The encouragement from neighbouring Ministers—A Church formed—First members—Sabbath schools—Chapel purchased—Opening sources—Separation—First pastor—Enlargement, second and third pastors.

This little despised band of Christians, amid all the evil influences at work for their dispersion, were much encouraged by the continued success that attended them. Had the Established Church provided better spiritual food it is probable the growth of Dissent at best would have been very slow and weak; and had she, instead of the bitterness everywhere manifested, employed more conciliatory means, it would have tended materially to retard the progress of events, which the course pursued rather accelerated by producing conviction of error, and hence leading to a perusal of that volume which is and ever will be the only statute book of the court of hearers, to which duty they were specially and earnestly directed for a solution of all difficulties, a solver of all doubts, and the only safe guide in all practical matters. They were much encouraged and assisted by many of the ministers from the surrounding Churches. The Rev. Robert Sloper, of Devizes, who especially took the infant cause under his fostering wing, and hence during his ministry regarded it as part and parcel of his own particular charge,—a kind of out-station to the Church of that place. Mr. Honeywell, of Melksham, was also very kind to them, visiting and encouraging them as often as his duties at home would allow. Mr. Jackson, of Warminster, and Mr. Sibree, of Frome, were frequent visitors here. The latter would invariably have a service on the Monday morning early before he returned home; and it is believed was the means of doing much good. And there was the then youthful Jay, of Christian Malford, a name that will doubtless continue in the remembrance of the Christian Church for years to come. Some of his earliest pulpit productions were delivered here; he consequently ever after felt a deep interest in its progress and prosperity.

“So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed,” that about this time several persons of respectability were induced to attend; doubtless various motives were in operation—some were attracted by the juvenility of the preacher, Mr. Jay; others with the simple yet melting piety of Mr. Sibree; and a third class would desire to hear what this new doctrine or sect was which was everywhere spoken against; of many it will be remarked, they were in the way, and the Lord met them—“a timid, feeble, youthful hand may pull the string, but an Unseen One guideth the arrow,” brought to a saving knowledge of the truth; they “laid hold of the skirts of Him that was a Jew saying, we will go with you for God is with you,” and cast in their lot with his people.

An onward course was now imperative; the next step was to organize a Christian Church—a good sign when it springs not from the spirit of faction and wish to appear something but from a healthy action—a desire to keep the commands of Christ, and become local centres of influence, lights to diffuse the Gospel. Such we trust were the feelings that animated the first band here—a desire to promote their own individual well-being and the glory of God. Their tried and constant friend, Mr. Sloper, met them in conference, and making every proper inquiry, agreed to form them into a distinct body. Having laid before them the laws of Christ, the Great Head of the Church, by which they were to be governed, and to regulate their daily conduct, walk, and conversation, promising to preside over them whenever his duties at home would allow. The following persons then gave and received of each other the right hand of fellowship:—

The two last-named persons are the only ones remaining, the rest are, in the language of the Apostle, “fallen asleep in Christ.” Miss Ann Gauntlett is a member of the Church assembling at Argyle Chapel, Bath, lately under the pastoral care of the now sainted William Jay: the other continues a member of the Church here.

Old Parsonage

In the year following, feeling their strength increase, “waxing stronger and stronger,” they proceeded to make provision for the young around them, fully entering into the spirit of that great truth which has since been so extensively carried out, viz., “that the future hope of the Christian Church must be the young,” they opened a school on the Sabbath for boys in the bakehouse of Mr. Gauntlett, the corner of Parsonage Lane, under the joint supervision of that gentleman and Mr. Joseph Ward, and one for girls at the old parsonage house, a little way up the lane, where Miss Saunders had a seminary for young ladies. This lady took the superintendence of that department: what were the numbers of the pupils and teachers there is now no record. These things continued until the purchase of the chapel, and the schools were removed thither, when Mr. Saunders (who with his sister about this time joined the Church) took the superintendency of the whole.

