Our History
Gospel witness began in the village when a Mr. C.H Mathews came from London to Halland in 1882 for the good of his health, and set up business as a nursery man. Being a Christian he had a deep concern for the spiritual good of the people who at that time were given over to much godlessness.
He started gospel meetings for children in his home and later services for adults. In time a living church was founded and in 1886 an Independent Calvinistic Church was established. Soon the house was overcrowded and so a chapel was erected and opened on adjoining land in 1892.
Mr Mathews continued as Pastor until his death in 1932. He was followed by Mr. James Pratt who ministered from 1933 until the Lord called him home in 1960.
Following 11 years without a Pastor, Mr. W.H. Cherry was appointed in 1971 and ministered for 18 years until he retired in 1989. During this period it was agreed that to be a Biblically constituted church, elders and deacons were to be appointed and also that baptism as a divine commandment was to be practised. Consequently the church has elders and deacons and baptise believers by immersion.
In 1992 Mr. Paul Clement took up the pastorate, he had studied at the Evangelical Theological College of Wales, this was followed by a period as assistant pastor at Malpas Road Evangelical Church, Newport. Mr. Clement served as Pastor until 2001.
The present Pastor , Mr Abe Thomas, who studied at the London Theological Seminary, lives in the manse with his wife Christina.
The Lord's Supper is celebrated after the morning service on the first Lord's day of the month. A Bible study and Prayer Meeting is held every Tuesday evening.
A burial ground was opened in 1959 at the rear of the chapel on a piece of ground donated by a member.
In 1976 a church hall was erected which has been much used by the church. From the proceeds of a bungalow left to the church a manse was built in 2006 on land donated by a member.
The Church recognises its responsibility to reach out with the Gospel locally and to the ends of the earth and as a consequence has meetings for Young People on Friday evenings at 7.30, and prayerfully and financially seeks to support a number of Home Missions and those ministering overseas.
We at Halland Chapel desire to be a caring church and warmly welcome visitors. If you are ever in the area please join us in the worship of our blessed Triune, Covenant God.
