我們的歷史

In 1880 a family who were members of the Newcastle Baptist Church had a deep desire to tell boys and girls in the suburb where they lived (Tighes Hill) about Jesus, and so, with the blessing of the Newcastle Church, a Sunday School was commenced in their home. After 5 years the Sunday school grew over and it became evident that a church should be formed.

In May 1886, a meeting was held at the Baptist Church, Sydney Street, Newcastle, to take steps to erect a building in the fast growing new suburb of Islington, so that some of its members might more conveniently worship at a local church, and also to house a Sunday school which had been in operation at Tighes Hill for some time.

Mr. A. Gardiner was appointed to superintend the erection of the church on behalf of the Newcastle church, and for Rev. Seth Jones, who had only been in Newcastle eleven months and, in the short period, had taken preliminary steps to erect the present Newcastle Tabernacle, in addition to the abovementioned church at Islington.

The Building at Islington was first erected on the western portion fronting Chinchen Street of land 66ft by 132ft. situated on the corner of Coal and Chinchen Streets, which cost 364 of which 200 was raised while the building was in course of construction. It was thought that a manse could be erected on the land.

The Church was opened for worship on 6 June 1886, the morning service being conducted by Rev. J.H. Pryce, his subject being ‘God is a Spirit.’ Rev. Seth Jones was in charge of the afternoon and evening services, the texts being taken from Genesis 20 and Mark 4:26-29 respectively. The official opening celebrations took place on Thursday, 10th June, 1886, amidst torrential rain and wind, but over 300 sat down to tea.

The Church was decided to join the Baptist Union in June 1888. The old building in Chinchen Street was used in that locality until 1902. It is disclosed that after several abortive attempts to secure land adjoining the old site in Chinchen Street, the land upon which the present buildings stand was purchased in 1901 from Mr. Page for 350.

The old building was removed to the present site in 1902, and was used after the erection of the new church and until quite recently as the school hall in 1908. During the ministry of the late Rev. H. Halmarick, the front of the building was altered by addition of several Class rooms and certain other improvements were carried out. The old gas lighting facilities were abandoned in 1918, electric light being installed in the building.

In 1918 the erection of the new church began to be seriously considered. The foundation stones were laid on 21st February, 1920 by Rev. TR Coleman and Rev W. Cleugh Black, President of the NSW Baptist Union, and the church was officially opened for worship on 28th August. The new church is of brick with tile roof, 36ft by 70ft, with seating accommodation for 400.

To make more adequate provision for the care of the very young of the School, the Church decided in December 1920, to erect a kindergarten hall at a cost of 250. This building was opened on 17th February, 1921

So the Church grew. Not only did it grow in this one place, but like its “Mother Church” – it became a “mother church” and planted other Churches – Mayfield, New Lambton and at Cardiff, Sandgate and Cardiff South. Many of our folk surrender their lives in service to God as minsters, and missionaries in our country and overseas.

Extract from Warren Eltis《ISLINGTON BAPTIST CHURCH CENTENARY 1886-1986》 　　

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