Our Story

Bishop’s Stortford Baptist Church (BSBC) has been a worshipping community in Bishop’s Stortford for more than 200 years. Our original building was built in 1819 on Newtown Road. In 2000 we moved to The Bishop’s Stortford High School before moving into our current building in 2012.

The Early Years: Newtown Road

In 1819 the first Baptist chapel was built in Newtown Road, on a piece of ground known as Sandpitt Field. Rules set up for church government suggest these first Baptists were of the Particular Baptist tradition, but in 1832 they joined the Baptist Union. The resulting increase in the congregation forced the building of a gallery the following year, and further enlargement of the chapel in 1841 and 1869. Thirty years later it was pulled down and replaced by the present building. This was built by local builder Joseph Glasscock at a cost of £2,000, and went on to serve the Baptist community for 101 years. The exterior of this former church still retains its Victorian character but the interior has now been transformed for residential use.

The New Millennium: A New Chapter

By the end of the 20th century, the condition of the building prompted the church to sell the property and seek an alternative site, and in January 2000 the congregation took up temporary accommodation at The Bishop’s Stortford High School in London Road.

In 2012 Bishop’s Stortford’s Baptist Church moved to its present site in Twyford Road.

Growing Mission: The Bridge

In 2022 we opened a new building on our site – The Bridge. It’s the focal point for our mission to our local community, and houses ministries including Exchange, The Food Pantry and the Breaking Bread Café.