The First Strict And Particular Baptist Church In Lincoln
Earthen Vessel 1874:
Planting A True Baptist Church In Lincoln
On Friday evening, June 26, 1874, a Church of Baptized Believers was formed in Newland Street, meeting in Lincoln, and Mr. W. Simpson was called to and publicly recognized as the pastor. The order of service is here given, it may be useful to others: W. Simpson read and they sung a hymn. C. W. Banks read the Word, pleased for the Lord’s blessing, and gave short addresses on Paul’s words, “God is not the Author of confusion but of peace, as in all the Churches of the saints.” Two brethren then gave lengthened accounts of their experience, faith, and of God’s dealings with them, in bringing them into fellowship of the Gospel. All the friends who desired to be united together expressed their desire by uplifting their hands. Another hymn was sung, and the Church was declared to be formed and united together, according to New Testament order, pattern, principle, and hope. A more primitive service we never witnessed. The Church unanimously called brother William Simpson to the office of presiding minister and pastor, who gave a brief but expressive testimony of the Lord’s mercy to him in his conversion, His faith, and of the constraining power of the Spirit in compelling him to tell publicly, in his own city, what the Lord had done for him in saving his soul; also, of his ministry to those who heard him, as the Lord’s messenger, to their spiritual edification. C. W. Banks gave him, and all the members, the right-hand of fellowship. W. Simpson then presided at the Lord’s Supper in a serious and scriptural manner. We received brother William Simpson as a faithful servant of Christ, one who walketh in the fear of the Lord. We earnestly pray his usefulness may increase and continue.
William Simpson (1828-1893) was a Strict and Particular Baptist preacher. In 1874, he was appointed pastor of the newly organized church in Lincoln (Zoar Strict Baptist Church), the only Strict Baptist cause in the area. He was a faithful minister of the gospel, earning the affection and esteem of Charles Waters Banks, who frequently visited and reported on his gospel labors to like-minded pastors and churches.
Further Study
