Newton St. Petrock Baptist Church

Newton St. Petrock Baptist Church 1830-1980 Although the Baptist Church at Newton was opened on January 19th, 1830, the cause began some 12 years earlier when the Rev. John Gould retired from Croyde and settled in the parish. During his retirement it appears he had a good influence upon the life of the local blacksmith a Mr Frank Thorne, who might be considered to be the first Pastor. This good man worked at his anvil during the week and on the Lord s Day preached three times regularly, walking several miles to carry the Gospel to the surrounding villages. It is said he often went on a Sunday morning as far as 10 miles to Broadbury to preach. The Church was formed and the Pastor ordained on December 27th, 1827 at Folly Cross, one of his preaching stations. It was an interesting service. The Church consisted at its formation of 21 members. 1

On January 19th, 1830 a new Chapel was opened for the use of this Church. It was one of the bitterest days of winter - wind frost and snow in the ascendant - yet the attendance was large. The spot of land was given by the minister s father with a piece for a burial ground. The Pastor s house was in the centre, the smithy at one end and the Chapel at the other. After 20 years of faithful service the Pastor emigrated to America. On his leaving he gave the Chapel to the Baptist denomination. He was followed by Rev. G. B. Maynard during whose stay the Chapel was reseated and reslated at a cost of 100. (It is thought that the Gallery was added at this stage). He was succeeded some ten years later in 1871 by Edward Scott who remained as Pastor for three years. Then followed Alfred Sprague who was succeeded by Mr R. Yeatman. We have next the name of Rev. W. F. Price whose labours were most successful and rewarding. Unfortunately the old Church minute books from 1830-1871 were lost, and although the Rev. Scott reinstated records it was not until Rev. Price took over that the first Baptisms were recorded. Here is a record of a Church meeting held on Thursday, October 6th, 1881: Application for Baptism and membership was received from the following: 1. Maud Ellis, who stated that she had been led to give her heart to the Saviour at the Special Services held the previous November. 2. Abraham Isaac Balkwill, whose testimony was that he began to serve the Lord at Special Services held at Zion Chapel, Buckland, the previous February. 3. Job White, who stated that he was brought to Christ under a sermon preached by one of our Local Preachers in December last. After hearing the testimony of these friends it was resolved on the motion of the Pastor that after Baptism they be received into fellowship. It was also resolved that the Baptismal Services be held on Sunday, October 16th, 1881 at 3 o'clock in the afternoon and that it be held in the river Torridge at or near Newton Mill. In fact Mr Slade's Mill was used as the vestry for many years for similar occasions. 2

The first recorded trustees of Newton Church contain some interesting names, many of whom were the forefathers of some of our present day members. The following were elected at a Church meeting held on February 23rd, 1882: William Ellis, Senr., Farmer; William Ellis, Junr., Carpenter; Arscott Hearn, Labourer; all of Newton St. Petrock. John Norman, Farmer; Jessie Dunn, Farmer; both of Frithelstock. James Bale, Shoemaker; William Walter, Farmer; both of Shebbear; and George Ellis, Farmer of Abbotsham. During the stay of Rev. Price 16 Baptisms are recorded. Another notable event during his stay was that the Chapel was reseated and renovated at a cost of about 30. The monies being raised by subscriptions and a bazaar. He eventually left to attend the Metropolitan Pastors College (under the noted C. H. Spurgeon). In 1884 Rev. W. A. Barker of Regents Park College came to the Pastorate. Then followed Rev. A. D. Shaw in 1891 and Rev. F. W. Reynolds 1899-1909. It was during the Pastorship of Rev. Reynolds that a meeting was held on November 26th, 1903 in the old Chapel to discuss the advisability of building a new one. It was unanimously decided to proceed and the following people formed the original Building Committee: Rev. F. W. Reynolds, Messrs. W. Slade, W. Quance, I. Buse, John Slade J. Slade, Sen., J. Slade, Jun., W. Blight, F. Blight, W. Fowler, G. Slade, Sen., T. Squire, J. Squire, J. Hole, Mr. Cann and Mr. Gilbert. Again many of the above are the forefathers of present day members or people living in the neighbourhood. Messrs. J. Ellis, carpenter, W. & F. Blight, stonemasons were requested to prepare the plans and present them before Xmas 1903. Some of the prices quoted for the work on the New Chapel might be of interest: Walling covered work 2/9d. per perch, (or 14p per 5½yds. long x 1 foot high). Front end Rock Faced, brick lined at 6/- per perch (30p). Slating the Roof 4/- (20p per square) 10' x 10'. The Tender accepted for all carpentry work except painting varnishing and sizing was for the grand sum of 45, this included all labour. The Stone Laying Ceremony was arranged for Whit Monday, 1904, and was celebrated with a Luncheon and Tea organised by Mrs Slade (Bridge), Mrs Slade (Coombe), and Mrs Quance (Lane). It was held at Lane Barton where the Public Teas had been held for many years during the history of the old Chapel. The price being 2/6 (12½p) for Luncheon and Tea or 1/- (5p) for the Tea only. 3

