About Us
Who We Are
St Andrew's is a vibrant, friendly church part of the Free Church of England and situated within the Southern Diocese of the Denomination. We offer a variety of services to suit different styles of worship. But, at our heart is a commitment to biblical teaching, spirit filled worship, prayer, making God known in our community, and children's work.
'You really are welcome to come, experience and join in all the good things that are happening here at St Andrew's'.
Our Purpose
Our purpose is to play an important part in building and growing with the Kingdom of God in Bentley, and beyond, by getting to know Jesus better ourselves,
and by making Him better known to others...
Our purpose commits us to discovering new ways of being God's Church for the 21st century and fulfilling His plans and purposes.
Our History
1943
In a tiny wooden hut in the middle of an industrial town, St Andrew’s was officially opened and soon became known as the church on the doorstep. On 13th March 1943, St. Andrew’s acknowledged their first baptism, Alan John Perry, born on the 8th February 1943 to parents Thomas and Alice Perry of ‘Belmont’, Wolverhampton Road.
1956/57
On Saturday 17th November 1956, the Church witnessed the laying of the foundation stone of the new church by the Rt. Revd G W Forbes Smith. During July 1957, the church was almost complete; the ceiling painted pale blue and the walls dove grey were a pleasing appearance. On Saturday 10th August 1957, St Andrew’s, Free Church of England, was officially opened in its new building.
Present Day
Over the past 20 years under the leadership of our minister we have steadily watched our church grow from strength to strength. We now have a very strong and committed worship team. We also have a strong and dedicated Church Council, faithful and true, working tirelessly under the watchful eye of our Lord.
1955
The year 1955 marked a very special occasion for St Andrew’s. The incumbent at the time, the Revd Percy Edmonds, writes in the Year Book: “My Dear Friends, I am glad of the opportunity to send this message to all readers of St Andrew’s Year Book. I trust this publication will be of some lasting value in your home, and also in the church. This is the year of the Public Appeal for our new Church Building Fund, and I thank all kind friends who during the year will contribute regularly and generously towards the £10,000 needed. Our congregation is steadily growing, and I welcome others to join us in worshipping God, to whom we owe everything that is dear to us.”
1997
1997 not only saw the start of exciting things for us, but it also saw us demonstrate our faith like our founding members as we planned to build our church hall. Under the leadership of our beloved minister and now Bishop, many members of the church put their skills and talents to good effect, fundraising earnestly towards the staggering total of £160,000.
Links
The Free Church of England
