is the date given for the foundation of Eynsford Baptist Church, in Haynes' Baptist Cyclopædia.
Haynes' Baptist Cyclopædia: or, Dictionary of Baptist Biography, Bibliography, Antiquities, History, Chronology, Theology, Polity and Literature. ... By Thomas Wilson Haynes, Samuel Hart Senior 300 King Street, Charleston: USA 1848, page 306 (Page 10 of the Appendix).

• The first Pastor John Morris became a Baptist Pastor, after forming the Church at Wilmington in 1792. It was considered important to maintain the witness at Eynsford, and so John led as Pastor at Eynsford. John resigned the Pastorate in Eynsford in 1806, to join the Church in Croydon. He went on to preach at Igtham, where the Baptist people bought a plot of land at Borough Green. In 1809 John went on to become pioneer and Pastor to Borough Green Baptist Church, Sevenoaks, Kent. He died on the Lord's Day 29th August 1830, aged 76. The full details are as follows;

• Mr. John Morris.
Died, on Lord's day, August 29, 1830, Mr. John Morris, pastor of the Baptist church meeting at Borough Green, in the parish of Wrotham, Kent, in the 77th year of his age.
Mr. M. was born in London, and was convinced of his state as a sinner under the ministry of the late Rev. H. Foster ; but being persuaded that the King of Zion had commanded all his followers to put him on by baptism, he joined the church meeting in Devonshire-square, then under the pastoral care of Mr. McGowan.


Baptism at the Ford, in the River Darent. Taken from the local history booklet, "Eynsford A story through the Ages" by William I. Curnow and Barbara Laming.  
Published by the Eynsford Village Society on the occasion of the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II June 1953.

About the time of his death, Mr. M. began to speak in the name of the Lord in several workhouses in the metropolis, and soon after at Dartford, in Kent ; but as the opposition there to the Gospel was very great, preaching was for that time relinquished. Mr. M. shortly after came to reside at Wilmington, and preached statedly in his hired house, which being but a short distance from Dartford, several attended from that place, and the prospects of usefulness increased. Here, though he endured great persecution, he not only was enabled to persevere in his labours of love for several years, but introduced the preaching of the word of life into several benighted villages around. His disinterested labours were successful, so that ¡n 1792, Mr. M. and four others formed themselves into a church of Christ, and soon after he was ordained over them as their pastor. Several other persons were added to this infant church. At Wilmington Mr. M. continued to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ until 1798, when it was considered of greater importance to maintain stated worship at Eynsford, a village about five miles from the former. Here the word was multiplied, and grew exceedingly, but in 1802, be thought it right to resign his pastoral office, and. afterwards settled with the Baptist church at Croydon, in Surry, and in 1809, preached at Seal and Igtham ; at the latter place a Baptist church was formed, and he accepted a call to become their pastor. Here he laboured with acceptance for some time : others were added to them, so as to lead them to purchase a piece of freehold ground at Borough Green, and to erect a neat place of worship thereon. Here Mr. M. continued to hold forth the word of life for twenty-one years, when, finding his strength and faculties decline, he resigned his charge, but still administered the Lord's supper, and occasionally preached the word among them.
On Lord's day, July 18, he had a stroke or paralysis, which was followed by others, until his Lord called him home. During these visitations, his mind was generally calm and stayed. The truths he had so long preached to others were his support and comfort. He frequently exclaimed, the Lord was his portion, and that he knew whom he had believed, and was persuaded He was able to keep what he had committed to his hands.
His earthly remains were interred in the burying ground adjoining the meeting, on Monday, Sept. 6. Mr. Rogers, of Eynsford, delivered the address, and the following Lord's day, Mr. Shirley, of Sevenoaks, preached a funeral sermon from 2 Cor. xii. 11. "Though I be nothing." " Be ye followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises."

Farningham.                                I.R.      The Baptist Magazine 1830 Vol XXII, George Wightman, London 1830, pages 522-523.

