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Although our church in Muller Road was only founded in 1930, our roots can be traced back much further than this. The Revd. George Whitefield, an Anglican and contemporary of John Wesley came to Bristol in the 18th century and preached to the miners of Kingswood and Rose Green winning many converts. He founded a church in Kingswood and one in Bristol, both called tabernacles. George Whitefield |
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In 1930, a church sponsored by local Congregationalists sprang from the purchase of a house in Downend Park, Horfield, and served as a place of worship for the fast growing local community. In 1933, a hall was built on the corner of Muller Road and Downend Road to serve as a centre for worship and week day activities. This Hall was later named the Phoenix Hall.
In 1960, new buildings were erected on the same site that provides us with the frontage along Muller Road that can be seen today. This was funded from the proceeds of the compulsory purchase of the Whitefield's Tabernacle Congregational Church in Penn Street which was to be demolished to make way for a new shopping area. Some of the original features and furnishings from this building were incorporated into the new church, and the two congregations merged.
In 1972, upon the union of the Congregational Church in England and Wales with the Presbyterian Church of England, a new denomination was formed called the United Reformed Church (URC). Later, in 1981, Churches of Christ came into the union.
We have maintained worship, fellowship and outreach, providing facilities and encouragement to people at all stages of their lives, from babies to older people as well as everyone in between!
In 2005 we embarked upon a new and extended service to the community in setting aside a section of our buildings for the use of a Drop in Centre providing a day care centre for people with learning difficulties. They have approximately 40 clients.. This centre is sponsored by Bristol Social Services.