One of Shropshire's oldest Baptist chapels uncovers original baptismal pool
Broseley Baptist Chapel is one of the counties oldest free churches still being used for weekly worship. However the last time any baptisms were carried out was about 1990. Since then the pool has remained covered with few people even aware of its existence. This Easter the pool was opened again and put to use with two baptisms carried out by regional minister David Ellis. Amazingly although it has been left in its original condition since the chapel was built in 1741, the pool still held water. Amazing what can be done with some Broseley bricks and a bit of local clay!
The Baptismal pool at Broseley Baptist Chapel has been covered up for 35 years, but this Easter weekend it was opened up and filled again for a special Baptism service. On re opening the pool was found to be in largely original condition, fashioned from local Broseley bricks and clay. Despite being left untouched for so long, it still held water. It is thought that the pool was originally filled from an underground spring next to the church. But this was diverted long ago, so this time a rather less organic hosepipe was used!
Sue Pritchard, who was baptised along with her niece Lucy Pritchard said: "It was a wonderful and uplifting experience, and the perfect way to celebrate Easter. I was grateful though that the pool was slightly heated this time. The spring water must have been an experience for the truely hardy believers! "
Regional Minister David Ellis visited from Birmingham to carry out the Easter baptisms in the historic pool of Broseley Baptist Chapel Credit:
Sue Pritchard
The pool was built in 1741 and is in original condition Credit:
Sue Pritchard
The congregation were joined by family and friends to help celebrate the historic occassion, which was led by visiting regional minister David Ellis Credit:
Sue Pritchard
The baptismal pool is in original condition, and made from local Broseley bricks and clay. It probably used to be filled from a nearby spring, but on this occassion it took several hours to fill with a hose. The plug for the drain hole in the corner is long since lost, so a bung had to be fashioned from wood and rubber to do the job. Amazingly the pool still held water, despite having little or no work done on it over the years. Credit:
Sue Pritchard
After the service everyone celebrated with tea and cake Credit:
Sue Pritchard
The first baptisms since 1990 of Sue and Lucy Pritchard, were performed by regional Baptist minister David Ellis Credit:
Sue Pritchard