• The details of the very first Ordination at Eynsford are recorded about the second Pastor are as follows;
"SEPT. 29 Mr. John Rogers (late of the Kent Itinerant Seminary) was ordained over the Baptist church, at Eynsford, in Kent. Mr. Arnold, of Sevenoaks, read a psalm and prayed ; Mr. Stanger senior, of Bessel's Green, introduced the ordination service, asked the usual questions, and received Mr. Roger's confession of faith ; Dr. Jenkins, of Walworth, Surry (to whose church Mr. Rogers formerly belonged) prayed the ordination prayer, accompanied with the laying on of hands, and then gave the charge from Matth. xvi. 24. ; Mr. Upton, of Blackfriars, preached to the people from Eph. v. 8, 9; Mr. Knott of Chatham, concluded in prayer, and preached in the evening. There was a pleasing degree of solemnity, and those evident tokens of the Lord's presence, through the whole of the opportunity, that it is hoped will be long remembered." Details from The Evangelical Magazine for the year 1802 Volume 10, T. Williams, London 1802, page 510.

• Pastor John Rogers attended the the Ordination of Pastor William Coleman at Lessness Heath Baptist Church 26th of April, 1810
, where he had assisted in the setting in of the new Pastor following the sad death of the Church's first Pastor Mr. B. S. Lloyd.  The Reverend William Coleman had been a supply Preacher up to then (from "A Brief History of Free Grace Baptist Church"). Also in the early 1830s the Pastor John Rogers was instrumental at the creation of a Particular Baptist Church in Maidstone, who assisted in the opening of the Church on the 26th June 1831 - The Baptist Magazine George Wightman, London 1831, page 431.

• John Rogers involvement in the Matfiled Green Church in 1815. On April 26, 1815, Mr. Thomas Gladwish was ordained Pastor of the Particular Baptist Church, at Matfield Green, near Brenchley, Kent. Mr. Martell, of Burwash, commenced the service of the day. Mr. Stanger, of Bessels Green, offered the Ordination Prayer, and addressed the Minister from Titus, ii. 1. Mr. Rogers, of Eynsford, preached to the people, from. Psalm cxviii. 25. Mr. Martell preached in the afternoon, from Luke, xiv. 17. And Mr. Rogers again in the evening, from Numb. xiii. 27. The Baptist Magazine Vol VII, W. Button & Son, London 1815 - June 1815, Page 263.

• Eynsford Baptist Church was a founding member of what became the Baptist Union, under the leadership of Pastor John Rogers; "The number of the Baptist Magazine for June 1812 contains the following notices, under the head Baptist Mission and Union. ' Since the meeting for the benefit of the above mission was announced to take place on the 24th of June, it has been thought necessary to procure a larger place of worship. It had been fixed at Elim Chapel, Fetter Lane. The Dutch church, Austin Friars, has been kindly granted for that purpose ; Mr. Fuller, the secretary, will make a report of the state of the mission after each sermon. The services will commence at eleven in the forenoon and six in the evening. The next morning, at eight o'clock precisely, a meeting will be held at Dr. Rippon's meeting-house, Carter Lane, to take into consideration the proposed measure for an annual general association of the Particular Baptist Churches'." - A History English Baptists: Comprising the Principal Events of the History of the Protestant Dissenters During The Reign Of Geo. III And of the Baptist Churches in London, with Notices of Many of the Principal Churches in the Country during the Same Period. By Joseph Ivimey. Vol. IV. London: Isaac Taylor Hinton, Warwick Square; and Holdsworth & Ball, St. Paul's Church-Yard. 1830 London, pages 123-124.

• A Report on the state of the Baptist Union in 1832, where John Rogers was one of the main speakers: In 1832 the Union took a new lease of life. A meeting was called to consider the outlook. It met just before William Knibb delivered his address upon slavery in Jamaica. A chronicler of the time says : " The extraordinary excitement of this meeting unfitted most persons who were present for subsequent services." It was agreed to ask for a return of the Churches and a comparison of their condition in 1790 and 1831. The speakers were Messrs. Smith, of Hford, Rogers, of Eynsford, Shirley, of Sevenoaks, Thompson, and Upton. There was a deep note of dissatisfaction when the return was published. It was clear that the denomination had suffered much from the lack of necessary means of communication and co-operation between the Churches. In 1790 there were three hundred and thirty-four Churches and sixty-five pastors ; in 1831 there were nine hundred and twenty Churches and two hundred and eighty-four pastors. The report adds : "It is obvious that such a list as this can furnish but a very uncertain criterion of the degree in which the Baptist denomination has been enlarged during this term. In some cases the multiplication of Churches is an actual diminution of strength. In many country places there were forty years ago large and prosperous Churches, a considerable proportion of whose members dwelt in surrounding villages, where now in each village there is a distinct Church, but not an increase in the aggregate of members at all proportioned to the increase in the number of Churches ; while, on the other hand, in some districts in which the additional number of Churches is small, the increased magnitude of each Church is very important." Mr. Hinton delivered an eloquent address upon the gains of union, and the ministers passed resolutions pledging themselves to support the attempt at federation. Rev. Alexander Maclaren, D.D. , The Story Of The English Baptists, Related By John C. Carlile. James Clarke & Co., 13 & 14 Fleet Street London, 1905, Pages, 219 - 220.

