UPPER WESTBOURNE-PARK BAPTIST CHAPEL.
The place of worship known by this name is situated in the Bosworth-road, Upper Westbourne-park, or, more properly, in Kensal New Town. It is in the midst of a mass of new houses, either completed or in progress. It was opened for worship in June, 1870. The Rev. H. W. Meadows, a minister from Mr. Spurgeon’s College, first instituted services in a room in the neighbourhood, from which he progressed to the building of this chapel, at an entire cost of 360l. The place is far larger and more commodious than this sum would seem to indicate; and it impresses one with how much can be done for 360l. Of course, the structure is not imposing, but of a plain and useful type, having more the appearance of a public hall, but the interior is solidly fitted with benches. There is a good platform pulpit, with a gallery behind it, flanked on one side with a minister’s vestry. It is comfortably warmed by a stove in the centre, and well lit by a set of neat gas-pendants from the beams of the roof. A debt of 200l. remains, which it is hoped will shortly be liquidated. Accommodation is given for 400 persons; but the attendance, when largest (in the evening), does not as yet generally exceed 150; and there are about thirty members in church fellowship. Mr. Meadows and his friends have had difficulties to contend with on the spot, as one or two small preaching-rooms near conducted by persons of the same persuasion would seem to show. He has evidently had uphill work; and it was not until the 18th of January, 1872, that a church was finally formed and a settlement of his pastorate arrived at; and on January 28 in the evening he held his first ordinance of baptism by immersion. The cause is regarded as a branch from Westbourne-grove Baptist Church, and as under the particular notice and care of the Rev. W. G. Lewis. The financial support is from pew-rents and weekly offerings, with occasional aid; but the minister has never yet derived the benefit of a salary. The services are, on Sundays: Prayer-meeting, 7.30 a.m.; preaching at 11 and at 6.30 p.m. A Sabbath-school is held, in which there are about eighty scholars, at 9.30 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. There is a service also on Wednesday evening at 7.30. The deacons are Mr. W. S. Hook and Mr. C. Heard. This is not a Strict Baptist church, but adopts the open communion.