Purley Baptist Church was 100 years old in 2005. To mark the anniversary there were a number of activities.
Worship Celebration and Lunch 13th Feb
The big event went with a bang! Many people from the church, both past and present gathered at Whitgift School in South Croydon to thank God for his faithfulness and blessing over the last 100 years, and to look to Him for the future. There was a big celebration service followed by a meal and a presentation. Well over 700 people attended, and participated in the service of worship.
Peter Nodding writes:
What a great day we had last Sunday. A truly wonderful occasion for all who attended. Our friends who returned for the day were so thrilled with all that happened and recognised the hard work that had been put into it by our members. The morning worship was greatly appreciated and seemed to be accessible for all of us.
I have thanked a number of people who played key roles in organising different aspects of the day, and also written to David and Janet Coffey. However, I know that so many of you made a vital contribution in different ways that made this a memorable occasion. Thank you so much. We wanted the Lord to be glorified and I believe that he was.
I have heard from John Balchin who writes that he and Cherry were so blessed by the event, not least because it wasnt only a thanksgiving for the past, but a celebration of what the Lord is doing today.
Prayer and Thanksgiving
There was a day of prayer and thanksgiving and a special Centenary Exhibition on the 16th February at Purley Baptist Church.
Centenary Community Fun Day
The annual fun day took place on Saturday the 7th May at Purley Baptist Church. There were free activities for the whole family and a barbeque. The fun day is an annual event for the whole community and everyone is welcome. Many people attended, there were games, face painting food and inflatables, not to mention a police car to investigate, an entertainer, a band and a plant stall!
Channon’s Children
A group of PBC members, past and present, who were young people in the time of Rev. Channon’s ministry (1950s) met up on Saturday the 30th of April at the Church for a reunion 50 years on. People came from around the country for the event, with some flying in from other countries! It was a great success with over 130 people attending. There was a thanksgiving service, and a meal, with plenty of time to catch up with old friends!
Read the newspaper report:
www.croydonguardian.co.uk
CENTURY: the Book
A lavishly illustrated and inspiring new book bringing PBCs history right up to date is being published for the centenary. Please contact the Church Office for a copy, or buy one at one of the Centenary events.
To Purchase the Book:
Price: 7.50
Copies will be on sale at the Centenary events throughout the year, or you can contact the church office.
Tel: 020-8668-0422
Email: office@purleybaptist.org
CENTURY: multimedia CD
The CD contains many photographs, some videos and other features. From early photos of the church to today’s congregation, this CD is a fascinating purchase for anyone with an involvement with PBC, past or present.
To Purchase the CD:
Price: 2.00
CDs will be on sale at the Centenary events throughout the year, or you can contact the church office:
Tel: 020-8668-0422
Email: office@purleybaptist.org