Jireh Particular Baptist Chapel has stood in Attleborough for over 140 years. From its beginnings in the early 19th century to the present day, the church has been committed to the faithful preaching of God’s Word and to reverent worship. We remain thankful for the Lord’s preserving hand and continue to pray that Christ might have the pre-eminence in all things (Colossians 1:18).
Early Roots (1793–1858)
The story of Jireh Chapel begins with the Particular Baptist Church in Cow Lane, Coventry, which opened in 1793. James Aston, the assistant pastor there, preached in homes around Attleborough, and by 1818 other preachers from Cow Lane were regularly visiting. Crowds of over 200 gathered to hear them, and in 1821 a chapel was opened near today’s Attleborough Baptist Church.
In 1853 two men, Thomas Brown and Robert Pope, left Attleborough Baptist Church and began services in a home, inviting Joseph Orton to preach. Under his ministry, a new church was formed on 12 October 1858, in his words “after maturely weighing over the articles and rules.”
A Permanent Home (1877–1878)
As the congregation grew, first meeting in homes and later in a converted ribbon factory at Hall End, there was a longing for a purpose-built chapel. In 1877 land was purchased, and the present building was erected in 1878. The new chapel opened on 26 March 1878, with services led by Manasseh Tyron.
Joseph Orton continued as pastor until 1890, retiring due to age and ill health. He entered his eternal rest in 1900, aged 80.
Pastors and People (1911–1945)
In 1911 Mr Hills was appointed pastor and served until 1919. Jubilee services were held in 1928, beginning with a 7:00 a.m. prayer meeting on the Lord’s Day — a mark of the seriousness with which worship was regarded.
Mr E. Hadley served as pastor from 1941 to 1945.
A Testing Time (1945–1980s)
The post war years were marked by the faithful diaconates of Mr Harry Randalls and Mr Philip Gudgeon. However following the latter’s sudden death the congregation became very low. Were it not for the faith of Mrs Renee Gudgeon that the Lord would build Jireh up again, and the support of Mr and Mrs Tong, the chapel may well have shut.
Renewed Blessing (1980s–Present)
From the 1980s the church was gradually strengthened again. The Lord preserved the work through the faithful oversight of the deacon, David Crowter, and the ministry of visiting pastors and itinerant preachers. For many years members prayed that the Lord would provide a pastor. In 2018 Timothy Parish from Bethel Strict Baptist Chapel, Luton, was appointed pastor, serving until 2020.
On 1 January 2025, Dr Tim Ramsbottom was welcomed as pastor, preaching his first sermon from Colossians 1:18: “That in all things He (Christ Jesus) might have the pre-eminence.” This text remains our prayer and motto as we continue together in church fellowship today.
Jireh Particular Baptist Chapel, Attleborough c 1900