Our History . . .

The Church was established by members of Hamsterley Baptist Church in 1873.  The congregation initially met in a “Tin Tabernacle” near the River Wear, in which early converts were Baptised.

Our present building dates from 1910 and its construction was financed largely by a wealthy local family who owned department stores in the area.  It is constructed from using local stone and has a slate roof.

The galleried sanctuary covers 2 floors and forms part of the seating accommodation for 270 people. Traditional curved wooden pews are supplemented by cushioned chairs for those with additional physical needs.  There is a small raised platform at the front and of course a Baptistry.

Other facilities include a pleasant lounge, seating around 50 people and a well equipped kitchen.  Upstairs, there is one large room and two smaller rooms.

The Church’s Centenary in July 1973 was marked by a new beginning under the ministry of Reverend Edgar Wright.  As one of five churches, (Bishop Auckland, Crook, Hamsterley, Spennymoor and Wolsingham) under Reverend Wright’s leadership, there was a steady increase in membership for almost five years.

Reverend Eric Laing was then called in 1977 with responsibility for Bishop Auckland, Ferryhill and Crook and by his departure in 1986, the membership had increased to 37.  There followed almost two years with no full time Minister, until Reverend Stan Woods was appointed as Minister in 1988-1991.

Our next Minister was the Reverend David Archer who served from 1991-1997.  David was then succeeded by the Reverend Tim Cook in November 1998, until he moved to become minister at Marston Green Church in Solihull, Birmingham on 31st Dec 2006.

We then shared a Minister, Jim Williams and his wife Sally from the USA.  He also pastored the Baptist Churches at Crook, Hamsterley and Wolsingham. 

Jim subsequently returned to the United States to retire and Reverend Ray Richardson was called in 2010 to the role of Pastor/Moderator of Bishop Auckland, Hamsterley & Crook Baptist churches.

Ray retired in 2014 and was succeeded in the role by Reverend Trevor Rowe who provided our churches with valuable insight and guidance until April 2017.

Reverend Tony Taylor stepped into the role of Moderator in September 2017 bringing with him a breath of experience and a forward thinking outlook. Tony's fresh ideas and insightful approach help us embrace new possibilities and be ever open-minded and accepting of the world at large.