Two Baptist churches in Southend have decided to become one faith community seeking to reach out to others across the city.

57 West and Clarence Road are two member churches of the Baptist Union of Great Britain which have operated from the same premises for five years but have worked independently of each other.

57 West is a church plant established around a decade ago which works primarily with rough sleepers and those most in need in Southend.

Clarence Road Baptist Church was formed in 1882 and has a history of pioneering social action. Its current building opened in 1961 in the heart of the city centre, was extended 20 years later, and has been used by lots of different community groups which offer support and friendship for those who are vulnerable.

This includes 57 West, which moved into Clarence Road when it outgrew its original converted barber shop premises in 2017.

The two ran as separate churches, but following the pandemic began to explore what a closer partnership might look like.

“We thought a closer partnership had potential,” says Pam Davies, minister at 57 West. For instance, Clarence Road has a manse, and this could be developed as supported accommodation. There is also a vision for reaching young people - this is a city centre of young adults.

In 2022 the two congregations decided to move forward as one, and their first joint service was held in October.

Work is now underway for Clarence Road to merge into 57 West (under the 57 West CIO governance arrangements), with legal advice being taken from the Baptist Union Corporation. A new name for the congregation – Southend City Baptist Church - was agreed in March.

While funding is needed in the short term, Pam hopes the new community can become self-sustaining long term, and that 2023 may be the last on Home Mission funding.

“We have huge plans for our two communities as we seek to work as one,” she says.