Baptist Chapel, Hilmarton

Documented evidence of Strict Baptist worship in Hilmarton indicates that this began in around 1848 in a bake house (probably the ‘Old Bakery’ in Compton Road). The ministers at this time included John and William Mortimer and William Ferris. The first Strict Baptist chapel (Little Bethel) was opened in 1849 in Church Road (the chapel building is still in the grounds of ‘Sunnyside’ although it is completely dilapidated). Several baptisms took place on its opening day and it continued to be used until within about 9 months of the new present chapel being built. During the interim, services were held in Manor Farm.

The present day Baptist Chapel is located in Church Street next to Lammas Close. It is a small stone building which was erected in 1924. On its opening the congregation was so large that the service had to be held on the lawn of a Mr and Mrs Hutchings. The chapel is still very popular today and holds regular services, special events and coffee mornings.