Merstham Baptist Church
Over 150 years ago, planted by Charles Spurgeon, Merstham Baptist Church came into existence.
The history of Merstham Baptist Church is rooted in the early Baptist mission at Merstham, which was supported by Redhill Baptist Church (founded in 1864) and officially became independent in 1958. The church's original 1874 building was replaced by a new one in 1958, which later became structurally unsound. This led the congregation to relocate the church's operations.
Early history and expansion
A Baptist mission was established in Merstham and was supported by Redhill Baptist Church for many years.
The original mission church, a Baptist chapel, was built on High Street in 1874 and was a permanent structure until it was replaced by a new building in 1958.
The church became independent from Redhill Baptist Church in 1958, and its name changed to Merstham Baptist Church.
Growth and challenges
In the 1950s, the original premises became a source of concern for the church as it began to grow.
A new building was constructed in 1958, and the church moved into it.
However, after 1958 the new building also began to deteriorate, and the church was forced to move into a prefabricated temporary building in 2010.
Due to the deteriorating state of the premises, a planning application was approved in 2003 to redevelop the site.
Current status
As of 2010, Merstham Baptist Church continues to worship in a temporary building while plans for a new development are underway.
The redevelopment will replace the old church building with new housing.
The church's history reflects the ongoing growth of the Baptist denomination in the region.
