Congregational Church

UNOFFICIAL SITE Marden Congregational Church (affiliated to the Evangelical Fellowship of Congregational Churches)

West End, Marden, Tonbridge, Kent, TN12 9DT
Do you want to come to a church where you matter? Do you want to come to a church where your talents and gifts will be used to worship God? Then come and visit us at Marden Congregational Church where a warm welcome awaits you.

Marden Congregational Church is situated in the lovely Weald village of Marden Kent and has been on its present site since 1804. The church is an integral part of the local community with a vision for growth. Even with all its venerable history, now is an exciting time to become a member. We believe that the church has an unprecedented opportunity for growth, because there are no independent evangelical churches within our natural catchment area and due to many factors we will be able to take advantage of those opportunities.

We are a people orientated church with the benefit of a chapel complex. The main building itself is of a traditional chapel design with a gallery on three sides and due to that could comfortably be able to seat 250 people. We have enviable onsite facilities having a modern spacious hall and kitchen attached to the back of the chapel. Also there is a car park and quiet gardens at the rear.

Please feel free to contact us, we are a church that will listen and a warm welcome awaits anyone who would wish to come and visit us.

Services:

Every Sunday at 11.00 am - Morning Worship
Every Wednesday at 7.30 pm - Prayer and Bible Study

Find us:

The church is situated on the B2079 near the junction of Church Green with Pattenden Lane. We are five minutes away from Marden main line station - turn right as you leave the station approach.

Contact us:

Pastor:
(currently vacant)
The Manse
West End
Marden
Tonbridge
Kent, TN12 9JA

Secretary:
Colin S Russell
1 Orchard Way
Horsmonden
Tonbridge
Kent, TN12 8JX
01892 723955
c.russell685@btinternet.com

History:

The first Non-conformist church in Marden was given by Joseph Clout, a local man. First built in 1804 it was completely restored in 1882. Numbers grew until a bigger building was needed and land adjoining was purchased by public subscription. The original building was then used as the Manse as there was a resident minister.

The Non-conformist movement in Marden probably originated with Mr. Thomas Cornwell, the minister put in charge of Marden (Parish) Church during the Commonwealth (1649–1660). After the Restoration he refused to take the Oath of Conformity and was deprived of his living. Many such ministers remained in their parishes administering to their followers, being known in those days as Independents. It is quite likely that Thomas Cornwell was one of these.

The first 19th century minister here was the Rev. W. Slatherne who came from Chatham in 1804. The Congregational Church has usually had a resident minister; the Rev. Samuel Raban, the Rev. Joseph Augustus Chamberlain, the Rev. Stephen Bater and Rev. A. T. Palmer are recorded as holding the post.