Our Story

mid-1960s

During the mid- 1960s, several Christian families moved onto the newly built Holywell Estate. They met in homes first, for Sunday school for the children and Bible study, but then in Autumn 1968 decided to form a church and meet in the newly built school.

mid-1960s
8th December 1968

First meeting of the church in Holywell School.


8th December 1968
1970

The church called its first pastor – Rev Leslie Rawlinson and his wife Sarah.

1970
1975

Linda Hinchliffe joined us for 6 months as a trainee missionary. She was subsequently to go to the Philippines with OMF for 30 years.

1975
July 1976

It was decided to hold 
a Holiday Bible Club to share the good news of Jesus with children in the area. This took place on the green by Mardale Way.

 2018 was our 42nd Holiday Bible Club.

July 1976
August 1978

The Young Peoples’ Fellowship (YPF) held their first summer camp at Stanton Lees in Derbyshire. They attended the teaching meetings at the Chapel and enjoyed life under canvas and exploring the area.

August 1978
1981

Land was purchased for Holywell Church to have a building of its own.

1981
1984

Building commenced.

1984
1985

Building opened.

1985
1987

Rev Leslie Rawlinson resigns as the minister of Holywell and went to Mount Road Baptist Church in Hinckley. 
A 4 year inter-regnum ensued.

1987
1991

The church calls Rev Bruce Powell as its second minister.

1991
1997
The church appoints Derek Cross as Minister-in-Training for 2 years.
1997
May 1999
The church’s first “awayday” was held at the Lodge, Market Overton in May 1999, and has become an annual event.
May 1999
2004
The church appoints David Wilkes as Minister-in-Training for 2 years.
2004
October 2006
Bruce Powell retires.
October 2006
2009

The church calls 
Joseph Pettitt as its third minister. Joseph joined us with his wife, Lou.

2009
2012
To celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee in 2012 we held our first Barbecue in the church car park.
2012
2017

The church appoints Seth Wrigglesworth as Minister-in-Training for 2 years with his wife, Rachel. Seth was then appointed as an Assistant Minister until he left in 2021.

2017
2022

The church calls Tim Barnes to serve as Assistant Minister. He joined us in September with his wife, Sophie until they left in 2024

2022
2023

The church appoints an Operations Manager and Church Administrator.

2023