In 1863 George Sparks, a boatbuilder working in Cowes and living with his young family, felt led to form a Baptist Church in the town. In December 1866 a Baptist Church Fellowship - with 44 members - was constituted and in the following year George Sparks was appointed as its Pastor.

George Sparks
Funds began to be raised for a chapel to be built and construction began in 1876. The Foundation Stone can still be seen!

The new building was opened for worship in June 1877. Above its doors was erected this plaque with the Bible verse
Isaiah chapter 56 verse 7: 'for my house shall be called a house of prayer for
all nations.'

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