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The sixties come to Bloomsbury
In 1945, once the war had ended, few residents returned to the area, and much redevelopment was for commercial use. The church fellowship had to be completely rebuilt. Among new developments was the John Clifford Society for students. Dr Lord's travels as President of the Baptist World Alliance, 1950-55, attracted yet more overseas visitors. In 1958 he handed over a vigorous church, though members travelled in from far and wide.
The Revd Dr Howard Williams was minister in a central meeting place rather than a local church. He set about improving the premises for this role. The Reconstruction Scheme, launched in 1962, saw the organ and choir gallery, which rose up behind the pulpit, moved, to be replaced by a soaring cross, with large platform and pulpit below. An enlarged rostrum over the baptistry brought the communion table closer to the congregation. The small upper gallery was removed to reveal the rose window from inside for the first time, and the black-varnished pews were stripped.
In 1964 a bright, modern sanctuary stood within the old frame. Next the basement was transformed into the Friendship Centre, a pioneering concept that was widely copied. Some of the rooms on the upper floor were converted into a flat for resident wardens.
Barbara Stanford came in 1961 as Sister Barbara, the last in a long line of deaconesses, as the Order was discontinued and serving deaconesses were recognized as Baptist ministers in
1975. For 40 years her pastoral ministry was at Bloomsbury, and in retirement, while still a hospital chaplain, she has continued to give herself generously to the church. She is another person of consecrated commonsense and has been a good friend to many people in all walks of life.
The next minister was called to Bloomsbury from the other side of the world. The Revd Barrie Hibbert (1987-99) had ministered in his native New Zealand and in Australia. He further strengthened the international nature of Bloomsbury's congregations. The peculiar circumstances of central London have encouraged ecumenical contacts from the early days and these Barrie promoted strongly.
The organist and director of music, Philip Luke, has for over 20 years encouraged musicians, vocal and instrumental, amateur and professional, to offer their gifts in worship. Bloomsbury music has become a strong feature of the church's life.
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Left: The church sanctuary in the 1950s, with its choir gallery behind an imposing Victorian pulpit. These were swept away in the 1960s. |
