book list
This booklet marks the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the Free Church at Welwyn Garden City on 1st May 1921. The booklet says that founders of this church "...set themselves to provide a simple form of worship based on the broadest Christian principles, which would unite all Nonconformist people coming into the Town........The Free Church actually owes its beginning to three men, Captain W. E. James, a Congregationalist, Mr R. J. Blacklock, a Wesleyan Methodist, and Mr B. Legg, a Baptist."
The early history of the Church, from its first services at home of Mr Blacklock at 28 Brockswood Lane in 1921, to constitution in 1921 and the building of the Lawrence Hall in 1922, and the acquiring of the present site in Church Road. In 1927 the Church was affiliated with the Presbyterian Church of England, Rev. E. T. Vernon becoming Interim Moderator.
The booklet then goes on to give a short résumé of the ministries of the six men who led the Church up to the present time. They were:
Captain W. E. James. 1921-1924
Mr A. J. Herbert Williams Mus.Bac. 1925-1927
Rev. James Burns M.A.1927-1929
Rev. R. E. Fenn B.A.1929-1946
Rev. F. D. McConnell M.A.1947-1967
Rev. Peter S. Chesney M.A. 1968-present [1971].
There follows a history of the Church building in Church Road. The original plan was from Louis de Soissons, and the Hall was dedicated in 1929. Extensions and alterations were made in 1956-58. The Manse was built on Church grounds in 1969. The booklet also mentions the three "Daughter Churches" at Woodhall Lane, Mardley Hill, and Panshanger.
The last four pages of the booklet are occupied by an article headed "Congregational Life" which recounts the activities of the Church throughout its period. From Mr Fenn's garden parties, to Eistedfodd, to wartime housing of London schoolgirls, ecumenical events, missionary activities, and so on until the present [1971].
Also in the booklet is a list of names of the 45 people in the first Roll of Membership in January 1922. There are also historical lists of Lay Preachers, Ministers, Session Clerks, Secretaries, and Treasurers of the Church. There are also photographs of six individuals, reproduced below.
Tucked inside my copy there was also a newssheet of May 1971, the front of
which I have also reproduced below.
(click on the images for a better view)
Capt. W. E. James
Mr. R. J. Blacklock
Rev. James Burns
Rev. R. E. Fenn
Rev. F. D. McConnell
Rev. P. S. Chesney
