Holbrooks centenary
‘100 years of gospel ministry’ — this was our theme at Holbrooks Evangelical Church, Coventry, when we joined for a weekend of thanksgiving for the Lord’s goodness to us over 100 years.
The first of our services was held on Saturday 11 June, when approximately 200 members, friends and guests were welcomed by Pastor Ben Holmes. This was followed by a time of informal fellowship, which gave opportunity to renew fellowship with past members and friends, some of whom had travelled long distances to be with us.
For the main meeting, we were privileged to have Stuart Olyott as our guest speaker. His message, based on 2 Thessalonians 2:13, was ‘What is true Christianity?’
Mr Olyott was also speaker at the Lord’s Day services, when we continued in the weekend of thanksgiving. There was an opportunity to watch a visual presentation and browse a comprehensive photographic display depicting the history of the church, which was founded in 1911 under the ministry of Rev. George Wickes.
The first church building was a corrugated metal structure, serving a congregation of 20 adults together with their families. In 1928, a wooden canteen was purchased from the local Dunlop factory to cater for the growing congregation.
In 1940, the church was visited by the evangelist, Roy Hession, and many people were converted. After his visit, God worked in transforming power and many lives were changed.
By this time Ivor Owens was one of the deacons and was called to be the full time pastor in 1947. His ministry spanned more than 30 years, with many of the present congregation converted during this period.
Work on the present building commenced in March 1969, on a plot of land donated by one of the church members. Much of the work was undertaken by members and friends of the church and the new church was opened in 1970, with Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaching the first sermon.
In 2010, a major refurbishment and extension link of the church was carried out and we are enjoying the benefits of this today.
Throughout 100 years of proclaiming Jesus Christ, men, women, boys and girls have been rescued from sin and strengthened by the good news that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. Our prayer is that we will never lose this focus.
Nigel May
