Staincliffe Baptist Church History

STAINCLIFFE:
Staincliffe Baptist Church History up to 1912.

The Church at Staincliffe was formed on March 25th, 1821, and consisted of four brethren who had been baptised by Rev. Isaac Mann, of Shipley. They met in the upper room of a house in Chapel Fold, and Dr. Steadman presided over their first Communion Service. This little company was so abundantly blessed that it began to build almost immediately, opening a chapel on April 27th, 1822, and holding a first baptismal service on June 15th. In 1832, the Church felt able to give a call to Mr. T. H. Facer, a Horton student, under whose ministry the congregation increased so rapidly that galleries were added to the chapel. Mr. Facer resigned in 1843, and was followed by Rev. John Allison. At his coming there was a debt of £200 on the chapel, but this was soon cancelled.

A school was built in 1852, but five days after its opening the Church lost its pastor by death. He was followed by Rev. T. Hall, who remained until 1872, after which Rev. J. Hillman ministered for eighteen months. In 1878, Rev. J. Kendall began a pastorate which continued for twelve years, and the present buildings were opened on Good Friday, 1880. Subsequent ministries were those of Revs. F. Oliver (1890-3), and J. Rigby (1893-9). During the latter pastorate a Manse was built. After a lengthy interregnum; Mr. Edward Porter, a student of Manchester College, was ordained pastor in 1900, and sustained a happy service of nearly twelve years. He closed his ministry on May 7th, 1911, on which day he received seventeen members into the Church. The Church is at present without a pastor.