| |
|
|
A Fair Trade church
Major refurbishment was again undertaken in 1998-99, as the church prepared to mark its 150th anniversary. The foyer was enlarged, with a glass screen making the sanctuary visible from the street. The prayer chapel was created. The London Baptist Association moved into offices upstairs. The premises were again open all the week, with volunteers at the open doors to welcome callers, whether for meetings, in pastoral need, or just seeking a quiet haven amid the rush of city life.
The Revd Dr Brian Haymes, after distinguished service in Baptist theological colleges for twenty years, decided to complete his forty years of full-time ministry by returning to the pastorate and came to Bloomsbury (2000-05). Many appreciate his fine preaching and he is often heard on the BBC's radio Morning Service. He introduced new teaching programmes to the church under the title, "Disciples on the Way".
During his ministry the church, which had already supported the Jubilee Campaign to release the world's poorest countries from crippling debt, became a Fair Trade Church. Strong support was given to the Peace March which tried in vain to avert British involvement in war in Iraq, and to the Make Poverty History campaign. The churches' launch for this was held in this church.
With Brian Haymes' retirement in November 2005 and Barbara Stanford's retirement from hospital chaplaincy in 2006, Bloomsbury was guided smoothly through its pastoral vacancy by Ministry Assistant Seyan Tills.
> Click here to read on
> Click here for story index
|
|
Bloomsbury members on the Jubilee 2000 campaign march in central London. |
