Church History

'Potted' History of our church

1943 – 1944 The church began in West Bridgford in the home of Leslie and Mary Bicknell. Leslie was serving in the Non Combatant Corps and endeavoured to obtain Sunday Leave. Leslie and Mary had previously fellowshipped with Mrs Moggs at Lowater Assembly, Carlton, so were well versed in the scriptures.

1945 Leslie Bicknell was demobbed from the army took over the leadership of the ‘baby’ church as well as his secular employment. Membership grew and by the late forties, twenty Christians were meeting regularly. Mr Bicknell from his autobiography states, "You could not keep them away. They needed no exhortation to attend!"

1950 – 1960 The church moved to a rented room above the Coop stores on Lady Bay, and it was here that the church was consolidated – Sunday School, Youth group, outreach in the district and missionary support for Pakistan and other countries.

1963 The church was accepted into fellowship with the Assemblies of God.

1963 – 1964 Prayers and plans were made for a Vic Hallam building in Edwalton – a type of wooden construction. Land was purchased from the local council for the sum of £1,228. This was a building with a baptistery and facilities to make it a serving church.

1964 September, the church was opened. Mrs D.B. Worley, chairman of the WBUDC, Robert Barrie, Principle of the Bible College and Leslie Botham, chairman of the Midland District Council were present. Robert Barrie was the speaker.

1964 – 1986 The church grew numerically, in ministry and outreach with Sunday Schools at Clifton and Cotgrave, ‘Open Doors’ luncheon clubs, play group and youth group. Missionary support was maintained in Pakistan, Jordan, Congo, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

1986 October, Pastor Bicknell indicated that he wished to relinquish the pastorate.

1987 January, John Hill, a young man who had grown up in the church and called by God, succeeded Leslie Bicknell as Pastor.

1991 20^th July the new church building was opened being built on the site of the old church, which had been demolished the previous year. It has seating for 210 people and is ‘disabled user friendly’.

1992 The Play Group re-commenced, lead by Sandra Hill, the pastor’s wife. The Toddles group was also inaugurated.

1993 Church support for ‘Orphanage 2000’ to support the building of an orphanage in India following earthquake devastation. It is now developed and flourishing.

1994 Church involved in the ‘Jim’ challenge national outreach.

1996 50 years ‘Jubilee Celebration’ of the church.

1997 Naomi from Central Asia received in fellowship and is now studying at Mattersey Hall Bible College.

1997 Our Pastor John’s 10^th anniversary in post. The same year Pastor and a church team went to visit Romania and donated our old minibus, beginning a continuing support work among the Dumbrava gypsy population.

2003 Church appoints Alistair Kent as Assistant Pastor.

2004 Church launches new 5 year vision as a result of embarking on AOG's 'Journey into Mission Church' program.

PRESENT The church continues in fellowship with the Churches Together in West Bridgford.