EDBC History
The history of East Dartmoor Baptist Church
Baptist Christians have been in South Devon for many generations. Congregations were started in response to the preaching of courageous believers who challenged the political "status quo" and who opposed the absolute authority of the state church. Freedom of religion, of conscience, and speech were won by such brave and principled people. Known as "Dissenters" because they refused to accept the centralised organisation that linked the national Church with Parliament, these Free Churches sacrificed their civil rights and privileges to the demands of their principles and their understanding of the Bible. There was a long struggle ahead before wisdom prevailed and the "rights" which we take for granted were finally established in law and custom in the UK and Europe. We should remember that the Founding
Fathers of the USA left Plymouth in search of their freedom of faith and religious practice.
It was a time when religious discussions were commonplace; the majority of the British population attended church, but the Baptist preachers brought a fresh emphasis on personal faith and conversion. Such faith was followed by believers' baptism, and then the gathering of like-minded believers who sought to model their churches on the New Testament.
The towns and villages round Dartmoor were small and quite poor. Life for most people was hard, and records from the early days tell a story of poverty and perseverance. Baptist churches are independent, but have always worked together with other Baptists. So there was an established history of inter-dependence, which later bore fruit as the different congregations talked to each other about supporting and encouraging the work of the Kingdom of God.
Jumping several generations, by the time we reached the 1970s some of these small rural congregations were struggling. It seemed natural to explore the possibility of working together, and a long prayerful process ended in 1976 when a formal Agreement was signed between Bovey Tracey, Moretonhampstead, and Lustleigh congregations. They agreed to share a minister, to form one church membership, and to work with a common budget and leadership team. Their declared purpose: to work together for mutual support, encouragement, and mission. This was a strong commitment: in a sense, they got married instead of just "going out"!
Later on, the congregations at Christow and Chudleigh also joined EDBC. Sadly, the Christow congregation finally closed in 2004 when the last church members moved away from the village. In contrast, Chudleigh has seen considerable change and growth. With the support of the rest of EDBC, and with a great deal of prayer and seeking God's vision, the congregation relaunched and is now larger that than at any time in its previous history.
Multiple congregations working together has been a worthwhile challenge. Society has changed, and the religious and moral climate of the nation is very different from the time of its founders. Yet the task remains the same: to demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ in word and action, to continually present the claims of Jesus to every individual living here, and to live as a committed group of believers who are growing individually. Our congregations have demonstrated a variety of character and styles of worship. However, we have always held common values and a vision to see lives changed through the power of Christ.
Working out the details offers challenges! The value of this way of doing church has been seen in the lives of people who have become Christians and grown in their faith; and in the ways in which the local congregations have been supported in the renovation of buildings, the provision of practical help and advice, and the support of a team of preachers for Sunday worship. But change is here to stay...
Change for Today
2010 has seen major changes in EDBC, as we seek to be effective and fruitful churches serving our local communities.
On 1st January 2010, Chudleigh Baptist Church was formed once again as a separate church. Growth brought them to the point of being able to call their own pastor with help from a Home Mission grant. Rev David Hewitt took up the pastorate in January. We are united in thanking God for what He has done in growing the Chudleigh congregation to this point.
On 1st June, Moretonhampstead became known as "Moretonhampstead Community Church" and began a new chapter of life building local partnerships with other Moreton-based Christians.
September will see Lustleigh standing on their own two feet, secure in a well-renovated chapel and with a passion to see the village catch a vision of God's love.
Bovey Tracey will continue to operate under the name of East Dartmoor Baptist Church, at least for now. New vision, new structures, new programmes. We sense a developing desire to see the Kingdom of God brought to a living reality, and are embracing new ideas and opportunities.
It is exciting for all the congregations!
We place our trust in the "One who holds the future" and expect to be here to encourage and challenge the local communities for many years to come.