We cannot suffer an occasion like the present to pass without according to the memory of that gentleman the respect due to him for those efficient services he rendered. The energy of mind, the business-like habits, the sanctified talent, the spontaneous generosity, the unflinching rectitude, and the unwavering firmness which so strikingly formed his character, he brought to bear upon the prosperity not only of the school, which for forty years he presided over with unvarying regularity and constancy, never during that lengthened period been five minutes beyond his time, but the cause of the Redeemer generally, which in its various departments found in him a warm supporter, and especially that part of it with which he was immediately connected as an office bearer. Many now risen to take part in the activities of life can bear testimony to the tender amenities, the affectionate solicitude, persevering and patient assiduity by which his instructions were characterised. We deeply deplore those events and circumstances which, under the mysterious arrangements of Divine Providence, have withdrawn the several members of his family from this locality, and thus denied the Church of one of his descendants upon whom the Paternal mantle might have fallen to supply his place, and hand down his name, zeal, piety, and energy to future generations. We trust that that family will continue to feel a deep and lasting interest in the prosperity of this our Zion.

From the continued accessions made and the decline of those prejudices and animosities which had so long vexed them from without, it became absolutely necessary that increased accommodation should be provided. Numerous difficulties at first presented themselves, every attempt to obtain suitable premises or a plot of ground eligible for the erection of a chapel was abortive. After waiting some time, the meeting-house belonging to the Friends before referred to, situate at the east end of the town, was to be disposed of: such a favourable opening naturally created a wish to possess the long-desired boon. A correspondence upon the subject was opened, and after due deliberation and counsel it was determined to embrace the offer, and the property was delivered over in trust for the especial use and service of the Church and congregation, under the denomination of Independents, of the PÆdo-baptist persuasion, subject to certain conditions as to the right of the Friends to its use occasionally if required. These documents, with subsequent ones, are now placed in the custody of the County Association, who have provided a safe repository for such papers. It was a square building built of rough stone, having brick quoins, and a brick front on one side abutting on the street, a narrow lane conducting to a cottage running at the back, the other side and front standing in the graveyard, enclosed with a stone wall; the admeasurement of which is 23 ft. by 39 ft., that of the building 33 ft. by 22 ft. Some considerable alteration was requisite to fit it for its intended purpose, a pulpit and desk being necessary; these having been accomplished, the place was opened by two public services; that in the morning by the Rev. Josiah Bull, of Newport Pagnell, and that in the evening by their warm friend, the Rev. William Jay, then settled at Bath. Most of the neighbouring ministers attended and united with them in the joy of that auspicious event,—the possession of a sanctuary of their own. They still continued dependant on foreign aid for the supply of the pulpit until about the year 1806, when the question of a regular established pastorate was mooted, especially as their much and deservedly esteemed friend felt the infirmities of advancing age coming upon him, so as to require additional help at home. The Rev. R. Sloper was unable to give them that assistance so desirable. This subject was one calculated to produce disunion, and painful as it is to contemplate, yet justice requires it should be told,—sad proof of the imperfection of human nature, even under the professed sanctifying power of the Gospel, the truth so long foretold by the Apostle became exemplified, “Whereas there are among you divisions, and strifes, and contentions. For while one of you saith, I am of Paul, and another, I of Apollos, and I of Cephas, and I of Christ, are ye not carnal?”—it ultimated in open rupture and separation, not only of the Church and congregation, but also of the Sabbath school, under Mr. Christopher Garrett, who withdrew, he and his followers, to a cottage situated in the lane near the weighing engine. A barn which stood near was afterwards pulled down, and the cottage enlarged to the size of the present building, from that time known as the lower chapel. The separatists have continued a distinct body of close communionists holding Baptist principles, from whom have since seceded the other body assembling in the new chapel in White Street, erected by Miss Husband.

