1821- 1948

 

The Rev  Dyer pastor of Ebenezer Baptist from 1816  and about half the members seceded and formed a second church later known as Irwell Terrace. This secession from the parent church of Ebenezer was caused by some trivial matter which in 1821, after 129 years, was deemed to be of such importance that it split the church. The first meeting of the new church was in King Street, where a room was taken and licenced for worship, Rev. Dyer continuing as pastor. The new chapel was opened amid much rejoicing on May 23rd, 1823. The opening services were conducted by the Rev« Dr. Steadman, of Bradford, Mr. Fisher, of Liverpool, and Mr. Birt, of Manchester. The Rev. F. W. Dyer preached his farewell sermon on September 28th, 1832, thus closing a ministry in the two churches of 16 years. Eleven of those years were spent in connection with Irwell Terrace. During his pastorate 37 members were added to the church by baptism.

 

After an interval of two and a half years the Rev. Thomas Dawson, of Bradford College, accepted the pastorate on May 17th, 1835 and continued until September, 1851. During his pastorate he received into fellowship 450 persons. His days at Irwell Terrace were the brightest in its history, the church being really strong, united and spiritually prosperous. The Rev. G. Mitchell, of Horsforth, succeeded the Rev. T. Dawson in March, 1852.Rev. G. Mitchell, who came in March, 1852, and stayed only until March, 1855. In those days particularly, so short a ministry was regarded, to say the least, as unusual. Consider the shattering experience Mr. Mitchell must have had. The same year he came to Irwell Terrace, a group of people newly arrived in Bacup decided to build a Baptist chapel less than 200 yards away from the church to which he had been invited to become pastor. Two years later, in 1854, Waterbarn severed its connection with Irwell Terrace. Then we read that several friends, again in 1854, left Irwell Terrace and formed the church at Zion It can only be regarded as reasonable that Mr. Mitchell would be feeling miserable and depressed, although let it be said that no record exists to suggest this.During 1854 the school buildings were built in South Street at a cost of £1,400.