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Hull Central Baptist Church History up to 1912

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Hull Central Baptist Church History up to 1912.

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HULL, CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH

The Central Church has already been mentioned under the name of George Street. The Rev. W. Pendered having, in 1794, preached for six months at Salthouse Lane, was not elected to the pastorate. Some, believing the occasion to be opportune for a second cause in Hull, requested him to undertake such a work. This was without any breach of unity. The new Church at first met in a room over the Corn Exchange, and opened the George Street chapel on May 18th, 1796. During Mr. Pendered's ministry William Ward -afterwards one of the great trio of missionary pioneers in India-was baptised. * The Church has had a succession of fifteen pastors, among whom are the memorable names of John Pulsford (1843-5) and John O'Dell (1858-63), (1876-95). Mr. O'Dell's ministry is still fragrant, for its saintliness and devotion, in the memories of many living members. In continuing the Church's history the scene now shifts to Beverley Road. In 1885, a new cause, known as the Hull Baptist Tabernacle, was established, with Rev. Frank Russell as pastor. In 1890, a corner site in Trafalgar Street and Beverley Road was purchased, and a school-chapel opened, March 22nd, 1892.

Proposals for union with George Street were under consideration in 1898, but did not become effective until July, 1902, when the diaconates of the two Churches were appointed a committee of management for the united Church which numbered 370 members. The present writer well remembers preaching the closing sermons at George Street on November 8th, 1903. In the following year the Rev. J. E. Shephard resigned the pastorate of George Street, after nine years ministry which had been interrupted by a serious illness, and in December of that year the foundation stones of the Central Church were laid, the building being opened for worship on February 22nd, 1906. Its total cost was 9000. In 1905, Rev. R. O. Johns accepted the pastorate, removing in 1909 to Luton, to be succeeded by Rev. A. T. Greenwood.

NOTES:
* The interest of the Associated Churches in the cause of Foreign Missions is seen in the faci that when the Association met at Hebden Fridge, in 1794, the same year in which Carey and Thomas had landed in India, letters from these brethren were read to the assembled delegates.


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