• Pastor John Rogers - working to the very end.
 Months before he died, John Rogers was found involved in the setting in of new pastors, according to this report;
WOOLWICH. On Wednesday, May 13. 1840, Mr. Chas. Box, was publicly recognized as pastor of the first Baptist church, High Street, Woolwich, over which Mr. Robert McGregor and Mr. William Culver had presided upwards of seventy years, the former having been the honoured instrument of introducing the gospel into this populous town. The services of the day were commenced with the reading of the Scriptures and prayer by Mr. Williams of Grafton Street. Mr. Bowes, of Blandford Street, described the nature of a Gospel Church. Mr. Rogers of Eynesford asked the usual questions and received the confession of faith of Mr. Box, who also briefly stated his Christian experience, his call to the ministry, and his cheerful acceptance of the invitation of the church. One of the deacons gave a statement of the leadings of divine providence relative to the church from its formation to the present time. Mr. Cox of Woolwich, offered the ordination prayer; Mr. Shirley of Sevenoaks, delivered the charge, and Mr. Woodland, (Independent) of Woolwich, concluded in prayer.
In the evening, Mr. Francis, of Waterloo Road, commenced with reading and prayer; Mr. Lewis, of Chatham, addressed the church; and Mr. De;Franc, of Lutterworth, concluded in prayer. The attendance at both services was numerous, upwards of twenty ministers were present, and it was hoped that the solemn and interesting services will long be remembered with pleasure. The Baptist Magazine, Volume XXXII (Series IV. Vol. III) George Wightman July 1840, page 371.

• The death of John Rogers and his wife. John Rogers died in 1840 (noted in; The Gospel Herald; or, Poor Christian's Magazine, 1865, Vol XXXIV, page114 - the date is recorded in Part 1 as September 20th). The news of his wife's death was given as follows; April 6th, at Sutton-at-Hone, Kent aged 73, Mrs Rogers, relic of the late Rev. John Rogers, many years pastor of the Baptist church, at Eynsford. Her end was peace. She died as she lived, in the enjoyment of the truths of the Gospel, which she had long known, advocated, and honoured (from the Baptist Reporter and Missionary Intelligencer page 204 New Series-Vol. V. 1848).

• The recollections of May Anne Hearn, known as Miss Marianne Farningham (1834-1909) of Pastor John Rogers. Although but a child of 6 when John Rogers died, her autobiography mentions  the great influence he had; "My father and mother were both members of the Baptist church at Eynsford, a pretty village about a mile from Farningham. They were both Sunday school teachers ; indeed, the life of the chapel was their life, and it became mine. I have been told that when I was a month old, and my mother was able for the first time to go to chapel, she took the baby too. It was customary to have tea in the vestry. After tea the friends went into the chapel, and I was laid, happily asleep, on the table in what was known as the " singing pew," in which at the ordinary services the choir sat. As those who formed the tea-party were interested in the new baby which had come to Joseph and Rebecca, they held a prayer-meeting for the child. I have always had the feeling that no baptismal service in any church, though performed by a priest, assisted by godfathers and god-mothers, could have been a more real consecration than that simple prayer-meeting in the village chapel. I was a "child of many prayers," and delight to think friends prayed for me when for the first time I entered a chapel.
The influence of this little dissenting church and its associations, not only on my own early life, but on that of our neighbours, was very great. Eynsford, through its agency, touched many other villages. It was a "Particular Baptist Church," founded in 1775, and consisted at its formation of five members, who were baptized in the Darent on a profession of their faith in the Lord Jesus.


