The History of Colchester Road Baptist Church - Work Amongst Women


The church had a Ladies Committee from its very early days. Its members were the minister's wife (as chairman), the lady deacons, the deacons' wives who were church members, and two elected members.

Over the years it dealt with any church activity which needed food, from Sunday School parties and outings to Harvest Suppers and church social events, often for over 100 people. The lunches for Suffolk Baptist Union Fraternal and the teas for the SBU Committees were produced from a tiny kitchen, and great fun was had by all.

For many years the ladies organised the distribution of about 80 harvest gifts to the elderly people of the neighbourhood, and repeated this by sending out small Christmas gifts. The young people were willing helpers both after the Harvest services, and at Christmas when they took gifts as they went carol singing. Mothers day presents were also made by them and for every special occasion, the flower arrangements were under their supervision.

Mondays - From the mid sixties to the mid eighties, a monthly meeting known as the Ladies Evening Fellowship was held in an attempt to get to know some of the ladies who lived around the church and who were not free to come to afternoon group. It was not a devotional meeting, but was a semi-social gathering with topical talks.

Tuesdays - Traditionally Tuesday afternoon has been the time of the weekly devotional meeting for women. Begun in the early years, inevitably many of the ladies have grown older together. However, in a time when many afternoon meetings in other churches were closing, they continued to attract new members. Since 1966, the ladies have always met for prayer, sometimes before the meeting, and for some years on  a Thursday morning. Much of the practical work for the church and for missionary work has come from these ladies. Visiting and personal support of those in need has taken the message of God's love to many homes in the district. The focal points of the year have been the annual rally in the Autumn, the summer outing and the Christmas party.

Wednesdays - A coffee club, aimed at providing a focal point for mothers with pre-school children began in 1975. The meeting has always been informal and flexible, with a motley collection of toys for the children to play with, and a variety of talks and topics for the mums to enjoy, a summer picnic and a Christmas party.

Membership of the Baptist Women's League, now the National Council for Baptist Women, the Baptist Missionary Women's Auxiliary, together with the Women's Branch of the British and Foreign Bible Society, forged links with ladies of other churches. The prayerful interest of the ladies for a variety of Christian work at home and overseas has been maintained by interesting talks, often accompanied by slides.

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