Baptist Church at Leighton Buzzard

The Baptist Church was founded by seven people in 1775. When the pastor arrived he reported that the 'moral state of the town was deplorable, with bull-baiting and cock-fighting abounding'. A Chapel and house were soon given to the church, and baptisms were performed in the River Ouzel. By 1812 they had also opened a Sunday School.

In 1832 a split in the group occurred when some members were dissatisfied with the pastor and with the open communion policy, and as a result the Strict Baptist Church was formed.

In 1834 the original Chapel was extended, and by 1864 a new Chapel had been built on the site of the old one, in Lake Street. This new chapel cost £900 and was built in the italian style. It was capable of seating 500 people.

In 1972 the chapel was closed and in 1983 the building was demolished. The site has subsequently been developed as a residential housing estate, and has been named 'Chapel Mews'.

In 1865, the group which split from the original church, took possession of the Wesleyan Methodist's old chapel in Hockliffe Street.

In 1892, the present Baptist Chapel, also in Hockiliffe Street, was built at a cost of £4,000 and capable of seating 670 adults.