Hide

Bridlington Baptist Church History up to 1912

hide
Hide
Hide

BRIDLINGTON:
Bridlington Baptist Church History up to 1912.

Source=h:/!Genuki/RecordTranscriptions/ERY/ERYBaptistChurches.txt

BRIDLINGTON BAPTIST CHURCH

In the village of Bridlington, and almost under the shadow of its Priory, there was founded, on September 16th, 1698, the second most ancient of our county causes. The Bridlington Baptists say they were "born in a gale," but the story of the gale has already been written for us by Principal Blomfield. The Bridlington church-book, which commences with the founding of the Church, is our most interesting county record. It reflects so faithfully the lights and shadows of the Church life of the period, that it is to be hoped the entire record of its first century, from 1698 to the retirement of Joseph Gawkrodger from the pastorate, in 1794, will at some time be published.

Robert Prudom, its first pastor, dying in 1708, James Hepburn preached during four years "with a view." On February 22nd, 1713-" A meeting was held on the present necessity of ye church, ye members whrof being desired to tarry after sermon. It was enquired : i. Query. Whether or no Br. James Hepburn have approved himself qualified, after above four years tryall, to take the pastoral charge, yea or no. It was agreed in the negative he is not qualified." From this point the name of James Hepburn, who was one of the original members of the Church, disappears from the history; perhaps he retired from the pursuit of a ministry of which the probation was so protracted and its success so precarious. Geo. Braithwaite, A.M.,* who was pastor from 1713 to 1734, was, in 1727, invited to the pastorate of Broadmead, Bristol, but, according to the Broadmead Records, replied "that he durst not leave the place where he is, under present circumstances."

The pastors during the 18th century were Robert Prudom (1698-1708); Geo. Braithwaite, A.M. (1713-34) Wm. Wells (1735-7); Richard Machin (1737-43); John Mitchell (1746-8); John Oulton (1750-4); Thos. Wilbraham -blind, but an eloquent preacher-supplied the pulpit (1754-61); Joseph Gawkrodger (1767-94). Robert Harness was ordained to the pastorate in 1796, remaining here fifty years. The town owes much to this devoted man of God who went in and out among the people for more than half a century. He came from the Church at Hull, and was twenty-three years of age when he began his ministry. There are still some remaining who remember the venerable pastor and heard him preach. He was held in great esteem in the town, and was universally regarded as a deeply religious man of God. He passed away in April, 1849, and is buried in the chapel yard in a vault which had been presented to him by the Trustees on the death of Mrs. Harness, in 1841.

He was followed by Edward Trickett (1846-8); G. H. Orchard (1848-52); J. W. Morgan (1852-66); T. Pottinger (two years); John Baines (1870-2); John Bentley (1873-9). The old Bayle Gate chapel was at last vacated, after being the home of the Church for more than a century and a half. The present building was opened in September, 1874, having cost £3200. Since then the pastorate has been held by G. Barrans (1879-83); W. J. Hunter (1884-6); W. Walsh (ten months); W. T. Whitley, M.A. (1888-91); John Scilley (1892-7). The Rev. H. F. Griffin accepted the call of the Church in 1897, and speedily undertook the erection of new school buildings, which were completed in 1899. After an earnest and successful ministry, ill-health compelled his resignation in 1905, and in 1908 he was called to his rest. Rev. W. Slater was appointed to the charge in 1906, where he continues a fruitful ministry. It may be said of this ancient Church-after a career of more than two centuries-that her eye is not dim nor her natural force abated.

NOTES:
* Baptised by David Crosley, in London, 1705.


Transcribed by Colin Hinson © 2014
from the "Present Churches" section of
The Baptists of Yorkshire
by Rev. J. Brown Morgan
and Rev. C.E. Shipley