Miss Mary Anne Hearn

The influence of this little dissenting church and its associations, not only on my own early life, but on that of our neighbours, was very great. Eynsford, through its agency, touched many other villages. It was a "Particular Baptist Church," founded in 1775, and consisted at its formation of five members, who were baptized in the Darent on a profession of their faith in the Lord Jesus. Its first meeting-house was a stable fitted up for the purpose. Much opposition and persecution attended its inception, but the little cause grew and flourished in spite of that. In 1802 a young Baptist minister became its pastor, whose name, John Rogers, will be revered through all generations, for he was one of the most distinguished of the Nonconformist ministers of the time, a man of remarkable ability, of noble character and great power and influence, richly endowed by the Spirit of God. Two years later a new chapel was erected, which for a hundred years was the home of devotion and love. The wife of Mr. Rogers was the sister of my Grandmother Hearn ; they were both strong, sweet women, of considerable culture and striking mental powers, both women of unflinching principles and strong convictions. I have said that my grandmother was deaf, but she always attended the services, and Mr. Rogers said she was his great helper, for while he preached she prayed, "Save Thy people. Bless Thine inheritance." The church was absolutely Calvinistic, as well as Particular Baptist. Other churches were judged to be in error ; but Mrs. Rogers wanted to tell the people that every one who would might be saved. It is curious to-day to remember what fierce fights were once fought under the two banners of Calvinism and Free Will. I am ashamed to say that the only recollection I have personally of Mr. Rogers is that of his giving me some plums, pushed through his garden gate one at a time. " Farningham, Marianne, "A Working Woman's Life, An Autobiography" James Clarke, London 1907, pages 14-16


• Eynsford Baptist Church - and its involvement in the abolition of slavery.
Under Pastor John Rogers, the Church at Eynsford was so concerned about the issue of slavery, and the continued encouragement to that unjust institution by some Baptist Churches in America, that they readily consented to a meeting to be held at Eynsford Baptist Church. The minutes from the meetings are as follows;

"At a Meeting of the Ministers and Messengers of the Kent and Sussex Association of Particular Baptist churches, held at Eynsford, Kent, June 8, 1836, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted :-
1. That deeply sympathizing with British Christians of every denomination in the attention they feel compelled to give to the present state of slavery, and the condition of the free people of colour in America, we deem it our duty to avow our sentiments and feelings on that subject.
2. That, having learned with surprise and regret that slavery in its worst forms is encouraged by many of the churches of America, and that ministers, deacons, and private members of Baptist churches in that country equally participate in this flagrant abomination and fearing that the intercourse recently opened between those churches and our denomination in this country, may be considered as implying our sanction of such inhuman and unholy conduct, we feel it our duty to record our public protest against the iniquity, as utterly at variance with every principle of Christianity.
3. That while we feel deeply interested in the prosperity of the American churches, and would gladly co-operate in any measures calculated to promote a more intimate union with them on scriptural principles, we feel it to be our painful duty strongly to discountenance a participation in the hateful crimes of slave-dealing and slave-holding, and in the practice of those churches which make a difference of colour or condition a term of exclusion from the Lord's table.
4. That we feel it to be our duty to afford every encouragement to the friends of the abolition of slavery in America, and fervently to pray that those churches which have partaken in the abomination may be convinced of their sin, and be purified from offences so opposed to the spirit and injunction of Him who came to give liberty to the captives.
5. That these resolutions be published in the circular letter, and advertised in the Patriot newspaper.

WILLIAM SAVORY, Moderator."

Preserved in "Slavery in America", The Reverend Thomas Price D.D. G. Wightman, London 1837, page 44.

• The creation of Foots Cray Baptist Church. On the 25th October 1807, Mr William Hardiman Colyer first attended a Baptism at Eynsford and responded to the Gospel. He then moved to the village of Foots Cray in 1811, where he rented a house. He licensed the house for public worship. He also preached at Mary Cray in an aged Deacon's House. When the Deacon died in 1813, the Paper Mill (Nash's) at Footscray was opened for "the Lord's service". The Pastor of Eynsford, John Rogers, preached the first sermon there on the occasion of the deacon's death. There Mr Colyer continued to preach for many years beloved an honoured by his little flock until a Chapel was built. It was on the death of his mother (circa 1830), he returned to Farningham. He served at Eynsford Baptist Church, taking occasional turns to preach for the Pastor. He opened his own house up for public worship in the Evening, as then there was no Evening Service at Eynsford. His last sermon was on the 12th May 1845 at Foots Cray, for their anniversary. He suffered a number of strokes, which did not debilitate him too much, and he died on the 10th September of that year (from The Gospel herald; or, Poor Christian's magazine, 1865, Vol XXXIV, pages 112-114). On the 24th March 1836, on that land, the foundation stone of the Foots Cray Baptist Church was laid, and the building opened for worship in August that year (Foots Cray Baptist Website - no longer in existence).

