Thirty people have gathered to witness the constitution of Grace Church Walthamstow in North East London, and the induction of ’Wale Akinrogunde as the pastor.
Formerly known as Church Hill Baptist Church, the original church was founded in 1633 and stood as the oldest Reformed Baptist Church in London, but sadly closed down in 2014. It was agreed that efforts should be made to replant a church in the same building.
Newly-elected deacon and church secretary, Manis Uduoborie led the service, in late April, and Barry King, pastor at Dunstable Baptist Church and General Secretary of Grace Baptist Partnership, preached the sermon, ‘Walking in the Truth’, from 3 John. Seven members covenanted together.
The replant, now known as Grace Church Walthamstow, began to evangelise the local E17 postcode in 2015 and formally started the replant work in August 2016. ’Wale and family were sent by their church, Titmuss Avenue Baptist Church, Thamesmead, London upon the request of the Association of Grace Baptist Churches (South East) and Grace Baptist Partnership, with help from The Angel Church, Islington.
The Lord has blessed Grace Church Walthamstow with multiple baptisms since the restart of the gospel work, which is progressing. There was a very well-attended weekly mothers and toddlers’ group which is our gospel response to struggling young mothers in the community, but the Covid pandemic shut that down. Church members are in the process of gradually restarting this particular outreach, Lord willing.
Walthamstow in North-East London is home to Europe’s longest street market, with hundreds of shops and almost 400 market stalls every day from the Town Square to St James Street. The church building on Kevan Court is less than five minutes’ walk from this market and there is opportunity for lots of door-to-door visiting. Walthamstow has a high number of Muslims, and there is a big mosque just a few metres from the church building.
