BROAD STREET

In 1818 the General Baptists built the Broad street chapel. Mr. Robert SMITH, formerly of Plumptre place chapel became the minister, and at his death in January, 1829, left a thriving church. This church originated in a disagreement between the members of Plumptre place chapel on some question of church government.

The structure in Broad street was raised by suscription, and cost £2,200. Its dimensions are 48 feet by 42 feet, and it contains 650 sittings. It is built of brick, and is well lighted, and has neat front and side galleries. In 1851 an entirely new entrance was made to the chapel and other alterations effected at an expense of about £650.

The number of members at the formation of the church was 169; the present number is 314. The school-rooms are situated behind the chapel, and are 66 feet long. The present number of Sunday scholars is 250. On Monday evening writing and arithmetic are taught to about 60 children.

In the year after Mr. SMITH's death, the Rev. Adam SMITH became pastor, but he removed to Quorndon in 1833. The Rev. R. INGHAM officiated from 1834 to 1838, and the Rev. James FERNEYHOUGH from 1840 to 1849, when he resigned. The present minister, the Rev. William Rawson STEVENSON, A.M., was appointed in May, 1851, and ordained the following year. Mr. STEVENSON is a native of Nottingham, and was for some years a pupil in the Grammar school in Stoney street. He subsequently studied at the University College, London, as well as at the Theological Institution of the General Baptist denomination at Leicester; and is a graduate of the London University. Mr. STEVENSON is much esteemed by his people; and, for his eloquent advocacy of temperance and other good objects on the platform, he is held in high respect by the community at large.

In connexion with the congregation there are a prayer and alms society, a tract society, auxiliary General Baptist foreign missionary society, home missionary society, Dorcas society, and children's clothing society.