Phil's story

I was born in the year 1923. My parents who regularly worshipped here and were members of the church, brought me to the church when I was still a baby. There is only one other person, a lady member who, like myself, has been associated with the church over the past eighty years. There have been many changes during that time, but the belief and doctrines are the same, founded upon the unchanging Word of God contained in the Holy Bible.

Visiting preachers

As we did not have a pastor then, the ministry of the church was supplied week by week by different ministers. These men were very different from each other in their backgrounds. The majority were normal working class men with no university or college training, yet called by God to preach the gospel. I can remember most of them, some of whom stand out clearly in my memory. One was a very humble, dear old man who lived in the Cotswolds. His name was Mr. James. In appearance he reminded me of a country shepherd of years ago. As he preached in his quaint Cotswold dialect his expressions were most unusual. However, his love of God, coupled with his great humility, was wonderfully demonstrated in his preaching. As he preached of Jesus and the gospel, the tears often trickled down his weather-beaten face. To see and hear him preach was a privilege. Although he was of such humble origin his delight was to read the writings of Dr. Owen and other Puritan preachers.

Another minister we had was a Mr. Harwood. His background was very different from Mr. James, coming from a middle class background. He had a crystal clear mind with a very retentive memory. He knew what every word of his sermon would be before he entered the pulpit to preach. He would then preach for a good three quarters of an hour without notes, in a very orderly way. Mr. Harwood recognised that it was God who gave him this ability and never attributed this to his own wisdom or intelligence.

Many more of these good men I can remember, but it would take far too long for me to write of them and their different abilities which varied considerably; but all desired the glory of God as they preached. There were occasional baptisms as different ones were able to testify of God's work in their lives. One very elderly lady in her late eighties was one of them!

Sunday School

There were three annual events which took place regularly before the l939-l945 war, mainly connected with the Sunday School. Firstly, the Sunday School Anniversary. On these occasions the scholars used to learn new hymns or sacred choruses. Three or more Sunday afternoons before the actual anniversary, intensive practice of these tunes occurred so that they could be sung well and correctly. Most church friends used to have a poster stuck in their front windows advertising the anniversary Sunday in which all were warmly invited to attend. On the anniversary Sunday, the Sunday School scholars sat with their teachers. During the services these new tunes and hymns etc. used to be sung at appropriate intervals. They were happy occasions.

The second event was the Sunday School prize giving. This took place on a Saturday. The scholars were given portions of Scripture or sacred poetry to learn, which they were asked to repeat for the prize giving. Usually one of the deacons or a minister would give a suitable address to the children and to all who were present. Eventually, book prizes were given to the scholars for repeating Scripture and also for regular attendance at the Sunday School. The Sunday School meetings themselves were on the Sunday morning before the preaching service, and on Sunday afternoons. These continued until the war came. There were two Sunday School superintendents and a number of teachers. Also there was a Bible class for older persons.

The third event to which we very much looked forward was the Sunday School outing. On these occasions we assembled at Coventry railway station and made the short journey on the train (steam in those days) to Berkswell. Here we alighted and walked a short distance to a friend's farm, loaned to the Sunday School for the day. Here games were played, races were held - sometimes sack races, the winners being presented with a small prize. The older ones played cricket in which some of the teachers and parents joined, whilst others played football. There were rides in a cart pulled by a lovely old cart horse for the younger children. After plenty of activities we were ready for our tea, provided by the teachers and church friends. After further games for a short while we caught the train for our homeward journey, very tired but having thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

At war

Passing on quickly to the time of the war, the Sunday School was discontinued, service times being altered to mornings and afternoons because of anticipated danger from nightly bombing raids by the German planes. We were not affected by these until later in the year 1940. In November of that year, on the night of 14th/15th November, Coventry experienced the worst raid of the war up to that time. Bombs fell continuously from about 7 o'clock in the evening until early morning the next day. Known as the Coventry "blitz" in which many houses, factories, churches and schools were destroyed or suffered severe damage. Many of the chapel friends' houses were badly damaged, but no personal loss of life or injury was sustained by them. Remarkably, the church only received minor damage although there was much destruction all around. It was with heartfelt thankfulness we gathered together on the Sunday following to return thanks and praise to God for His mercy towards us.

After the war, things gradually returned to normal, where worship was able to continue without fear of bombs disrupting.

Pastors

It was not until the year 1965 that the church was provided with a pastor, a Dr.Peter Rowell. His ministry was much blessed by God, a good number being baptised and joining the church through the preaching of our dear friend and pastor. He was a very well educated man and although he had a good occupation as a lecturer in physics at Nottingham University, he willingly gave this up so that he might devote his whole time to the pastorate and preaching of the gospel. We had a number of university students who regularly joined us for Sunday worship. Having been university trained himself, Mr.Rowell was able to be of much assistance to them as he understood some of the problems they encountered. There were some improvements made to the church building during Mr.Rowell's time with us. We were privileged to have his loving concern and prayer for us in the church until he was called by God to the pastorate of another church in 1983. Although saddened by his removal from us, yet it was felt this was the Lord's will. Thankfully, in answer to much prayer the Lord provided another pastor for the church in 1985, who is still our pastor now (2003). This was Mr. Paul Watts. Both he and his wife were baptised by Mr.Rowell during his time with us. Paul was an R.E. teacher at King Henry V111 Grammar School in Coventry. He had commenced preaching not so long before Mr.Rowell left Coventry. Paul's preaching had already been much appreciated by the church and there was a unanimous desire that he might feel led by God to be our pastor. This invitation he accepted and we have been very favoured of God for this provision. A good number have been baptised and joined the church, especially younger people, as God has blessed Mr. Watts' ministry. Both in Coventry and in many other churches his ministry is well received.

Recent developments

Coming to the last four years, there have been many desires regarding the church which God has brought about in His good providence. The church has been able to purchase the adjoining house in which extensive work has been proceeding over the past months. It is hoped that eventually some of the rooms in this house will be available for other church activities. Also, some rooms are almost ready for our city missioner and his wife to move into. The concern by our pastor and the church for a city missioner was felt and much prayer made to God for this, if according to His will. This came about by a remarkable providence and in September last year, James Young and his wife Lis felt led by God to accept the call and have been conscientiously working in the surrounding area of the church. We have already experienced the benefit of this as both James and Lis have a loving concern to bring the gospel to those who would not normally think of entering a church.

The interior of our church itself has been completely re-furnished and decorated, the old pews and pulpit being removed. Comfortable seating has been installed and a platform, table, chairs and lectern for the preacher's use. The whole effect gives a very welcoming appearance. Best of all there is much love and unity in the church, and we pray that this great blessing of God may continue to be experienced in the future as we look alone to Him.