Weymouth Baptist Church
Church in Dorset, England
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Weymouth Baptist Church is a Baptist Church in Weymouth, Dorset, England. It was built in 1813-14 by George Welsford as part of the terrace known as Bank Buildings, found at the southern end of Weymouth Esplanade. The church has been a Grade II listed building since 1953, with the attached schoolroom being added to the listing in 1974.[1]
History
Weymouth's Baptist Church was built by George Welsford in 1813-14 and opened on 27 July 1814, with Rev. Dr. Ryland, Rev. Page and Rev. Saffery preaching over the course of the day.[2]
The church was enlarged in 1828 with the addition of galleries. The original facade was styled in the form of two matching houses, but this was replaced in 1859 with a Doric facade. The schoolroom to the rear was built in 1864, while the church was re-pewed and re-lighted at the same time.[1][3]
The chapel suffered extensive damage in 1889 after a fire ignited due to a defect in the building's heating apparatus.[4] Further expansion of the church was seen in 1928 when the two adjoining houses were purchased, demolished and replaced with a brick building. The church stored Weymouth's archives during World War II.[5]
