Shilton Village Baptists Chapel

The Baptist chapel was built as a "daughter" church of the Burford Baptist in 1830 and the two churches have always shared the ministers. The building fell into a sad state of repair at the end of the last century and a complete restoration took place in 1903.

Baptists from a wide area contributed to the fund, and the consecration service was very well attended. From then on the chapel was well supported, with a thriving Sunday school and a Band of Hope.

The various ministers over the years have given devoted service, assisted by local preachers, many well loved, who travelled long distances in all weathers to take the Sunday services.

'Easter weekend was always celebrated by special services on Sunday, and a "sit down" tea on Monday followed by a Service of Song in the evening, the choir having practised for many weeks.

Camp meetings were held in the summer; the harmonium was carried into Chapel Close, and the open air service was enjoyed by young and old alike.

Harvest Festival services have always been well attended, the chapel being lavishly decorated each year with an abundance of flowers and vegetables, and the regular congregation, joined by friends and neigh bours, enjoy the carol services held each Christmas.

The hanging oil lamps were replaced by electric lighting about 1939 and the old tortoise stove finally gave way to modern heating around 1960.

The chapel was registered for marriages in 1940.

During the second world war many R.A.F personnel supported the chapel, and gave much help with services, Sunday school and week night meetings.

A service is still held regularly each Sunday, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to find preachers.

Baptist Sunday School

Sunday schools have played a great part in the life of the village children, both Church of England and Baptist Chapel, services being held at least once on Sunday and sometimes twice.

The Baptist Sunday school was held at 11 a.m. every Sunday regularly for many years and was very well attended. It survived both wars and continued into the fifties, when it finally closed, the number of children in the village having decreased so much.

The highlights of the year were the summer outing and the Christmas party. The outings first remembered were made by horse and wagon to a hayfield in the neighbourhood, where games, races and sports were organised, while mothers and helpers prepared the picnic. After the feast of sandwiches and slab cake a sing-song occupied the journey home.

Later on the outings took the form of visits'to local places of interest, then to zoos and seaside resorts, travelling by the Witney Flier or other charabancs.

The anniversary day each spring attracted a large congregation of parents, each child taking part in a programme of reading, reciting and singing.

The Restoration of Shilton Baptist Chapel,
1903.
MY heart seems almost too full to write	Who was that who inspired them
My thoughts down bright and clear,	In a way to get what they need,
As I wander away to a lovely spot,	To hold a Fancy Bazaar and Tea,
The home of our loved ones dear.	And for pure sweet charity plead.
Down among the great tall trees,	At last the work was started,
Beside the flowing brook;	Friends came from far and near,
That's where the dear and loved ones dwell,	Each to give their tiny mites
As I take my long last look.	To the workers without a fear.
Yonder stands the village church,	And how their hearts rejoiced to see,
It's a quaint and dear old place,	They alone can tell;
But I'll take you away to a house of God,	The prospects are better and brighter now,
Of charity, love and grace.	With their chapel restored so well.
	So there it is erect once more,
How bright and cheerful it looks once	It .will stand for many a day;
more,	When those who have worked so hard to
But how ever could you afford	' restore,
To spend your hard-earned money and time	Have passed to Heaven away.
To have your chapel restored.
	Thank God that their labours were not in
It's rather too long a story	vain
To tell from beginning to end,	And He, in His mercies and grace,
But I'll try my best to explain to you	Sent charity on the wings of love
How charity was their friend.	To this peaceful and happy place.
Both young and old could plainly see,	And you who are young with strength and
Their chapel soon ruined would be	will,
If they did not try with an earnest heart,	Oh, let us hear you say
And plead for charity.	That you will take the aged ones place
	When they are called away.
But who would take the forward steps,
" I will," a dear brother cried,	So never despair wherever you be
"And help to restore our chapel of light,	As we travel life's path side by side,
With my neighbours by my side."	For the Angel of truth and light and love
	Is waiting your footsteps to guide.
"So let us be up and doing,	And so it will be in the day of grace,
Let restoration be our aim,	When your body must pass away,
For we must have a shelter to bow our	Your soul is restored to the God who gave,
heads, And God's love and mercies to claim."	To dwell for ever and aye.
	S. Buckingham, Birmingham.