Langley A Brief History of the rise of the Particular Baptist Church of Christ Meeting at Langley in the County of Essex

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Although there had been occasional lectures delivered in this dark and desolate village, by different dissenting ministers for several years, yet there never had been any static preaching among the dissenters until Michaelmas 1826. At which time a few serious individuals who having to travel several miles to hear the Gospel themselves, and who keenly feeling for the destitute state of the village and the perishing condition of their neighbours came to the determination to make an attempt to introduce the stated ministry of the Gospel into the place. In accordance with this resolution at Michaelmas 1826 a carpenters shop, in the possession of Mr Nathan Driver, was fitted up for public worship and a Mr Samuel Webb, a member of the Particular Baptist Church of Christ at Hadleigh in the County of Suffolk was invited to come over and preach at Langley for four Sabbaths.

At the expiration of the month the attendance being good and the prospects encouraging the friends and supporters of the cause gave Mr Webb a unanimous invitation to continue his faithful labours among them for twelve months and agreed to give him twenty-five pounds for his services. Soon after the commencement of the stated ministry, the carpenter’s shop which would contain about one hundred and fifty people was not only filled but crowded to excess and frequently many persons had to return home for the want of accommodation. In this uncomfortable overflowing state, the friends went on thro’ the first winter. In the spring of 1828, Mr Wright of Dudenhoe Grange kindly offered the use of an empty barn for the summer months which was thankfully accepted and occupied for the public worship till harvest. The friends being aware that they must resign the barn in the month August it was absolutely necessary to consider what was then to be done. To return to their former little place would have been useless as that would not contain more than one half of the people, and not being able to obtain any other suitable place there appeared no alternative but either to abandon the cause and disperse the people or build a place for the worship of God. As the friends were extremely poor, the idea of building was a most important undertaking as they knew not how to provide the necessary interest and what made it still more difficult was the great opposition they had to encounter.

However as the distance from every other dissenting cause was considerable, the Friends could not think of giving up a cause which presented prospects so encouraging. Therefore after much consideration and earnest prayer for direction it was determined to proceed with the concern. Accordingly at a meeting held on the nineteenth of June 1827 of the principal supporters and friends of the cause it was unanimously decided to purchase twenty perches of freehold land offered by Mr John Wisbey of Clavering to build a Chapel 34 ft long and 26 ft wide. It was also agreed at this meeting that the five following persons should act as a committee to purchase materials and superintend the erection of the place, viz. Samuel Webb, James Webb, Jacob Prime, John Wisbey and Nathan Driver.

This committee was also empowered to receive subscriptions and donations, to pay for materials and labour, and were requested to keep a regular cash account open to the inspection of any person or persons who forwarded the good cause by their pecuniary assistance. As the barn could not be retained any longer than till harvest, the friends were under the absolute necessity of meeting in their new chapel several weeks before it was completed.

On the 9 of October 1827, it was publicly opened on which occasion three sermons were preached. That in the morning by Mr John Meakin of Cottenham Cambridgeshire from Isa 54:17, that in the afternoon by Mr. Thos Sutton of the same place from Isa 16:4, that in the evening by Mr Thos Watts of Oakington of Cambridgeshire from Psa 35:27.

Altho’ the day was very wet and uncomfortable, yet the attendance was considerable, and it is hoped that the divine presence was enjoyed by many persons who attended on the occasion.

In the latter part of October 1827, five persons were baptized by Mr Webb upon a profession of repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

As there were some materials in a state of readiness to commence the erection of a spiritual temple, the formation of a church was now considered both expedient and desirable. However, its organization was postponed till January 1^st 1828, on which occasion the following document was read by the Revd J Wilkinson of Saffron Walden who in connexion with Mr White, one of his respected deacons, and Mr Webb kindly assisted at the settlement of the church.

Whereas it has pleased God in the cause of his … and gracious providence to direct the Rev Samuel Webb to this place, and bless his Ministerial labours to the good of many in this neighbourhood and whereas we whose names are undersigned do wish to unite together in Church fellowship and having given ourselves to the Lord, are desirous of giving ourselves to one another according to his well, we do hereby agree to enter into such an union according to the Laws and Regulations of the New Testament Believing that Baptism by Immersion on a profession of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ is an important injunction of the Great Head of the Christian Church and that it was in the time of our Lord and his apostles introductory to it, we unite together upon this principle as a Baptized Church of Jesus Christ.

Aware, however that circumstances may arise which may render it desirable to receive to communion some persons who may differ from us, as it respects both the subject and the mode of Baptism and believing as we most confidently do that they in common with ourselves may be heirs of eternal live [sic] we do agree that the Church shall not be formed upon a plan so exclusive as to shut out such persons from our communion, should any cases occur than may render it desirable.

Be it understood, however, that before any unbaptised person can be admitted to communion with us at the Lord’s Table, the subject must be brought forward at a Church Meeting, and fairly discussed and their admission sanctioned by a majority of the Church.

As it respects the Doctrines which we profess to believe and maintain and the walk and conversation which we wish to cherish; they are as follows are met together there is he in the midst of them.

Such is the Foundation of our Faith and hope, and such is the influence which we trust that faith and hope will inspire. Upon these principles and with these wishes we now unite as a Church of Jesus Christ, in the full confidence that where but two or three of his faithful followers are

The right hand of fellowship was given to the undersigned seven persons by the Revd J Wilkinson of Saffrom Walden and a sermon was delivered applicable to the occasion from Phil 1:27. Thomas Everett, John Wisbey, Thomas Jeffery, Susan Wisbey, Mary Morrice, Ann Jeffery and Ellenor Pomfrett.

On the same evening after the formation of the Church, Friend Thos Everett was chosen to the office of deacon. Mr Saml Webb was also unanimously requested to take the Pastoral care of this newly organized infant Church. But while Mr Webb expressed his willingness to continue his ministry amongst them for the present, he requested time for consideration previous to his giving any answer as to his permanent settlement with them in the Pastoral Office.

An extract from the trust deed of the Baptist Chaple [sic] Langley

And permit to officiate in the said meeting house, such person, or persons, of the denomination of protestant dissenters called particular or, Calvinistic Baptists, as the said subscribers or the major part of them, men and women, being members of the said society and communicant therein; at a church meeting duly assembled for that purpose, shall from time to time elect to Officiate as their minister or Pastor in the said meeting house according to the usual order and customs of Societies of Protestant dissenters.

Transcription by David Driver, who also sends the following details of Langley membership.

LANGLEY BAPTIST CHAPEL MEMBERS 1828-39