CORNISH-L Archives

Archiver > CORNISH > 2001-11 > 1007150338


From: "Christopher and Joy Dean" <>
Subject: [CON] LAUNCESTON BAPTIST CHURCH
Date: Fri, 30 Nov 2001 19:58:58 -0000


I know a little about this fellowship, but would love to learn more.

The church's caretaker lived in the tiny house, still there, at the bottom of the drive to Madford House (I know because my grandparents Brock lived there throughout the 1940's), and probably longer. How was the church aligned geographically; on which street was the main door placed? Was it built in the house grounds; if so, was it an owner of the house, being also a Baptist, who donated a plot?

The demise of the church seems to have been rapid. When my parents married there in 1943, it seems to have been quite a lively place. But complete closure came soon after 1950, with many of its members moving to the Congregational Church; a place with only a few years of life ahead, although I understand that other Christians have used it since.

I should be grateful for any help, either from memories or written record. As well as things mentioned above, can anyone give me.

a. Opening & closure dates for the Baptists (and was there a chapel in the town beforehand?)

b. Clergy ministering there from 1920 to its end.

c. Why was its decline so rapid? This fate also occurred, I understand, to the Congregational cause, to which many of the Baptists turned in their misfortune.


Please help; for any kindness shown, my grattitude


Christopher Dean

This thread: