Sutton-in-Elms, Leicestershire, Baptist Church 

Sutton-in-Elms, Leicestershire, Baptist Church. The following history is taken from “History of the Baptist Churches in Connection with the Leicestershire Association,” Baptist Magazine (1865), 708-11.

The oldest church in this Association, and without exception the oldest Baptist church in Leicestershire, is that of Sutton-in-the-Elms. It was founded in the year 1650, the same year in which the church at Bedford was formed, in the society of whose pastor and members John Bunyan received so much help and encouragement when earnestly seeking the way of salvation, of which church he became a member in 1655, and over which, after his release from his twelve years’ imprisonment in Bedford jail, he presided for many years as pastor. Before this date, however, there was a number of persons holding Baptist principles scattered throughout this district of the county, who, although they occasionally met at other places, made Sutton the place of their general assemblies.

The great abundance of elm trees which formerly covered the surrounding country, and from which the village Sutton-in-the-Elms took its name afforded the means of secresy necessary in those troublous times when persecution raged against all who did not conform to the Established Church. The spot is still pointed out where, under the shelter of the trees, these persons met to worship God, to mediate upon His holy word, and for the communion of saints. From a curious note in the old church book it would appear that at this time and for more than a century afterwards singing formed no part of the religious service; this arose, doubtless, from the secret character of their meetings. It was not thought advisable, under the circumstances, to run the risk of discovering to others the place of their retreat by uniting with loud voice in singing the praises of God, but this practice of carrying on their worship without singing continued long after the necessity fro concealment had ceased to exist; and, when the service of song was introduced, it was opposed by some of the older members of the church. In the year 1650, these scattered people formed themselves into a church under the pastoral care of Mr. Thos. Townsend, their services being held alternately at Sutton, Willoughby, Bitteswell, Leire, and Frolesworth. From the facts that the deacons and members of the church wee scattered about in the neighbouring towns of Leicester, Lutterworth, and Hinckley, it is supposed that Sutton became the place of meeting in consequence of the “Five-Mile-Act.” For like reasons, the Quakers or “Friends” had formerly a meeting-house in the village, the burial ground attached to which has ceased to be used only within the memory of the oldest inhabitants. Of Mr. Townsend’s ministry little is known except the fact that he held the pastorate of the church forty-nine years, until 1699, and then on account of infirmity resigned his office, and died at Sutton, five years after, at an advanced age. On the resignation of Mr. Townsend, Mr. Benjamin Moore became pastor, and died at Sutton, having held his office there forty years. From a covenant in which the members of the church pledged themselves to withdraw from any member who should transgress the Divine rule of marrying “in the Lord”—a covenant which was not uncommon in our oldest churches—drawn up during Mr. Moore’s pastorate in the year 1709, and signed by the members of the church, it would appear that the number of members at this time was about sixty. In 1739, Mr. Robert Gilbert succeeded Mr. Moore, and after a brief ministry of two or three years, was cut off suddenly in the flower of his age. After his death the church was without a settled pastor for about eight years.

Mr. Isaac Woodman was the next pastor of the church. He has been described as “an amiable and venerable man.” During his pastorate the church at Harvey-lane, Leicester, was formed by 13 members from the church at Sutton. In consequence of the great depression of trade throughout the county, they removed to Leicester for better employment; but, on settling there, they were dissatisfied with the preaching which generally obtained in the town, as not setting forth in their view distinctly and prominently the gospel of Christ. On this account they resolved to form a new church and to open another place of worship, and obtained use of a barn in Harvey-lane, on the site of the chapel which has recently been re-opened for worship in connection with the Denomination. Mr. Woodman, who was not only a man of sterling worth but in easy circumstance, took a very active interest in the new church, and in many ways laboured to promote its welfare. He died suddenly in 1771, in the twenty-second year of his pastorate. The year following, Mr. William Butler, who was a member of the church at Arnsby, became pastor, and continued in this office eight years. Soon after his removal, Mr. Thomas Edmonds commenced his ministry at Sutton, and remained there till the year 1793, when he removed to Upton. In the same year, Mr. B. Evans became his successor, and held the pastoral office for nine or ten years, when he removed to Enderby; and was pastor of the church at Blaby for many years. Mr. C. M. Crachroade succeeded him. In the fourth year of his ministry there, he died very suddenly, after having preached at Leire, on Sunday morning, with his accustomed animation, from the Saviour’s words: “For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke xix.10). He was highly esteemed, and his name is still held in affectionate remembrance. 

In the year 1810, Mr. Cheney Burdett became the pastor of the church, and remained forty-two years — the whole of his ministerial life. he was a man of kind and genial spirit, and was much respected by all who knew him of every party. The present chapel was enlarged at his settlement at the cost of L300, the whole of which sum was raised in one day. It appears that about 100 persons were added to the church during his ministry. He died, after a long illness, in 1852. In the next year Mr. J. J. Gough began his ministry, and laboured there for upwards of four years, when he removed to America. During his ministry, a goodly number of members was added to the church. He was succeeded, in the autumn of 1857, by the present pastor. During the past year the chapel and chapel-house underwent extensive repairs and alterations. The church now enjoys a good degree of prosperity.

In estimating the services which such a church as this, which has never contained very many members, has rendered in the establishment of the Redeemer’s kingdom, we must consider its peculiar character and position. For many years after its formation, it was the centre of a circle whose circumference was about 60 miles, i.e. the members of the church and congregation were scattered up and down, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 9 miles in various directions from Sutton, and thus exerted a wide-spread influence. The circle has been gradually becoming smaller, as new chapels have been built and new churches formed; but as the circle of the church’s influence has become smaller, the church has contributed to the forming and strengthening of other churches. As the Nile, when its overflowing waters begin to subside, leaves, as it retires to narrow limits, a blessing behind it; so it is with this and kindred churches. They enrich others, whilst they themselves are impoverished. The church, throughout its whole course, has been distinguished as a peaceful church. The only temporary discord in the olden time arose out of that which was intended to bring harmony, viz., the introduction of singing. In later years it has again and again afforded a quiet and peaceful retreat for those who have fled from the unhappy strifes of other communities.