Our Story - From Hope Hall to Kings Road Church
The Christian Fellowship that has evolved into KRC as we now know it, really came into existence in 1870, although it was five years later that a specially planned building in Kings Road opened. A group of Christians met informally for prayer and worship in a small room in Castle Street. Their wish was to worship Christ as simply as possible, and with no tradition except what they perceived to be laid down in the New Testament. They gave great importance to remembering the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ in an unadorned, unstructured communion service. Their faith was tremendous - real and powerful, and this attracted others to join them so that they had to think of larger, more suitable premises, and so the church in Kings Road began.
In addition to the milestones below, KRC has also featured in the press. Read the coverage in the local newspapers in 1879 (soon after its foundation), in 1969 when it was rebuilt; and on its centenary in 1975
1875
Under the leadership of Mr Samuel Alexander and through the great generosity of Lord Congleton, a member of the early Brethren movement, Hope Hall was opened on New Year’;s day.
1876
Hope Hall registered for the “the Solemnization of Marriages” on 28th January, and held its first wedding on November 4th. A Sunday School started on 29th October with 10 teachers and 9 scholars.
1877
One year on, and 47 children celebrated the first Sunday School outing on 29th October.
1879
A Mission Hall was opened at Hawridge Common; the church continued to grow; Mr Alexander looked after pastoral needs of the Fellowship as a full-time work.
1883
Growth continued and key members of the church, such as Lord Congleton’s daughter and her husband, and also a local builder and his brother, ably led the church into the twentieth century.
1925
Fifty years celebrated! Special meetings were addressed by Mr J. B. Watson, a well-known itinerant Bible teacher in Brethren churches.
1937
Our first missionary! Dr R Haygarth-Brown was commended by the church as a full time medical missionary to Bolivia.
1939
War - KREC surrendered its iron railings to help with the war effort.
1964
A major face lift and a new name. Hope Hall became Kings Road Evangelical Church (KREC). The building was altered considerably, inside and out, to make it more in keeping with the requirements of the closing decades of the 20th century.
1975
One hundred, not out! Great celebrations.
1984
Toddler Groups were added to the main church programme; an appointed pastor was brought in to assist the “part-time” elders; the church was fitted with carpets and curtains giving a more homely and less austere feeling.
1985
The Assemblies of God Fellowship in Kings Road ceased to function as a church, most of the members joined KRC. The Beulah Chapel premises were taken over by KREC (rented) for children’s activities.
1991
The first financially-supported full time pastor was appointed.
1994
A house was bought, suitable for the full time pastor and his family.
1995
Office space was added to the building at KREC for the pastor’s use.
1999
A financially supported Youth Worker was appointed.
2003,
Beulah, a former chapel in Kings Road which had fallen into disrepair, was purchased and completely renovated. This building is now used for youth work and other activities.
2004
KREC renamed as Kings Road Church (KRC). New signs, logo and colour scheme commissioned.
2006
Sunday morning services were moved to Bridgewater School where more space was available.
2007
A full-time Children’s Pastor was appointed.