Our history…

Duke Street Evangelical Church originated in the town about 1850 as part of a movement known as the Brethren. The first known meeting room was in Oak Street (1866) and then moved to the present site in Duke Street in 1890. Before Oak Street, mention was made of a ‘Free Gospel Brethren’ group meeting in Moulton in 1851 and meetings in Dychurch Lane, then the old Corn Exchange (Chicago Rock Cafe).

The Brethren Assembly was outgoing in evangelism with open air services.

There were Sunday Schools and Women’s Meetings as well as the weekly ‘Breaking of Bread’ and Gospel Service. About forty to fifty were in fellowship in 1900.

The assembly grew strongly in the early 20th century - with good leadership and vision for evangelism and missionary work.

Sunday School attendance ran at 100 - 150. There was certainly a good ‘social mix’. In the 1920’s - 30’s two clubs were organised for local people, one to save and buy cheap coal and another for holidays. Sunday School treats at Hanslope (horse drawn brakes) on Green End Farm and lantern slides at Christmas were highlights. Regular events were organised to link with other local churches, including Bible study groups, prayer groups and an open air service on the Market Square.

In 1936, there were thirty or more baptisms in one year. The church sub-divided into two assemblies - Maranatha Hall (over Bonham’s in St. Giles street) and Duke Street Hall - in 1948.

In the 1960’s, youth work began and there was more emphasis on missionary work, which continues to this day with missionaries supported in Zambia, France and Spain.

At that time, it was clear the building needed improvement, and the opportunity to buy 6-8 Duke Street came up and the project to establish a central building with new and adequate rooms/facilities was undertaken. This was completed in 1978. Further improvements were carried out in the 1990’s.