by Rosemary Phillis
Every now and then I come across newspaper clippings which highlight a significant event or milestone in the history of a building in the District.
On the south eastern corner of Oxford Street and Regent Street stands a building which has always operated as a church.
The land on which the building was constructed was purchased in 1964 from Fred Bliss for a price of £903. Construction commenced in 1965, and the Baptist church was officially opened on Saturday 26 February 1966. [1]
A Christian Community Primary School was established in early 1980. Classes were held in one side wing of the church.
The Baptists purchased the block next door, as well as the block behind, at 60 Robinson Street and the school moved into demountables. [2]
In 1986, the Baptists purchased 5 acres on the corner of Regent Street and McCulloch Street and the school and church moved to the new site in 1987. [3]
In 1987, the church building was sold to the present owners, the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland. [4]
[1] The History of RIVERSTONE/SCHOFIELDS BAPTIST CHURCH 1964-1985, Pastor Bill Pearson.
[2] ibid.
[3] Norwest Community College Webpage, 31 July 2021.
[4] Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland Webpage, 31 July 2021.