Who We Are

About us, our history, our beliefs and our leadership

About Boscombe Baptist Church

Boscombe Baptist is a Christian church based right in the middle of Boscombe, not too far from Bournemouth in Dorset. We are a church with a passion for Jesus, and for sharing God’s good news to those in our town.

This is reflected in our mission statement: “To glorify God and help people to encounter, trust, and love Jesus Christ.”

We’re made up of people from all different ages and backgrounds so you needn’t worry about not fitting in. Our services are a blend of traditional and newer styles. We sing newer songs as well as timeless hymns, led by our devoted music group.

We’ve been based in Boscombe for quite some time! Further down this page you’ll find a timeline of our church history. You’ll also find info about our leadership, as well as an overview of our church beliefs, so if you’re looking to join us you can have a read of this in advance.

What We Believe

We hold to the teachings of Christianity as found in the Bible, which we believe to be the inspired word of God.

We are a Baptist church that practices believer’s baptism. We’re connected to the Baptist Union, as well as some other wonderful organisations that we support:

For a fuller breakdown of our beliefs, you can read our Statement of Faith on the Evangelical Alliance website.

If there’s anything that isn’t clear or that you’d like to talk through with us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Our Church Vision

We aim to be a growing family, devoted to God and his word, serving and impacting our community through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Our Leadership Team

We have a dedicated team of deacons who lead and serve the church.

This team is overseen by our Pastor, Dan Chirnside.

Hi, I’m Dan – I’m married to Emma who leads our Sunday School activities. We’re both graduates of Moorland’s College and have been involved in Church and para-church work for a combined total of nearly 30 years! I joined BBC as Pastor in April 2020.

In my spare time, I enjoy watching and playing sports of all kinds (although the emphasis tends to be on the former rather than the latter in recent years!); drinking good coffee; and spending time with Emma and our two children.

I am ably assisted by our leadership team, whose profiles you’ll find below.

Lisa Calvert, Families and Community Worker

Hi, I’m Lisa, BBC’s Families and Community Worker, which means I get to have lots of fun working with all sorts of people in the church and community through toddler group, youth groups, partnering with schools, and running various events. I have a background in youth work and mission work both in the UK and abroad, but originally trained in Music!

I’m married to Jonathan and have 3 young children, and we love to bake and go camping. I also enjoy playing the piano, dancing, and having a hot chocolate with friends!

Helen Humby, Church Secretary and Administrator

Hi, I’m Helen, married to John for over 2/3 of my life! We have 2 children and 6 grandchildren. My roles at Boscombe Baptist Church are varied but essentially I look after all things admin related.

In my free time I love to write poetry, do cryptic crosswords and read historical novels. My passion for the local church is to see it grow both in maturity and numerically, and in particular looking out for, and offering hospitality to, the foreigner and marginalised that come through our doors.

John Humby, Deacon (co-opted)

Hi, my name is John, married to Helen, we have been at Boscombe Baptist Church for 7 years. My role on the leadership team is to help wherever I can towards the smooth running of the church, particularly in all things practical.

In my free time, I volunteer at 2 local charities, my passion being for the homeless and marginalised in our society.  I am an avid Fulham Football club supporter and go to home matches whenever I can.

Doug Stewart, Deacon

Hello, I’m Doug and I oversee the music group and tech team.

When I have some free time, I enjoy playing the guitar and looking in guitar shops, although my wife says I don’t need anymore!

I also enjoy camping and going to different places around Dorset. I’m married to Gabriella who also sings in the band and on the keyboard; we’ve been at BBC for 7 years although I attended here with my parents back in the late 80’s/early 90’s. I’m excited with the church’s growth in the last few years, and to see where God takes us in the future.

Di Kiteley, Deacon

Hello I’m Di, married to Rob. We moved to Bournemouth in 1997 following early retirement from careers in education. We were followed not long after by our son, daughter and grandchildren. I have been involved in some area of service since my teens.

At BBC, I lead the ladies’ fellowship group, have a role in the churches safeguarding provision, and help with the refreshments at Little Stars, our weekly toddler group. I enjoy spending time with my family and going out to the various beautiful places around Bounemouth. I also enjoy reading.

Cindy Ellis, Deacon

Hello, I’m Cindy.  I have 2 children and a grandson. I moved to Bournemouth from South Wales in my teens and was baptised at Boscombe Baptist Church. I served in the Sunday school as pianist and teacher before going to Exmouth to train as a primary school teacher. I moved back to Bournemouth in 1986 and rejoined Boscombe Baptist Church.

Since then I have served in various ways as organist, pianist and flower arranger. I have served as a deacon for the last 5 years. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, watching wildlife programmes and doing sudoko puzzles.

1875

Church founded

The church is founded in Boscombe by a small company of devoted men and women, led by the Rev. H. C. Leonard.

1917

Building work

The church building was enlarged and a pipe organ installed.

1920

Memorial Plaque

Nine members of the Church and Sunday School made the supreme sacrifice during the First World War. In 1920 a memorial was erected and unveiled by the Mayor of Bournemouth.

1930

New buildings

The adjoining buildings were built to replace the old corrugated structure that housed the original Sunday School.

1946

Memorial after WWII

The West window was reglazed and amendments made to the gallery beneath it as part of the Second World War Memorial Scheme. Three church members lost their lives during WWII.

1965-75

Church Growth

By this time, the BBC membership had grown to over 160 people.

1972

Vestibule Extension

An extension of the vestibule was added to the West wall, built in Purbeck Stone.

1976

Missionary Sent

The church sends a missionary to Malaysia to preach God’s Word.

2004

Further refurb

Refurbishment of the buildings included the addition of disabled facilities, an enlarged vestibule, redecoration of the hall and the removal of the church pews.

2017

Modernisation

Church hall refurbished to include modern kitchen and disabled facilities.

2022

Community Witness

The leadership team expands following church growth, with the calling of Lisa to join the team as Familes & Community Worker.

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