Hertford Town Church, Hartham Lane

Things began to happen in July 2001 when a neighbour professed conversion, the couple started an evening Bible study in their home to help this person and others. Some 6 to 10 people began to gather each week.

Encouraged by the response, the group advertised a Carol Service in December 2001, and 53 people attended. A regular Sunday morning service was started in their home.

Support and guidance were sought from Reformed Evangelical churches in nearby Welwyn and Welwyn Garden City.

At first the numbers were small — 3 to 6 adults and 3 children. Singing was unaccompanied because no pianist was available. Mid-week Bible studies and prayer meetings continued on separate evenings. A Sunday school was started in April 2002.

Much help with the ministry was received from local churches and LTS students.

By June 2002, attendance at the Sunday morning service had risen to 12 adults and 8 children, including a pianist!

‘Hertford Town Church’ was formally constituted on 13 November 2002 when seven founder-members covenanted together to establish the church and adopt a constitution. Shortly afterwards, on 24 November, Sunday evening services were begun.

For some time the group had been seeking public premises for the infant church, and prayer was answered in August 2002 when a disused Brethren Hall in the town was offered for sale. The former Hartham Chapel was finally acquired in December 2002.

Numbers have continued to increase. The 2002 Carol Service attracted nearly 80 people and 25-30 adults and children regularly attend the Sunday services. A Young People’s group has recently been started.

The church is deeply grateful to the Lord and his people for what has been accomplished in Hertford by his grace through the preaching of ‘Christ and Him crucified’ — during days that are often discouraging for the gospel of Christ in our land.