Jeff's Journal

New Road at Oxford

Worship Sunday morning found me at New Road Baptist Church. It is where the Baptist assembled on the new road at Oxford. The “new” road was built in the 18th century, the first new road since the 13th century. (And it remains the newest road in the city center!) The newer roads today are on the ring road well beyond the city center.

There is evidence of Baptist in Oxford from 1653. Baptists met in houses until 1715. Baptisms took place in the river near the Hythe Bridge. One report of a baptism tells that hundreds of people gathered and would “shout and make it ridiculous.” (Dissenters were not understood!) Baptist would seek other places to gather until the 1798 when the current building was built.

The building looks the same as it was in 1798, except the graveyard has been relocated and the church has just finished an agreement with the city for “Bonn Square”. The church has allowed the city to create a park on their property. This is a very clever move as it opens up visibility and accessibility for the church to the community. The church is even considering a name change to Bonn Square Baptist Church, although the sign says New Road Baptist Church at Bonn Square.

Baptisms are no longer in the river with people mocking. In the corner of the church building is a baptistery. The local church is about 100 people, although their church planting work reaches more than 1000 people through other Sunday schools and churches started by New Road.

The service was similar to many in the US; Call to Worship, a contemporary metaphor for the biblical text, singing of Hymns (and one chorus), prayers, readings from the New Testament and another from the Old Testament, a very fine sermon from the former Principal of Regents Park, passing the plate (offering), passing the peace and the Lord’s Supper and a blessing. Following the Blessing, the congregation sat as the organ played a final piece for reflection after which the congregation departed. It was rather nice to have a moment before leaving the sanctuary to head back into the city.

I spoke with some of the church members about the “changes” in their church. They seem very agreeable with the arrangement with the city and are excited about the opportunity for renewed out reach to the community with what the new park venue will allow.

There was other discussion about having to create a new church constitution. They have had their confession since 1780, but because of changes in the government’s Charity Commission, the church must change their constitution to reflect the Commission’s template. It was interesting to read through their confession as it affirms both infant and believer’s baptism. I’m sure as they sought unity in centuries before, they will find it in this era as well.

posted by Jeff Waldo @ 12:51 PM