A Brief History of the Chelmsford congregation of the Worldwide Church of God
 1974 campaign held in Westminster Central Hall
 The first meeting of the Chelmsford Church was held at Shire Hall, Chelmsford
 Our current location, URC Great Baddow
 Margaretting Village Hall
Used occasionally in recent years     | The following is just an outline of what will be fleshed out later on
1974 Oct 15 Tues/ 16 Wed. Campaign at Westminster Central Hall. Dec 14. First meeting of Chelmsford church - County Room. Shire Hall 2pm. Minister Mr Stuart Powell. (Ipswich church split to Norwich am and Chelmsford pm). 1975 8 Feb 1975 Mr Martin Brown ordained a deacon. Spring Campaign (April – June) lectures in Southend followed by Sabbath meetings for a few weeks. July 12 or 19 Chelmsford split into Ipswich (re-established) and Southend combined with a few new people from campaign. Mr Powell assisted by Mr Peter Shenton. Norwich and Southend (10am), Ipswich (pm). 1976 Mr Powell moved to Scandinavia. Mr Shenton now minister of 3 churches in East Anglia. Church met at different locations in South Essex. Balmoral Community Centre- Southend. Basildon College occasionally. Elmbrook school - Basildon. South Green Memorial Hall – Billericay. 10 April Mr Martin Brown ordained local church elder Mr Alan Riley ordained deacon 1982 30 October Church moved from E. Anglia circuit to London area. Mr Robin Jones becomes minister. (Mr Shenton retained Norwich and Ipswich together with Scandinavia). Basildon College established as the regular meeting location with meeting time staying at 10am. 1985 October Mr Jones moved to Southampton replaced by Mr Barry Bourne in the London area. Basildon church becomes linked with Luton with Mr David Stirk as minister while Mr Bourne settled in at London. (Luton - am service so Basildon changed to meeting at 2pm). 1986 16 August Basildon church reverted to link with London with Mr Bourne becoming minister with meeting time staying at 2pm). 1993 9 October Mr Bourne and Mr Jones exchanged areas. Mr Jones returned to be the minister for both Basildon and London churches. 1996 11 May Mr Andrew Silcox replaced Mr Jones as minister. 1997 3 May Location of services changed from Basildon College to Shenfield High School. Meeting time 2pm. 1999 January Mr Harry Sullivan replaced Mr Andrew Silcox as minister. December Mr Chris Reeve ordained an elder 2001 January Mr Reeve replaced Mr Sullivan as minister. 2005 29 October Mr Reeve starts new church plant at Barkingside and is given responsibility for Maidstone church. Mr John Lord replaced Mr Reeve as minister. Location of meetings moved to the United Reformed church building at Great Baddow near Chelmsford. Meeting time 10:30am. 2006 25 November Meeting time changed to 1pm as Mr Lord commenced a series of public lectures at 10:30am. 2007 6 June Mr Anthony Goudie replaced Mr Lord as minister. Meeting time remained at 1pm. Mr Lord’s series of public lectures completed in August. |
