Unexpected find at Worcestershire church
Builders carrying out renovations to Fernhill Heath Baptist Church discovered a time capsule which had been placed to mark the laying of the foundation stone of the church in September 1903
It contained a copy of the programme for the stone laying service, and a magazine from Worcester Baptist Church recording the occasion and an 1885 coin.
Minister Jeff Porter explained that was the year the Worcester church started to regularly worship in the village. Subsequently a plot of land was donated and a building erected – the estimate for its construction being “£300 plus seats and fittings” - no VAT in those days!
The building was extended over the years and Fernhill Heath became an independent church in 1993.
Jeff said, 'We had no idea that the capsule existed. It is amazing that it was discovered just as we were about to celebrate 25 years as a separate church!'
The church is planning a series of events for the anniversary year, details of which are on the church website www.fernhillheathbaptist.org.uk where there is a link to the church Facebook page.
Baptist Times, 01/05/2018