The local M.P. Mr Soares was invited to preside at the Luncheon. Rev. Reynolds stayed long enough to see the New Building completed and the Cemetery extended before leaving the Group in 1909. He was followed by Rev. F. W. Cream, who was succeeded by Rev. J. W. Bailey in 1914, who had the honour of officiating at the first wedding to be solemized in the New Chapel, this being the wedding of one of the oldest of the present day members. 4

Then followed Rev. F. T. Passmore 1918-1922; Rev. C. P. Groom 1922-1928; and then came the longest pastorship in the history of the Church. Rev. F. W. Gubbins 1928-1955 a duration of 27 years. Many of the present day members look back with a feeling of great love and gratitude at having known Rev. Gubbins. During his term Cloakrooms were built at the back of the Chapel in 1936. In 1943 the Cemetery was extended with a special Service of Consecration conducted by Rev. B. F. Hardy (Appledore). In the year 1950 it was necessary to provide parking arrangements for the Sunday services which resulted in a New Car Park being constructed by the help of voluntary labour from the men folk connected with the Church. In 1953 extensive repairs and redecoration were undertaken of the Church and Schoolroom. The Opening Ceremony was performed by Miss A. Goaman of Bideford and the Guest Preacher was the Rev. C. Dyer of Plymouth (Secretary of the Devon and Cornwall Baptist Association). CONGREGATION ASSEMBLING AFTER RE-OPENING CEREMONY 5

From 1955 we have the commencement of the Younger Generation of Pastors, coming straight to us from College. The first name on this list is that of Rev. Peter Egginton who now resides at Great Malvern and has been invited to be the Guest Preacher for our 150th Thanksgiving Celebrations. He was with us 5 years and was followed by Rev. P. J. W. Turpin, who is now a Pastor in Canada. Then came Rev. J. D. King whose pastorate lasted 3 years, he is now a Rector in the Church of England. In 1968 Rev. M. F. Shepherd came amongst us for 4 years duration and was held in high esteem. For a number of years candidates for Baptism had been obliged to go to Torrington or Bideford for the observance of the ordinance of Believers Baptism. We were greatly indebted to those friends for the use of their Churches and Premises on many occasions, but the time came when we wished to have the Baptist Witness within our own Group of Churches. In 1970 with the help of a sponsored walk arranged by the Young People of the Group, it was made possible to construct a Baptistry at Newton for the use of the Frithelstock Group. The President of the North Devon District was invited to assist at the first Baptismal Service which took place about four years later. The Rev. Howard Sugg came to us in 1972 and served the Church well, before retiring first to Bideford, later moving to the North of England to be nearer his daughter and grandchildren, also during the Rev. Shepherd's ministry, various special efforts were arranged to raise funds in respect of the installation of a new oil fired heating system. The following year it was necessary to redecorate the Church and School Room. The opening ceremony was performed by Mrs. Edith Hearn (former organist and Sunday School scholar), and the special speaker was Rev. Barry Blake-Lobb of Hatherleigh. The assistance of the Rev. W. G. Brown was greatly appreciated during his retirement at Shebbear, especially during periods without a Resident Pastor. As this short history of the Baptist Church draws to its close it has been suggested that the work and witness of Newton Male Voices should be mentioned as they have toured a wide area presenting the gospel message in Song and Recitation. Over the years we have had the pleasure of visiting different Churches and congregations throughout the county of Devon, so often the amusing question has been asked, Where exactly is Newton St. Petrock? We have tried in our small way to put this little community on the map and we extend a hearty invitation for you to join us in our Special Thanksgiving 6