On Wednesday, August 24, 1836, a very neat new-built Baptist Chapel was opened at Footscray, in Kent, when three Sermons were preached. In the Morning, by Mr. W. H. Colyer, of Farningham ; in the Afternoon, by Mr. W. G. Lewis, of Chatham ; and in the Evening, by Mr. Rogers, of Eynsford. The services were well conducted; and the Chapel was crowded. There were several lovers of truth from London; and it proved a refreshing season to many of the Lord's family. The collections were handsome. The Spiritual Magazine or Saints' Treasury Vol XII E. Palmer and Son, London September 1836, page 288.

• The third Pastor to Eynsford appears to have been the Reverend W. C. Lewis. For the end of June 1841 he is listed as giving a donation to the Baptist Missionary Society on behalf of Eynsford (Baptist Magazine Vol XXXIII for August 1841 on page 432). Of Pastor Lewis there is little in the way of recorded material, apart from a mention which states he split the Church at Eynsford. There is a note in the biography on William Hardiman Colyer which states; "In 1840, Mr Rogers died, and Mr C. did not cordially unite with his successor, who soon divided Eynsford Church" (from The Gospel herald; or, Poor Christian's magazine, 1865, Vol XXXIV, page 114).

• The forth Pastor to Eynsford was in post by 1843; G .H. Whitbread. The information in the Eynsford Church archives gives the name "G. H. Whitehead", but the Baptist Magazines for 1843 and 1844, records this as "G. H. Whitbread" and so this name is used in this history (see Baptist Magazines; Vol XXXVI, November 1843, Houlston and Stoneman London, page 583, and Vol XXXVI (Series IV. Vol. VII) Houlston and Stoneman, London. September 1844, page 468). In 1854, G. H. Whitbread is noted in a list a Baptist Ministers in England (Baptist Magazine 1854 Pages 791 - 800) as being the Pastor for Ashford Baptist Church. The Baptist Magazine, Houlston and Stonemen, Volume XLVI (Series IV., VOL. XVII) December 1854, Supplement 1854, page 800, and Volume XLVII (Series IV., VOL. XVIII) December 1855, Supplement for 1855, page 788.

