Sittingbourne Baptist Church marks 160 years 

 

The Kent church, whose memorial stone was laid by Charles Haddon Spurgeon, has celebrated its anniversary through a series of events with outreach at its heart 

Sittingbourne Baptist Church has been celebrating its 160th anniversary this year.

With its actual anniversary on 4 September 1866, the church spread its celebrations throughout August and September. The celebrations were true to the church’s vision of: “Declaring Christ To People – Discipling People To Christ.” 

In early August, the congregation held a fellowship picnic at the local park. The outreach team played a mix of hits through the generations and classic hymns and choruses for those listening. The picnic was a time of relaxed fellowship that provided an opportunity for outreach to park visitors.  

They then hosted a creative day inside the church later in the month. The team prepared printed outlines of the church building, which participants were invited to colour and personalise, creating a gallery of Sittingbourne Baptist Church images.  

Attendees were encouraged to take home their own pictures and to pray for SBC. The day was marked by creativity, enjoyment, food and fellowship for all who attended.  

The congregation marked the anniversary on Sunday 6 September with communion and prayers inside the church before moving outside to worship in the high street. The warmer weather made this a memorable change from the usual outdoor Christmas service.   

As they sang, passers-by stopped to listen, and church members and the outreach team spoke with them, offering invitations to the church and to the following Saturday’s Jesus: The Evidence presentation.  

Members then led prayers of rededication, minister Nathan Gordon shared a short Gospel message and prayed for the town, before everyone returned indoors for fellowship over tea and coffee.  



The activities were in keeping with the church’s deep concern for its community and how it has grown and developed in its history.  

It all began in 1866 when, in the presence of eleven witnesses, the thirteen founding members covenanted together in the house of George Hambrook Dean. The new church soon purchased its current site for £300 and erected a building for £1700. Its memorial stone was laid on 13 May 1867 by Pastor Charles Haddon Spurgeon, and its first minister was a student from Spurgeon’s College. In November 1883, a decision was made for an extension to be built, and the Sunday school opened on 6 March 1884.  

By 1887, the congregation had outgrown the church building; people were sitting in the aisles and even on the pulpit steps. Accordingly, services moved to the Town Hall while the original 1867 building was enlarged.   

In 1960, a new baptistry was built and given to the church. In 1981, all the electrical wiring was replaced and a more modern lighting scheme installed. This was followed by major redecoration in 1982.  

In more recent years, the church has expanded its activities and become more outward-looking to the community. The remaining part of the side hall was converted to form the Christian bookshop in 1996, and a contact centre and the Bright Stars pre-school were established. From being a building used only in the evenings and Sundays, the church is now used daily. 

Through its different activities, the church currently welcomes people of all ages and has a regular Sunday attendance of around 250 people, including many young people and young families.  

"We are an extremely active church that is deeply concerned about reaching out into the community to bring change into people's lives spiritually and practically through the love of Jesus," its website states.