1934 going forward
The History of Stratton Green Baptist Church
1934 going forward
The old building deteriorated and all except the balcony was demolished in 1934. As there was no baptistery baptisms took place in the River Cole and later in the Clay Pits in Swindon Road.
Arthur Burson, the main benefactor of the new building was born in 1861 and died in 1934 aged 54. He was born in Steventon, Berkshire. His connection with Swindon started in 1880 when he was an assistant in the grocery business of H Freeth & Son. Following the death of Mr Freeth in 1890 Arthur Burson became the sole owner of 7 shops and retired in 1926. On his retirement he presented to the town the clock over the bandstand in the town gardens.
Arthur Burson was a magistrate and held a seat on the Town Council. He was baptised in 1880 at the Baptist Church in Fleet St. and later became involved with the Baptist Tabernacle. He married Emily Solway from Somerset and had 4 daughters.
Annie was born in 1888 and died in 1974 aged 86. Elsie was born in 1892 with curvature of the spine and was never very strong. She died in 1932 aged 40. Hilda was born in 1897. She attended boarding school in Weston Super Mare, became ill there and died in 1913 aged 16. Grace was the last child born in 1902 and died in 1991 aged 89.
Arthur Burson left £1000 towards the building of a Baptist Church at Stratton Green in memory of his daughters Elsie and Hilda. This was opened in October 1934. The window over the pulpit was put in place in memory of the sisters. Emily Burson then gave £2000 to build a Sunday school at Stratton Green in memory of her husband. This was opened in Dec 1937.
In 1940 Pastor Bown introduced a matter of vital importance to the church – the decline in attendance at divine worship and the prayer meetings. He was concerned and was eager to discuss the matter of the spiritual life of the church. There was a long discussion whereby they might fully enter into the life intended for them as a Christian church. That discussion continues today!
The church has continued to see peaks and troughs; at one time the church was down to just one member. God has remained faithful to the people here as they have remained faithful to Him in worship and prayer. Long may this continue!
