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The History of West Street
"The real beginning of
the church came with the baptism of nine persons in the River Roche on 12th
October 1773. A great crowd
gathered on the banks to watch the ceremony which was conducted by the same Mr
Hirst who had preached under such disadvantageous circumstances in the
Presbyterian meeting house six years before, and who, incidentally was born in
Blackwater Street. A report
was circulated that Mr Hirst had demanded five shillings from each person
baptised. In consequence all nine
made a solemn declaration that the charge was an absolute falsehood, each
signing his or her name to the document. Thus
began a religious cause which has continued for two centuries." - extract
from "The
Rochdale
Baptists 1773-1973 : A Short History"
For the complete history of the
Baptists in Rochdale, click here
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