THE place of worship known by this name is situated in the Bosworth-road,
Upper Westbourne-park, or, more properly, in Kensal New Town. It is in
the midst of a mass of new houses, either completed or in progress. It
was opened for worship in June, 1870. The Rev. H. W. Meadows, a minister
from Mr. Spurgeon’s College, first instituted services in a room in the
neighbourhood, from which he progressed to the building of this chapel,
at an entire cost of 360_l._ The place is far larger and more commodious
than this sum would seem to indicate; and it impresses one with how much
can be done for 360_l._ Of course, the structure is not imposing, but of
a plain and useful type, having more the appearance of a public hall, but
the interior is solidly fitted with benches. There is a good platform
pulpit, with a gallery behind it, flanked on one side with a minister’s
vestry. It is comfortably warmed by a stove in the centre, and well lit
by a set of neat gas-pendants from the beams of the roof. A debt of
200_l._ remains, which it is hoped will shortly be liquidated.
Accommodation is given for 400 persons; but the attendance, when largest
(in the evening), does not as yet generally exceed 150; and there are
about thirty members in church fellowship. Mr. Meadows and his friends
have had difficulties to contend with on the spot, as one or two small
preaching-rooms near conducted by persons of the same persuasion would
seem to show. He has evidently had uphill work; and it was not until the
18th of January, 1872, that a church was finally formed and a settlement
of his pastorate arrived at; and on January 28 in the evening he held his
first ordinance of baptism by immersion. The cause is regarded as a
branch from Westbourne-grove Baptist Church, and as under the particular
notice and care of the Rev. W. G. Lewis. The financial support is from
pew-rents and weekly offerings, with occasional aid; but the minister has
never yet derived the benefit of a salary. The services are, on Sundays:
Prayer-meeting, 7.30 A.M.; preaching at 11 and at 6.30 P.M. A
Sabbath-school is held, in which there are about eighty scholars, at 9.30
A.M. and 2.30 P.M. There is a service also on Wednesday evening at 7.30.
The deacons are Mr. W. S. Hook and Mr. C. Heard. This is not a Strict
Baptist church, but adopts the open communion.