In the year 1809, the portion of the Church that remained at what was then denominated the Upper Meeting, still desirous of a settled minister, chose Mr. Richard Ward, one of their number, and called him to the sacred office of pastor. Considering it desirable to his standing among the ministers, they proceeded to a public designation of him, and invited the pastors of neighbouring Churches to unite with them and recognise the mutual engagement. The usual and varied services were gone through embodying the profession of faith, the principles of Dissent, the nature of the Gospel Church, the imposition of hands, and the charge to the minister elect, with advice to the Church, in which various parties were engaged. He continued to labour among them with great acceptance until the year 1818, when the infirmities of age coming upon him, he relinquished his office. The attendance was much increased under his ministry, and several were added to the Church. It was during this period an addition was made of a gallery, which was soon filled, and an enlargement of the building rendered necessary; this was accomplished to the extent of 20 ft., its now present dimensions, rendering it capable of accommodating about 500 persons. By these alterations a heavy debt was incurred, and remained a burden until the time of the Rev. T. Sturgess, in the year 1829. Mr. Ward lived several years after his resignation, and died in 1839, full of years and faith; he was interred in the burying ground adjoining, nearly opposite the lower door.

Independent Chapel

He was followed by the Rev. Mr. Slade, a young man who was educated for the ministry at the Dissenting College at Newport Pagnell, under the Rev. Josiah Bull; and in the year 1818 was ordained according to the usual manner among the Churches of the denomination, but only continued with them till when, from an inability to please some who were fastidious, he resigned, and removed to Corsham, where he has continued ever since with comfort and honour to himself and advantage to the people of his charge. May he long continue, be made an increasing blessing, and with them richly enjoy the benediction of the Great Head of the Church.

In the following year the Rev. John Guard, then supplying Portland Chapel, Bath (a new Independent interest which it was attempted to raise to meet the wants of the extensive population of that city, but from the want of encouragement in certain quarters failed) was, from the recommendation and with the advice of the Rev. Wm. Jay, invited as a supply and, being approved of, he was requested to accept the vacant pastorate: he entered upon it in the year and continued to fill it till 1827, being constrained through the occurrence of some trying and unpleasant circumstances to relinquish his charge. Although he passed through the ordeal unscathed and with a clear conscience, yet he was much bowed down in his spirit, and felt his soul keenly sensitive, deeply lacerated. From hence he removed to Wickwar, in Gloucestershire, where he remained a few years, then went into Hampshire, where the cause being in a very low and unpromising state, and there appearing but very little prospect of its reviving, he did not remain long, but removed to Mavagessy, in Cornwall. How long he continued here is not exactly known. The next account of him is, that he returned to Overton, in Hampshire, and soon after terminated his trying pilgrimage.

The removal of this servant of the Most High had an injurious effect upon the cause. The circumstances alluded to produced a great convulsion; the Church became divided, part spake one thing and part another, these bitter waters of strife ended in a temporary separation, and those who left occupied a room near the weighing engine. The Rev. Thos. Williams, who about twenty years before had visited the town and preached in the Market Place, then residing in London, was visited by an influential member of that party, with whom he had previously become acquainted, invited to come down, and settle among them, which he did, although he afterwards much regretted that step, being, as he said, misled in the representations made to him as to the state of affairs. The pulpit at the chapel being filled by casual supplies and some of the resident friends, after about six months the breach was healed, and the two parties re-united, when Mr. Williams became the pastor of the whole body. Unhappily the calm was of a treacherous character, and the sky soon put on a very portentous and ominous appearance. The echo of discord broke upon the ear, and instead of the sweets of harmony and heavenly fellowship, a union of purpose and aim, the unhallowed conflict and strife of party domination, so uncongenial to increase of grace, became apparent; the good man’s peace of mind was destroyed, and his usefulness impaired. After remaining a little more than a year, he closed his engagements with them, and withdrew to the lower chapel. He died in the year 1835, and was buried in the ground belonging to that place. A tablet was erected within the chapel to his memory.