• The Reverend William Reynolds, who became Eynsford's fifth Pastor in 1846, possessed a chequered history. He was born on the 19th of February, 1788. At 25 years of age, he was baptised by the Pastor Keeble, of Blandford Street, London, and received into the fellowship of the church on the first Lord's day in April, 1813. In the year 1811 he had married Miss Mary Mason, who had also become a member of the same church. She was a person of great discernment, eminently spiritually minded, and proved a very valuable companion. In the month of July, 1817, he began to speak in the name of the Lord. The church having invited him to speak before them with a view to the public ministry. He continued to preach to them twice or thrice every month, to the end of November, when they gave him a cordial and unanimous call to the ministerial office, saying, 'Go. preach the gospel wherever the Lord shall send you.'
In the month of February, 1818, he was called to preach at Ipswich, Suffolk, to a few members from each of the Baptist Churches there (Stoke Green and Salem), who were united in church fellowship, and met for worship in a chapel originally built for the Methodist body. In the month of November following he was unanimously elected to the pastoral office, and was publicly set apart on the tenth of that month, when Mr. Keeble delivered a very impressive charge from 2 Tim. ii, 7. For a short time the church prospered ; nine persons were baptised, three of whom were given as seals to his ministry; but a prospect fair was blighted, discord entered, which ultimately proved the overthrow of the church. The doors were closed, and the chapel converted into dwelling houses. A lamentable fact!
At this time the Baptist Church at Wattisham, Suffolk, was without a pastor, and invited Mr. Reynolds to supply for them four Lord's days, in December, 1819. The cause of Christ there, at that time, was very low, the congregation consisted of only fifty or sixty persons, the church was divided, and the chapel very dilapidated. Through his work because the congregation had greatly increased, in the summer of 1820 the Church cordially and unanimously invited Mr Reynolds to the Pastoral office which he accepted. The old chapel became too straight to contain those who flocked to Zion's holy gates, and, consequently, it was resolved to remove the old building and erect a new one on the same site, which was done, and opened for divine service, August 2nd, 1826, when the late Mr. John Stevens of London, and Mr. C. Elven of Bury, preached.
Now related is an important part of Mr. Reynolds's history: In the early part of the year 1829 he received a letter from the Baptist Church at Hull, inviting him to supply them for a month. He offered three Sundays, to this proposal they assented, and Mr. Reynolds named the arrangement to one of his deacons, who acquiesced. When the time came for him to go to Hull, he found all the deacons, except the aforesaid, unacquainted with his intention, he having forgotten to name it to his brethren in office. They, consequently, were much surprised, and one of them strongly opposed it. This gave rise to much misunderstanding and contention. Mr. Reynolds felt his mind wounded and hastily came to the conclusion that the Lord was saying unto him, 'Depart hence'. Then from the church at Hull he received a pressing invitation to go and preach the gospel to them, and on the 29th of December, 1829, he started from Wattisham for that place. When he calmly considered the past, he felt convinced that he had greatly erred in removing from that place, where his labour had been so signally blessed, and greatly feared the Lord would chastise him for the same ; nor were his fears groundless, as he was never again so happy in his work, nor his ministry so useful. How needful is it that the Christian, and especially the minister of the gospel, should act with caution, as one wrong step, although overruled for some good, may prove a lasting source of sorrow.
In the beginning of the year 1832 he removed to Willingham, Cambridgeshire, having received an invitation from the church there. He found them in a very divided and unhappy state. Hoping, however, that a brighter scene would dawn, he continued until May 1833, when he left, not without having had some tokens of the divine blessing on his ministry. In the month of July following, the Lord directed his steps to Sudbury, Suffolk, where the church was very low, the people had been scattered, and there was a debt of two hundred pounds on the chapel. Everything looked gloomy, but to prevent the chapel from being closed (which was then feared), he determined, in dependence on the Lord, to go there, and continue until the Michaelmas, which he did; the congregation increased during that time, and signs of usefulness appeared. He continued to labour there until the year 1837, and during the four years twenty-eight persons were baptised, the pewing of the chapel was completed, a vestry added, a small burying ground purchased, and the old debt reduced to one hundred and fifty pounds. Pecuniary circumstances, however, induced Mr. Reynolds to remove from this sphere of labour, as he found if he continued there he must be prepared to make further sacrifices, which he was unwilling to do, having already expended a considerable sum, which he had received from a private source.
The Baptist Church at Clare was it that time without a pastor, and in the summer of 1838 they gave Mr. Reynolds a unanimous invitation to the pastorate, which he accepted, and continued there until the summer of 1841. During the early part of his ministry at that place, the preached word was greatly blessed, sinners were born of God, and believers greatly edified and established in the great truths of the gospel ; but the spirit of contention entered the church, and after a stay of just four years, Mr. Reynolds resigned his office as pastor.
On his removal from Clare, he was called to preach the gospel at London Street, Greenwich, and afterwards at Eynsford, Kent. At both these places for a time the word was blessed. At Greenwich he was called to sustain a severe loss in the decease of his wife, who died November 3rd, 1843. In the year 1846, when at Eynsford, he again married, and his new young wife proved a great comfort to him in his long affliction and declining age, but who was left with an infant charge to mourn his loss. In the year 1851 he removed to Otley, in Suffolk, but after a very brief stay there he removed to March, in the Isle of Ely, Cambs. Here he preached in the old chapel, called 'The Tabernacle,' where he found the prospect very gloomy. The church consisted of only nine persons, and the congregation reduced to fifty. He was favoured there to gather a congregation, and to see a Lord's-day school established, numbering seventy children. But in the commencement of the year 1855 he was taken with loss of memory whilst preaching, which his medical adviser treated as apoplexy. It being now evident that a long time must elapse before he would be able again to resume his public duties, in the month of June he resigned the pastoral office. He then removed to Stowmarket, Suffolk, where one of his daughters resided, hoping that change of air, and rest, would be the means of restoring his health. The Benevolent Society, for the relief of aged ministers and their widows, in that county, having kindly voted him the sum of forty pounds towards his support. For a time he appeared to rally. He was enabled to preach several times at Wattisham, Rattlesden, and other places in the latter part of the year 1855, and the commencement of the year 1856. The last Lord's day he was publicly engaged was at Wattisham, on the 4th of May, when in the morning he preached from John xiv, 6 ; in the afternoon administered the Lord's Supper ; and in the evening preached from Rev. xxii, 5. The last sermon he delivered was on the evening of the 7th of May, at Stowmarket, from Rom. xiii, 11, when he felt very unwell, and quite unfit for the service. Thus ended his ministry, after being upheld for thirty-eight years as a faithful preacher of Christ's gospel, having delivered nearly nine thousand sermons ! From that time his health rapidly declined; disease had taken a strong hold of him, which baffled the skill of his medical advisers. His affliction was a very painful one; at times his pains were distressing. His nervous system, also, was much affected, so that his mind was often beclouded, which was a source of great sorrow to him. However, he frequently enjoyed the conversation of Christian friends, and often testified the truths of the gospel he had so long preached were the solace and support of his mind, and although he had not that amount of enjoyment he desired, he felt satisfied of his interest in the Great Redeemer. During the latter part of August the symptoms of his complaint became much more alarming, and after being confined to his bed rather more than a week, he fell asleep in Jesus on the 6th of September, 1856 (from The Gospel herald; or, Poor Christian's magazine Vol XXV. Vol III New Series Houlson and Wright London, MDCCCLVII, pages 17-20).

