About Us

Who are we?

We are Central Baptist Church in the centre of Chelmsford.  Click here for information on how to find us and where to park.

Where is Chelmford?

The county town of Essex, about 30 miles from London with a 33 minute train journey to the heart of the city of London. Once a staging post for the Roman soldiers based in Colchester and guarding Londinium.

How did we start?

In 1905 a group of 27 people met and founded the church. In 1908 they built a building to seat 600 people.

What has happened recently?

We had a clear vision to become a 7 day a week church meeting the needs of people in the area. We did not know at the time that within the next few years some 3,500 people will be living in the area around us.The local university that occupied the area would sell the site to developers.

In 2001 we returned to the building after 21 months of refurbishment, including the insertion of a new floor within the sanctuary. This freed up a lot of space and the whole building was brought up to a standard needed to reflect the 21st century.

What has happened since then?

We found that there was a demand for space for conferences and meetings of all descriptions from, amongst others, Essex County Council and many others who appreciated our high-tech building and facilities. Up to one thousand people come into the premises every week, as well as those coming to our own extensive programme of meeetings.  On a Sunday we now have three services at 10am, 4pm and 7pm. It's an exciting place to be!