Celebrations. So far we have been looking at the past we now would like to turn our thoughts to the future. We are blessed with a fine group of Sunday School Teachers, Scholars and Young People attached to Newton. Excellent results have been achieved at the Local Scripture Union Examinations. These Young People are the Church of the Future. A lot of thought and discussion has been given to the need of extending the School Room, a plot of land adjoining at the back has been promised for this purpose and planning permission has been applied for. At the time of going to print it is not known whether the problems of inflation will allow us to proceed with our hopes for the future extension proposal. We can only leave this in the hands of the One who has led and guided through the past 150 years. We are watchers of a Beacon whose Light must never die. The light of the Gospel has shone forth from this little Church on the Hill. We look forward in Faith to the Future and place our trust in the Hands of our Saviour who Leads us. This takes us up to the present Pastor, Rev. W. Fransch who came with us at the end of 1977, thus keeping alive the long line of faithful workers the Lord has provided for this Church at Newton. 7

LIST OF PASTORS 1818 Rev. J. Gould 1827 Rev. F. Thorne 1860 Rev. G. B. Maynard 1871 Rev. E. Scott 1874 Rev. A. Sprague 1876 Rev. R. Yeatman 1880 Rev. W. F. Price 1884 Rev. W. A. Barker 1891 Rev. A. D. Shaw 1899 Rev. F. W. Reynolds 1909 Rev. F. W. Cream 1914 Rev. J. W. Bailey 1918 Rev. F. T. Passmore 1922 Rev. C. P. Groom 1928 Rev. F. W. Gubbins 1955 Rev. P. Egginton 1960 Rev. P. J. W. Turpin 1965 Rev. J. D. King 1968 Rev. M. F. Shepherd 1972 Rev. H. Sugg 1978 Rev. W. Fransch ********* THY HAND, 0 GOD, HAS GUIDED THY FLOCK FROM AGE TO AGE OUR FATHERS OWNED THY GOODNESS AND WE THEIR DEEDS RECORD AND BOTH OF THIS BEAR WITNESS ONE CHURCH, ONE FAITH, ONE LORD 8

A message from the Pastor: MY VISION OF THE FUTURE AT NEWTON BAPTIST Being asked to share my vision of the future of the Baptist Church at Newton St. Petrock on paper, has made clear my own prayerful understanding of the way we must be working towards. Our whole future depends on the depth of our personal love for the Lord. For our love for Jesus determines how restricted or free he is, to love and work in and through us, and through the fellowship, to be blessed and be a blessing, to receive and then be a channel of the Lord to others. Responsibilities we inherited There are many responsibilities we inherited for the privilege of being in this part of God's vineyard. We exist for the spreading of the Kingdom of God right here at Newton and surrounding areas, by offering Jesus Christ as the only hope of the world. Again and again the despair I see amidst great affluence, leaves me beyond any doubt, that offering Jesus Christ to the world is the greatest gift we have to meet the greatest need in the world today. Our Assets It is human nature to allow despondency to cast such shadows that blind us from seeing the things God has blessed us with. We have very deep family roots within the church, so that within the fellowship our folk share as families, making the feeling of togetherness so evident in the services. I believe that this strong family involvement in the churches life, has been the strength of the strong family relationships within the homes. We thank God for the many involved in lay-preaching, the choir work and Sunday School work, for this is the goal of the fellowship to make her children disciples of the Lord. We also have many talented both young and old, who are being used in many areas of society life. This means that the outreach from this little chapel could be a dynamic influence reaching far beyond its own borders. The open door to the chapel and in the homes has been a great help to many, including visitors through times of crises. A New Testament Modelled Church I believe our future lies in providing within the life for the needs of many seeking a deeper walk with the Lord, and genuine Christian fellowship on such a level that will make this possible. In (Acts. 2: 41-47) we see the life of the early church providing for the early Christians a fellowship like ground well prepared and manured, in no way frustrating growth and maturity but encouraging it. In so many 9

