THE BAPTIST CHAPEL
![https://coggeshallmuseum.org/app/uploads/2021/04/Baptist.jpg](https://coggeshallmuseum.org/app/uploads/2021/04/Baptist.jpg)
There had been Baptists in Coggeshall since about 1772 who met in a small chapel on Vane Lane. The Essex Baptist Association had it’s headquarters in Coggeshall from May 1797. Later the Baptists met in a house adjoining Hares Bridge on West Street.
Land was bought in Church Street in 1825 for £180 where subsequently a chapel was built, with a pool for full immersion Baptisms, which opened in 1855. The chapel was refurbished in 1888 and the famous preacher from Kelvedon, the Rev C H Spurgeon, contributed £23 towards the cost. The building went out of use in 1989 and the building now houses a business centre.
![](https://coggeshallmuseum.org/app/uploads/2021/05/Baptist-103-77.jpg)
This may well be the last gathering of the Coggeshall Baptists at the chapel, taken in May 1989.
In the centre in dark clothing is Harry Rolson who was a Lay Preacher in charge at the chapel.