• One report of William Reynolds' ministry in Eynsford is as follows; Eynsford, Kent,—Mr. W. Reynolds baptized four persons on Lord's-day, October 4th, in the presence of a large and devout congregation, when the following hymn was sung:—

1. Jesus in this thy house of prayer,
Thy humble followers see;
In thy dear name assembled here,
To shew their love to thee.

2. Thy love to us did freely flow,
When suffering on the tree ;
Then may onr hearts with ardour glow,
And shew our love to thee.

3. May each with holy rapture say,
" O, why such love to me ?"
By this constrained, without delay,
We shew our love to thee.

4. Drawn by thy lore we upward rise,
From legal bondage free ;
Thy holy precepts now we prize,
And shew our love to thee.

5. May body, soul, and spirit too,
To thee devoted be ;
Rejoicing, may we onward go,
And shew our love to thee.

To hear the hymn tune click on the speaker below


Frater.   The Baptist Reporter and Missionary Intelligencer new Series—Vol. III (whole Series—Vol. XX.) Edited by Joseph Foulkes Winks 1846 Simpkin, Marshall and Co., London. page 500.

• The sixth Pastor to Eynsford was Jonathan Whittemore: EYNSFORD, KENT. On Tuesday, July 6th, the Rev. J. Whittemore, late of Rushden, Northamptonshire, was publicly recognized as the pastor of the Baptist church meeting at Eynsford, Kent. The interesting services of the day were introduced by reading the scriptures and prayer, by the Rev. J. Cox, of Woolwich, Kent; the Rev. G. Hall, of Ipswich, delivered a very lucid discourse on the nature and constitution of a christian church, and proposed the usual questions; the Rev. C. H. Hosken, of Crayford, Kent, offered the recognition prayer; the Rev.J. Peacock, of Spencer-place, London, delivered the charge to the minister, from Rev. ii. 10 j the Rev. W. A. Blake, of Shoulham-street, London, addressed the members of the church; and the Rev. R. Hammond, of Town Malling.Kent, preached in the evening from Matthew xxiv. 14. The Revs. Messrs. Wallis, of Bexley Heath, Pearce, of Lessness Heath, Kent, and Geary, of London, assisted in the devotional exercises of the day.
The Church. Vol. VI. M.DCCC.LII (1852) London: Simpkin, Marshall, & Co., Arthur Hall & Co., Page 252.

