Our History - almost 370 years in the making!
Bourton-on-the-water Baptist Church - now called Water Church - came into being around the 1650s, during a time of non-conformism, where Bourton's 1200 (ish) residents belonged to just about every denomination available.
As time went on, the various Baptist congregations moved closer together, eventually merging together and building their own Meeting House in 1701. This site is now occupied by the ceremony - take a look at the picture below.
In 1740, a vacancy for the post of minister arose, and the choise fell on a promising lad of only 23 years of age - Benjamin Beddome.
Beddome was so popular that even before he had accepted the full-time post, and even though he was still a young bachelor, the congregation started collecting funds to build a grand new manse for him. They raised a huge sum of £217 - which is the equivalent of over £35,000 now (!) - which was enough for a handsome double-fronted home. He moved into this home when he married in 1749. Beddome's home was owned by the church until 1938, when it was sold and is today the Old Manse Hotel in the centre of the village.
The Manse - as time went on
Benjamin Beddome's Manse - as it was
Beddome stayed in the Church for 55 years, as a well loved pastor and preacher, and a growing reputation as a hymn writer! He did in the Manse on 3rd September 1795, aged 79.
Benjamin Beddome's memorial remains a prominent feature in the Church to this day, and is visited by many.
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