In preperation for the development of Reading's Inner Distribution Road the population of the area to be redeveloped had to be re-housed. Many of these people were moved into council flats and houses built on the Coley Park Estate. Recognising the need to continue evangelistic work among these families, Carey Baptist Church and Central Evangelical Church began to bring children from the Estate to their Sunday Schools. The Pastor and Deacons of Carey Baptist Church became convinced that a church needed to be planted on the Coley Park estate. Meetings were held in private homes on the Estate and these proved fruitful in attracting a number of local residents.

In 1964, half an acre of land was made available to trustees from Carey Baptist Church for the purpose of building a Baptist Church on the estate. The building was completed in 1965 and opened by the Pastor of Carey, Rev Harold Owen. At that time the church was named Coley Park Free Church, following a popular trend which was intended to remove denominational labels. The new Church flourished and eventually became independant of Carey Baptist Church. However, in August 1993 the church was unexpectedly closed and the congregation dispersed.

At this point legal responsibilty for the premises reverted to the Pastor and Deacons of Carey Baptist Church. On 12th November 1993 a public meeting was held at Coley Park at which it was agreed to recommence the work for a trial period of six months at the beginning of 1994. Weekly prayer meetings were commenced on Friday 26th November 1993, and a carol service was held on 19th December at which more than forty local residents were present in addition to Carey members. Weekly Sunday afternoon services commenced on 2nd January 1994, Pastor Allan Tribe being given Eldership responsibilty for the new work.

Continued on next page ->>