History

The story of Trinity Baptist Church itself begins with its first Pastor Bernard Honeysett who had been pastor of another church in the town for six and half years, but whose own convictions had shifted.

Bernard had been particularly influenced by the Ministers’ Fellowship held at Westminster Chapel, London and started by Dr Martyn Lloyd Jones and also the writings of the ninenteenth century Baptist minister, Charles Spurgeon. Under the influence of these and others Bernard embraced a more expansive view of the design and purpose of Christian ministry than had been the norm within his denominational background.

Together with Bernard, a number left their historic denomination in 1967 and began meeting in the Scout Hut.

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They held a service for the formation of the new church on the 1st September 1967 at one of the oldest Baptist churches in the local area - Tilden Baptist Church, Smarden.

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The first pastor, Bernard Honeysett wrote an account of his life as a Sussex farmer, his call to gospel ministry and subsequent founding of Trinity Baptist Church in a book: The Sound of His Name which is an account of his life as a Sussex farmer, his call to gospel ministry and subsequent founding of Trinity (still available from Banner of Truth Trust).

After prayer and much perseverance the church were able to rent the old Free Church of England on Ashford Road which had been built in 1928. That church had closed and the building used as a school canteen. Following extensive renovation, the church held opening services on the 9th August 1969.

Over 300 hundred attended and there was a marquee on the Homewood School recreation ground which at that time was next to the church.​

1970 was a time of prayer and unity and growth in the church. Alterations and expansion to the building continued over the intervening years. A baptistery for the purpose of believer’s baptism was added in 1973 and the first person to be baptised in the pool was still a faithful member of the church fifty years later in 2023!

In 1984, Bernard retired and a new minister was appointed; Peter Sanderson from Sheffield. This was a long and fruitful time with various initiatives especially amongst the younger people bearing fruit. Norman Hopkins, who later went into full time ministry and John McDonald who later served as Grace Baptist Mission director, both served as elders throughout this time. Peter became seriously ill towards the end of his ministry and subsequently died at a relatively young age. Montaz Ali and Peter Mawson served consecutive pastorates continuing the church’s strong emphasis on Evangelical preaching.

The 2010s was a time the Church both saw a mixture of a growing congregation and significant challenges through which the Lord has continued to prove His faithfulness. In 2021 Matthew Clay became pastor having been minister of Great Harwood Christian Fellowship in Lancashire and continues to serve the Church.

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Today the Church, as throughout all its history, continues to be a welcoming place which seeks to reflect the welcome Jesus Christ gives to all who come to God through his finished work of atonement on the cross.

The Church is Reformed and Baptist in its theology and church membership, but recognises the unity all true believers have in Jesus Christ, as such we have had many over the years who have worshipped our Lord from other church traditions.

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One of the strengths of the Church has been its independence from any denomination. The Church has continued to have informal links with other churches in the area as well as supporting Grace Baptist Mission. The Church is part of the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches and Kent Gospel Partnership.