Here is the story of Rebecca Hearn who joined the Sunday School under the ministry of Pastor Jonathan Whittemore; The young friend, of whom I would give you a brief memoir, resided at Farningham, Kent. At a very early age she was a scholar in Eynsford baptist sabbath school, and continued so until her declining health prevented. About fifteen months before her death, she became very anxious for her soul's salvation, and was led to the footstool of the Saviour, where she sought and obtained mercy. In a letter to a very dear friend she says, " I trust I have been enabled to decide for Christ; I do feel willing to give up all for him. The world has many temptations, but there is nothing in it worth fixing our love upon. No, all my love shall be the .Lord's, for he alone is altogether lovely to my soul; and it is my desire and prayer that I may always feel as I do now."
She had been the child of many prayers, and this change was hailed by her friends with much thankfulness ; for they looked forward to the time when they should have the joy of seeing her devoted to the cause of Christ, and a blessing to his church. But He, whose thoughts are not as our thoughts, had appointed otherwise ; for in the early part of the year, which began with so many bright hopes for the future, symptoms of consumption (Tuberculosis or TB) appeared - the disease which had before removed her dear mother and brother to the eternal world.
She had a very strong desire to be united with the Lord's people, and her name was introduced to the church, when the friends expressed their willingness and desire to receive her, should her strength ever be equal to the ordinance of baptism. But it never was; and when next it was administered, she had joined the church above. During her long illness she was not heard to express a desire to recover. " I am willing either to live or die, as best pleases my father in heaven," was language often on her lips; and sometimes she added, " but I think I would rather go."
The day before her death, many friends called to see her; several of whom, in prayer, commended her departing spirit into the hands of the Lord Jesus. She was too weak to talk much, but the little she said proved her to be resting on the Rock of Ages. She sent her love to her class-mates, with the hope that she might meet them in heaven. She requested her friends to read to her from Drummond's " Peace for the Dying Christian," and seemed much to enjoy it. Her breathing now became very difficult; and the restlessness of death was upon her. " This is hard work," she said; "but there is rest in heaven." A few hours afterwards, on Oct. 26, 1853, she entered that glorious rest, aged 17 years ; and is now, we hope and believe, " absent from the body, but present with the Lord." - The Baptist Children's Magazine and Youth Missionary Repository Vol III New Series, Piper, Stephenson & Co London 1853, pages 120-122.

• Jonathan Whittemore, pastor to Eynsford Baptist Church died on Wednesday, 31st October 1860, whilst still serving in his ministry. His remains were interred in the Abbey Park Cemetery, on the 5th November. The Rev'd W. A. Blake of Shouldham Street conducted the service. On the following Lord's day a service was held at Eynsford where he had laboured for so long. Psalm xlvi: 10 was chosen by his widow [from The Primitive Church (or Baptist) Magazine, Vol XVII, Arthur Hall & Co. London, 1860, page 282]. Before becoming Pastor to Eynsford he had been Pastor to the Old Baptist Church, Rushden, Northamptonshire [The Church Vol VIII, M.DCCC.LIV, J Heaton & Son, Leeds, page 196].

• J. M. Camp the seventh Pastor of Eynsford accepted the pastorate of  the Church at Parson's Hill, Woolwich in 1871 (Baptist Magazine 1871, page 256).

• Pastor George Brooks Richardson who had been Pastor from 1882 - 1892, had been previously Pastor to Charlbury and Chadlington see under Richardson; http://users.ox.ac.uk/~malcolm/genuki/big/eng/OXF/Charlbury/kibble.txt

In the November of 1895, the Rev. George Brooks Richardson accepted the charge of the Battle Baptist Church [East Sussex] for 12 months, not, however, removing into the district from Hastings. Mr. Richardson was at Chadlington and Charlbury 1876-82. Eynsford 1882-92, and after leaving Battle, at Arlington 1900-1908. He was educated at the Metropolitan College. A History of Battle Baptist Church by The Rev F W Butt-Thompson and Others Page 22.



Compiler The Rev'd Dr Michael Foster

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History of the Church Chapter 1-1: 1775-1905  
History of the Church Chapter    2: 1905-1906  
History of the Church Chapter    3: 1905-1938  
History of the Church Chapter    4: 1938-1940  
History of the Church Chapter    5: 1940-1950  
History of the Church Chapter    6: 1950-1960  
History of the Church Chapter    7: 1960-1969  
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History of the Church Chapter    9: 1981-1989  
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