Historical information

The first Baptist church in Kew was wooden and erected in St John's Parade in 1854 and was enlarged in 1859. A brick church was later erected in Cotham Road in 1882 and was later named Newnham Hall after Reverend Newnham. In 1921 land was purchased in Highbury Grove at a cost of 602.00. Messer's E & F Ratten donated 6 feet of land beside this new purchase which allowed for a frontage 79 feet. The Foundation stone of the current church was laid on 14 October 1922 by Councillor F.R. Patten J.P. The church was opened on 9 June 1923.

Significance

A rare item from an outstanding and diverse photographic collection, assembled by members of the Christian and Washfold families of Kew.

Physical description

Photographic positive on mounting board. interior of Baptist Church in Highbury Grove with seated congregation in foreground and serried ranks of children and adults at front. Probably the church choir at the opening of the church in 1923. The photo is encased in a grey bifold cardboard outer with a crest on the front. The photo is protected by a sheet of watermarked cellophane.