A Short History
At the time of writing, a “proper” history of Church Street Gospel Hall has yet to be written and it’s unlikely ever to happen, since we are generally more concerned about today rather than yesterday. However what follows is a very brief summary of the main events.
| circa 1920 ? | Possibly (primary sources are vague) several groups of Christians meeting in homes, wishing to follow the New Testament example for church practice. |
| Before 1928 | Now a larger fellowship of Christians meeting in rented accomodation in the Swanswell area of Coventry, following the New Testament brethren assembly pattern. Apparently the roof was in a bit of a state and it was freezing cold in the winter. |
| May 1928 | The current building in Church Street was opened as a permament meeting place. The first meeting there is thought to have 61 attendees. |
| 1939-1945 | The building survived WWII despite a near miss that apparently created the old car park and damaged the roof. This near miss is also the reason why there are no right-angles on that side of the building. |
| November 1956 | After 6 years of outreach to the area from Church Street, Charter Gospel Hall, now known as Canley Evangelical Church, was planted. |
| 1958 | Church Street building extended at the rear with the addition of a “vestry” |
| 1963 | Allesley Park (Bethesda Church) assembly planted. |
| 1964 | Annex built on part of the old car park, for use with Bible classes and mid-week meetings. |
| 1968 | 40th Anniversary Meeting |
| 1978 | 50th Anniversary, a series of Golden Jubilee meetings. |
| 1998 | 70th Anniversary Meeting. First version of the website online. |
| 2003 | 75th Anniversary |
| 2008 | 80th Anniversary Year |