Eythorne Baptist Church was most likely formed in the early part of the 16th century by Baptists escape persecution of Baptists in the low countries, making this small Baptist Church one of the earlist in the United Kingdom.
Martyrs in the church
Joan Boucher, who is also described as "Joan of Kent", was burnt at the stake for being a Baptist at Smithfield on the 2nd May 1550. At her trial she supposedly said "In our little meeting in quiet Eythorne, where as a happy child I drank in the truth, Good Master Humphrey did once expound to us how that ever true faith were so.
Later History
The first recorded meeting house was on the Coldred Road and was erected somewhere around 1755. It seated approximately 60 people. It was enlarged to 120 people in 1773. Singing appears not to have been permitted until 1750.
Relocation
On the 29th January 1804 the church members were called together to consider a proposal made by Peter Fector Esq., a wealthy landowner, who lived near the old meeting house. It is read that he objected to "The hearty singing" which came to his ears from the worshippers across the way. His proposal was that he would purchase the old meeting house for £500 and he would also give an acre of land on Langdown, on which to build a new chapel. The new chapel was built the same year and was opened in September by Dr Rippon.
External links
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