Wainsgate

A Particular Baptist Church founded in 1750 by converts of Rev William Grimshaw. The first minister, Richard Smith, came from Barnoldswick. On his death, he was succeeded in 1764 by the young John Fawcett, who had been baptised by William Crabtree, minister of Westgate Baptist Church in Bradford and who had himself been a member at Wainsgate. John Fawcett wrote the hymn ‘Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love’ in 1772. The need for larger premises and better facilities for his school led to his move into Hebden Bridge in 1777. The present building dates from 1859 and it was lavishly furnished at the end of the 19th century. The church closed in 2001 and the premises are in the care of the Historic Chapels Trust. John Fawcett is buried in the graveyard.

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