fellowships growth in our walk in the Spirit is questioned and frowned upon, and even stamped out. They were open to all: who-so-ever will may come. I thank God that this is a present fact at Newton already. They continued steadfastly, faithful to the on-going life of the fellowship, which included being present at the Apostles teaching sessions, present for fellowship, present for the breaking of bread and present for prayer (verses 42 & 46). They saw their fellowship as being vital for the steadfast continuance of the fellowship. I pray that we all see our part and value as being like pillars holding up a building. For without one of us as pillars the Lord's building is weak and unstable, and apt to crumble. We must also be open to receive all from the Lord and be used wholly by Him. Many outside the faith are desperately looking for the loving proof that Jesus is Lord, while many frustrated believers are searching for a place where they are able to discover the joys and blessing of the early church. Where Jesus will feel at home to work wonders without having to stand on trial for it (v43). The love that they had among themselves, was a costly love. I am glad to witness to the fact that many in the fellowship are discovering a new joy as they work up to this kind of love. I believe that there is a willingness in the fellowship to accept the challenges of the future. I say only this to the fellowship: May the love of Jesus move you, melt you and make you all that He wants you to be. That through you Newton may be The Salt of the earth, and the light of the world, overcoming all the challenges of the future in love." Rev. W. Fransch ********* 10

Greetings from.... On the behalf of the wider Baptist family I send to you all sincere and hearty greetings as you celebrate your Ter-Jubilee. Scripture records how frequently God called His people to remember. 'Remember how the Lord your God led you...' This was God's way of teaching and encouraging His people for future discipleship and service (Dent. 8). (We think of your early church members, of their deep commitment: the day of the opening of the chapel was one of ' the bitterest days of winter yet the attendance were large.' They worked together: there were two preachers who always went together because one could read and sing but could not preach while the other could preach but could not read!). So I pray that your act of remembrance of God and his ways in earlier years will be a rich experience of God's grace and goodness both then and now and also be a spring-board for your future endeavours in His Name. RONALD A. COWLEY. General Superintendent of the Western Area. ********* I have been looking at the history book and realised how different life was in our country a century and a half ago. There were horses then, not tractors! Yet, I reflected, in one respect at least, how much the same. People needed Christ then and they need Him now. One rejoices in the witness of our Baptist Chapel during the years. I gladly send warmest greetings from the Devon and Cornwall Baptist Association. We can say with the hymn writer: We'll praise Him for all that is past, And trust Him for all that's to come. JOHN R. BLANSHARD. The Devon and Cornwall Baptist Association. ********* 11

I am pleased to be associated with the 150th Anniversary of your Chapel because of the close ties which exist between the Churches of the Frithelstock Group and the Shebbear Circuit. Those ties were enhanced by the good humour and warm friendship and preaching of the late Rev. W. G. Brown. We live in days when denominational differences mean less and less and we are discovering ways of working more closely together, in Day School, in Choral activities, in Prayer and generally sharing in local evangelism. On behalf of the Shebbear Circuit may I offer you sincere greetings and congratulations on this your special anniversary. May this celebration be a means of deepening your commitment to Christ in the work to which He has called you. Expect great things from God, and attempt great things for God William Carey. LIONEL E. G. LEWIS. Superintendent Minister, Shebbear Methodist Circuit. ********* 12

Notes to At the close of the period described above, works were planned to extend the schoolroom; in 1980, Mr & Mrs Johns donated land for this development. While the Chapel members paid for the materials, the labour was supplied by a work party of young men on probation. This was a time when the Chapel was thriving. Attendance averaged (?) with a good spread of ages; however as the years passed, a decline became apparent which led to the closure of three of the four chapels in the Frithelstock Group; Caute (date), Thycott (date) and Frithelstock Stone (date). Following the advice of (??), funds raised from the sale of these buildings were used in (date) to build a four-bedroomed manse at Newton Cross. Despite sustained efforts led by (names) the attendance continued to decline as the children of members grew older and moved away from the Newton area. The remaining membership (numbers by year) by 2013 reached an average age of (??). Demographic change in local area, new housing developments focussed on Langtree and Stibb Cross. 13