'Full of emotions and sadness, but hope for the future'
More than 450 people took part in a day of remembering, lament, thanksgiving and hope to mark the closure of Spurgeon’s College
The event took place at Trinity Baptist Church, Croydon, and included a service led by a former principal, Dr Nigel Wright. Dr David Coffey, former Baptist Union General Secretary and former president of the Baptist World Alliance, was the preacher.
Current General Secretary Lynn Green was among those leading prayers, while President Alex Afriyie and wife Dorcas also participated.
Sarah King, a former chair of governors, represented BMS World Mission, while former principals, students, staff and musicians took active parts in the service.
Almost 2000 people viewed the livestream, which is available here and below.
'A joyful reunion of students and staff'
Dr Wright said, “After the shock closure of Spurgeon's College in July 2025 the request arose for a service of thanksgiving.
“On 17 September, 2026, a day of remembering, lament, thanksgiving and hope was held at Trinity Baptist Church Croydon.
“A major feature of the day was the joyful reunion of students and staff from the 1950s to the present day.
“For many, the day was full of emotions and sadness but coloured by hope for the future.
“The final note was one of recommissioning for preaching the gospel and baptising the nations.”
Six qualities of Charles Spurgeon - David Coffey's sermon
Dr Coffey's sermon was based on Hebrews 13:7-18, and drew on six qualities from the life of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, the college founder.
They were:
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Providence: Spurgeon's deep belief in God's guiding hand. ‘In all seasons, at all times, in all dangers, I see the hand of God.’
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Passion for scripture: His commitment to preaching the Bible. ‘In his own preaching ministry, he saw the power of the word changing lives.’
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Balanced ministry: His ‘authentic salt and light ministry’ - his work both in the pulpit and in the public square addressing societal needs.
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Soul-winning: Spurgeon ‘burned with a passion’ for people to come to Christ.
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Suffering and adversity: How he navigated his own trials, which included physical ailments and depression. It was ‘those experiences of Spurgeon's sorrows that make him such a wonderful mentor for handling the trials of ministry.’
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Centrality of Christ: The inner life of Spurgeon was filled with ‘an intimate devotion to Jesus Christ.’ 'There was a childlike simplicity to his relationship with Jesus Christ, especially in his prayer life.'
“In this season of my life, this is what I've chosen from the life of Spurgeon,” Dr Coffey said. “Chosen because they're worth emulating and they're within our reach.”
“I invite you to consider the outcome of his way of life and imitate him with clarity. He points beyond himself to Jesus Christ who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
"Beloved institutions pass away, but His revelation remains unchanged."
Dr Coffey added: "I'm inviting you this afternoon to add your own saints to the cloud of witnesses. Beloved tutors, much loved student friends, husbands and wives no longer with us. They've taken their place in the cloud of witnesses.
"I want you to hear the cry of their encouragement this afternoon. You may not have a college, but you still have a ministry. Your high calling remains."
Reflections on the day
Several participants took to social media to share their reflections following the day.
London Baptists shared this post: "The Regional Team attended the Spurgeon’s College Thanksgiving today. A moving day giving thanks for all that has been, gathering with and remembering the many women and men who have trained and studied at the college, lamenting its sad and sudden closure and celebrating its legacy.
“It was good to gather together with so many familiar faces to mark this significant moment in our Baptist movement.”
Adrian Argile, regional minister team leader of the Heart of England Baptist Association, said, "I had four wonderful years at Spurgeon's College 1983-1987 where friendships were formed, spiritual disciplines were established, and pastoral practices put in place. The love of scriptures together with the importance of good exegesis and the place of prayer were firmly built into me. I am so grateful for my time there, for the tutors and for my fellow students.
"Following Spurgeon's College closure last year, today was a time to remember with thanksgiving all the college has meant to so many, a time to lament its closure, but also time to look forward with hope.
"It was a wonderful, sensitive gathering and great to be able to meet up with so many friends."
Phil Jump, regional minister co-team leader of the North Western Baptist Association, said: "It’s with very mixed feelings that I’ve joined in the celebration of Spurgeon’s College and lament at its closing.
"Many people have said very kind things to me over the years about my words, my thoughts, my work among our NWBA churches. If you feel I do things well - I owe much of that to the training and formation I received there - institutions come and go, but our calling to learn, grow and minister in the service of Christ remains."
Further photos
30/09/2026