The church traces its history back to 1620, when a group of Baptist Christians began meeting in Shrewsbury, probably in a street called Dun’s Shut, off the High Street. It is one of the oldest Baptist churches in England, and several other churches have sprung from it since the early 19th century.

The church met in various buildings during its early history, mainly in the narrow shuts (passages) which are still a feature of Shrewsbury’s old town centre. There are records of meetings in Dun’s Shut, Seymour’s Shut, Kings Head Shut and Stilliers Shut, now known as Golden Cross Passage. In 1780 a new meeting house was built in Dog Lane, now known as Claremont Street.

Our present building - the second one on this site - was built in 1877. The main worship area and frontage has undergone a major restoration in recent years.

The church has had many distinguished pastors over the years; perhaps the most famous was John Palmer who became pastor in 1793,he had tremendous evangelistic gifts and under his inspired leadership the church thrived, taking the gospel to Shrewsbury but also much further afield. Indeed churches were planted at Wem, Wellington, Welshpool, Ludlow, Oswestry and as far afield as Kington in Herefordshire, as a direct result of Palmer's ministry.

The 20th Century saw the church maintain its solidly evangelistic tradition in both its preaching and other ministries.

In the early part of the second half of the twentieth century the church began a children’s work north of the River Severn which was eventually to become Crowmoor Baptist Church. The two Shrewsbury Baptist churches maintain strong links even today.

Claremont today still wants to affirm its particular call to Shrewsbury Town Centre, while like preceding generations taking an active interest in work in other parts of the town and indeed much further away!

The 1877 building is no longer fit for purpose and the church has for a number of years been exploring ways of either improving it or replacing it.

At the time of writing, (2009), Shrewsbury Baptist Church's Cornerstone team are actively working on a clear and emerging solution. In the past, no solution had emerged, but what was very evident was the belief that change cannot be delayed any longer if Claremont Baptist Church is to be faithful to its history, its heritage, but above all it’s calling to share Jesus with a new generation.

Shrewsbury Baptist Church has incorporated both Claremont Baptist and Crowmoor Baptist Churches since 2006

Following meetings on 10th May 2009, both Claremont and Crowmoor Baptist Churches have completed the legal process to become united and now known as Shrewsbury Baptist Church.

ULTIMATELY HOWEVER, THE CHURCH IS NOT PRIMARILY ABOUT BUILDINGS, BUT ABOUT PROCLAIMING THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS IN RELEVANT WAYS TO PEOPLE OF OUR GENERATION. AND IN THAT SENSE THE STORY GOES ON!

 

Please note: As stated above, Claremont & Crowmoor Baptist Churches are now one church with the working title of SHREWSBURY BAPTIST CHURCH.

Photographs kindly supplied by the Shropshire Archives

 

 

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