About us
A short history of Didsbury Baptist Church
The land on which Didsbury Baptist Church stands was bought for the Baptist denomination by Mr Oliver Knott of Manchester. Plans were drawn up which included church, school, vestries and four classrooms. Because of rising costs (inflation 1900 style), the original plans were severely curtailed but the church was opened in June 1901. Within a few years however, the church was forced to close because of insufficient support and the Plymouth Brethren leased the building from 1911 to 1926.
After World War I, Manchester Housing Department developed large corporation estates on Kingsway and in the Catterick Road area. In addition, there was extensive private development in the Didsbury Park area. By early 1927, members of the older established Baptist churches in central Manchester were coming to live on these new estates. The church was now needed for Baptist worship and a re-opening service was held on 13th November 1927.
On 19th July 1928, a meeting was held at which those present formed themselves into a church membership. This was indeed a memorable day. The newly opened church was served by student pastors until 1931 when the first full-time minister was appointed. Between 1931 and 1974, a succession of ministers are remembered with affection and grateful thanks to God for the selfless service they gave to the church, in His name, during that period.
In 1970 the church grounds, formerly surrounded by large trees and untidy hedges, were landscaped and its surrounds laid out around the wooden 'Hilton Hall'.
In 1971 the Baptist church in Longsight finally closed its doors. The membership of those remaining was transferred to Didsbury Baptist Church. The assets from the sale of the premises in Slade Lane, and also of the manse, were used to effect the extensive alteration to the church buildings - which have proved very beneficial, allowing a play group, an after-school club and others to meet on the premises.
In 1974, a ministry team was formed from ordained ministers and lay people who, because they were in full-time employment elsewhere, were able to give their time and expertise without the reward of renumeration. The church benefitted from the variation of thought and approach to worship during this period. The membership grew and in 1989, as a result of good stewardship, the church felt able once again to invite a full-time minister.