The King's Church History
  
 

A church located in England's oldest borough is bound to draw interest in its history.

Let's begin with the people...

Mr & Mrs Rowe of Swindon had a vision to move to Malmesbury. In 1948 they established the first meetings of the Assemblies of God Pentecostal church in the TocH* hall next to St. Mary's Church. Mrs Rowe now lives in Canada. The church later moved to the Town Hall. In 1967 they bought the old parish 'Reading Rooms' in Silver Street.

Luther and Sandy Meier first came to Malmesbury in 1976 as part of an international evangelistic music group called ‘Living Sound’. After a 3 year pastorate with the Assemblies of God church in Droylsden, Manchester from 1983 to 1986. The Lord called them back to Malmesbury, receiving a call from local believers to start a new fellowship. In April 1986, they rented the Town Hall and began “Christian Service Centre”. Brian & June Kille, also formerly with ‘Living Sound’ headed up an international ministry called 'Link' and was the assistant pastor.
At their first baptismal service fourteen people were immersed in at the swimming pool. Activities of the church included a monthly 'Intercessor In Unity', a Bible training course, a course for new believers, a youth group called the 'Demolition Crew' and mission projects to Eastern Europe. The church moved to the Cartmell Centre, whilst praying for a permanent place to worship.

As a tremendous gift from God, the few members of the AoG church meeting on Silver Street, gave CSC, now renamed ‘King’s Church, the deeds to the property and the two groups merged. On 14th October 1990, the members had their the first worship services in the building. In December 1990 Luther and Sandy moved to northwest England to continue church planting and mission trips to eastern Europe while Brian Kille continued as head elder and pastor of King’s Church.

King's prospered under the leadership and teaching of various speakers. In September 1992, whilst based in Silver Street, King's Day Nursery was started, which provided care for children aged from 6 weeks to 5 years. There were many trials of faith in establishing this work and the church learned the value of praying individually and together for one aim.

In the mid-nineties prayers were offered for a new building, better suited for worship, which The Lord answered. In 1997 the Church was able to procure the vacant Abbey Row Baptist Chapel and renovate it. The Chapel on Abbey Row became the new building for Sunday meetings on March 31st, 1999 and we continue to meet there. Other uses include the VOD club for 6 to 11 years olds, King's mother and toddlers group and meeting place for the Abbey Guild.

  

The Chapel.

In 1672 it is thought that a house in Malmesbury was licensed for Baptist meetings and by 1688 meetings were taking place in a building on Abbey Row. A pastor was appointed in 1689 and a chapel was built at Abbey Row in or just after 1695. This was a low stone building that seated between 60 and 70 people and baptisms took place in the River Avon near Mill Lane.

The existing Baptist Chapel was built for the Strict Baptists was in 1802. It was enlarged by the addition of the balcony gallery in 1814 and in 1816 the north end was demolished and the chapel lengthened due to the large congregation. It is still possible to see the join in the balcony fascia where the extension begins. At one time the church would be so full that not only was the balcony full, but the congregation would overflow into the adjacent school room, where there was a viewing portal, now occupied by fitted cupboards.

The chapel was refurbished in 1910 and continued in use until the mid 1980s.

In 1997 it was bought by The King's Church from the Baptists who wanted the building to remain a place of worship.

 

 
 

 

 
The two cottages shown above to the left were demolished sometime during the late fifties or early sixties. There was once also a small chapel off Mill Lane behind King’s Church.
 
The church clock, (to clock enthusiasts, who found this page via google, we apologise that it's not in working order) was actually built in Malmesbury by Richard Pinnell. For more information on this clock maker, read Clocks Magazine back issue 2/16. (Please don't ask us!)

 

 
The King's church, although meeting in a wonderful and historic building, with a rich and blessed past, is very much alive today, living in the present. The baptismal pool is in use to this day, and God willing, will see plenty more water (it now has a heater!).
  

 

 

 

You are warmly invited to join us.