The Warminster Herald, Saturday 19 October 1878, reported:
The 50th anniversary of the Baptist Chapel was commemorated by the holding of special services at the beginning of this week for rejoicing and thanksgiving to God for his goodness towards the church during the time of its existence, and for His watchful care over it.
The services commenced on Sunday morning last by a meeting presided over by Mr. J. Smith, of London (an old friend of the cause, who remembered the time when the church was originated), and gave some of his experience of those times. Earnest and impressive sermons were preached to large congregations – in the afternoon from Malachi iii. 3, and in the evening from John vi. 40, by the Rev. J. Hurlstone, formerly a beloved pastor, and who was warmly greeted on again visiting the sphere of his former labours. A united communion closed the evening service.
On Monday a meeting for special prayer and praise was held in the morning, when Mr. King gave an appropriate and encouraging address, and the presence of the Divine head of the church was largely realised. In the afternoon a crowded congregation assembled, when Mr. Toone, of Bath (who formerly for a period of seven years took the general oversight of the church, and did much for its advancement, and whose presence on the occasion was very cheering), read the lessons and engaged in prayer, and was followed by the Rev. G. Short, B.A., of Salisbury, who preached a most eloquent, powerful, and impressive sermon from Luke xxiii. 35. At this service hymns were sung to tunes selected from those in general use fifty years ago, and accompanied as they then were – on violins, &c. Immediately at the close an open meeting was held, when earnest and stirring addresses were given by the Rev. G. Bailey, Rev. Packer, Mr. Hardick, and Mr. Smith; prayer was offered by Mr. King. An excellent tea was then provided, of which a large number partook.
In the evening a public meeting was held, made especially interesting by the presence of several gentlenmen, who were warmly greeted, being formerly closely connected with the church, and had done good service for the master within its walls. It was ably presided over by Mr. T. Hardick, who takes a great interest in the cause, and whose presence on this occasion was especially valued owing to the hallowed recollections his name recalled. Practical and encouraging addresses were given by the Revs. G. Short, B.A., J. Hurlstone, Packer, G. Bailey, W. Mitchell, and Messrs. Toone, King, G. Orchard, and Smith, the latter moving a hearty vote of thanks to the chairman, the speakers, and all who had taken part in the meeting.
A brief history of the church was also read by one of the members, from which we gather that it was originated by Mr. T. Hardwick, the revered father of the worthy chairman, at a time when the people of the village were grossly ignorant and in a most deplorable condition. He faithfully laboured there amid much opposition and difficulty for about 33 years, and was the instrument in God’s hands of doing much good in the village and neighbourhood. Special hymns were sung at the several services, Miss King and Mr. Orchard presiding at the harmonium. Prayers being offered by Mr. Watson, brought this most pleasant meeting to a close.
The chapel was most tastefully decorated with mottoes, banners, evergreens, flowers, &c., the work of the ladies and young friends, for which they are deserving of great praise. A noble arch also spanned the road near the chapel, the work of Mr. White, bearing a large banner on which was inscribed, “The year of Jubilee is come,” which gave the spot quite a charming appearance.
Tuesday afternoon was devoted to the children of the Sunday and Day School, who were treated to tea, after which they were entertained in the chapel, Mr. Baker, of Warminster, kindly showing them a number of pictures by means of his capital apparatus. They were also addressed by Mr. G. Orchard (a former scholar), and Mr. Watson. After a ringing clap of hands for Mr. Baker, the children returned to their homes much gratified by their evening’s amusement.
The meetings throughout were very successful, the weather being everything that could be desired, and we feel sure cannot but leave a lasting impression for good on the minds of the people, and we trust that the church will ever have good cause to look back upon the Jubilee Festival with deep feelings of thankfulness and pleasure.
