Celebrating 200 years of a Baptist church 

Plans are in place to celebrate the bicentenary of Mount Zion Baptist church in Earby

The church began in 1819 as members met in one another’s homes. The first pastor, William Wilkinson, walked to London and back, calling at Baptist churches on the way to raise funds to build the first chapel.

Several decades later a larger church building was needed so a piece of land was bought and work on Mount Zion chapel began. This larger chapel was demolished in the early 1980s and the church now uses the old Sunday School building and is part of the West Craven Baptist Fellowship, members of the Yorkshire Baptist Association. 

During its 200-year history, the church has made significant contributions to life in Earby, organising musical shows and entertainments, Boys and Girls Brigade and serving Hot Lunches during winter months. The popular Parent and Toddler group, which meets on Wednesday mornings, has been running for over 30 years.

The church will celebrate its bicentenary with an Open Day on Saturday 30 March, from 10am until 4pm featuring an exhibition of photographs and other memorabilia, information about current activities and the church’s hopes for the future. Children from Earby Springfield School have been learning about the history of the church and some of their work will also be on display.

Continuing the church’s musical history, there will be entertainment provided by Border Harmony Choir and a ukulele group. Lunch and light refreshments will be served and all are invited to attend.

On the following day, Roy Searle will speak at a united Service of Celebration for all the churches in Earby.