Our History
Esher Green Baptist Church opened its doors in Park Road on Easter Sunday 1983 as a plant from Walton Baptist Church. The church, originating as Esher Baptist Church had then been closed for six years due to lack of support. We were able to celebrate the 25th year since re-opening in April 2008. This was also the 150th anniversary of our foundation as recounted below.
From 1983, the new church quickly grew under the leadership of John Bradley, as Presiding Elder, as the time was then right for expanding Evangelical churches in the Charismatic vein. In 1986, the church appointed David Ollerton as Senior Minister and continued its growth. In 1998 David left to take up ministry at Rhubina Baptist Church in Cardiff.
He was followed as Senior Minister by Paddy Beresford who had previously served at Walton Baptist Church. Sadly, Paddy had to step down after only two years as Minister as a result of ME. (Paddy is currently Minister for Pastoral Care at St Pauls Church, Weston-super-Mare.) The ensuing period saw the church led by Team Pastor, Brian Jones and the other Elders. Brian retired in 2005 and soon after Lee and Dawn Johnson were appointed as our Ministers. Lee and Dawn had previously served at Redhill and Reigate Baptist Churches respectively. Since their appointment in April 2006 the church has flourished with a steady flow of new members.
Throughout the years, Church has been active in sending and supporting people in work overseas while others have moved on to lead churches and Christian organisations in the UK. The Church has also been involved in many local initiatives and continues to serve the local community in many ways.
In 1852 the members of Esher Baptist Church first met in the Friends' (Quakers) Meeting House in Claremont  Lane, Esher. This was a time of rapid church growth in the early Victorian period, particularly amongst Evangelicals. The Rev John Perrin was appointed as the first minister and the site in Park Road was purchased and building commenced. He served until 1878, by which time the church had grown to about 80 members, when he was called to Ross (on Wye) Baptist church where he also saw through new building. He was asked to serve again at Esher which he did from 1887 to 1893, when he retired.
After further growth in the new century, the church mirrored the general religious decline in England. It was not helped by frequent changes of ministry. Finally, reduced to fewer than 20 active members, its last service was held in May 1977, the property then being leased to ABC Music of Esher for its showrooms.
For a full account of our story read "A Tale of Two Churches: the growth of Baptist Christians in Esher" published to mark our celebrations in April 2008, available from the Church Office, at our Sunday service or on Amazon.
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