History

In 1793...

… a number of pioneering Christians from Bunyan Meeting Church – started by John Bunyan himself – planted a brand-new church. This group was led by a man named William Smith, and originally met in Bedford’s town centre at the “Old Chapel” in the George Inn yard. They were fuelled by a passion to see people saved, and Bedford transformed by Jesus. This desire is still very much a part of our DNA today.

The church soon grew, and more space was needed – so in 1868, the building you see pictured on the right was built. The church became known as Mill Street Baptist Church, and here it would remain for 97 years, worshipping Jesus and serving the people of Bedford.

A New Vision

It’s now 1965, and under the leadership of John Cooper, the bold decision is made to relocate the church to a newly-developing housing estate in the north of Bedford. It was on the church’s collective heart to see the people of north Bedford reached by the Gospel, and this area quickly became known as “Brickhill”. Brickhill Baptist Church was born  – and we still occupy this site today. The photo shows the official opening, with the Mayor of Bedford in attendance.

Growing Together

Sadly, John Cooper died not long after the move to Brickhill – but in 1969, Peter Ledger moved from Bristol to Brickhill to lead the church, and during this period some radical change took place.

Brickhill Baptist grew and grew. The church came into a fresh understanding of who the Holy Spirit is and a massive spiritual transformation took place. Elders were appointed, the church building was expanded to accommodate more people, and church planting became an integral part of the mission. Brickhill Baptist Church became part of New Frontiers, a family of churches working together. Peter stepped down from leading the church in 1997 and Paul Woodward, whom Peter had brought onto the team, began to lead.

God was ever-faithful, and Paul’s leadership established the church on a foundation of God’s grace while sending people out to other churches across the world.

The Turn of the Century...

… saw Brickhill continue to grow. A major building project in 2006 made the worship area much larger and added additional rooms, offices and other facilities. Richard Green became Senior Pastor in 2010 (he still is to this day!), and in 2013, the church officially changed its name to “All Nations Church Bedford” – to better reflect both the Great Commission to go out to all nations, and also our wonderfully multicultural congregation and community. We’re one family in Christ, called from the nations and every age, stage, culture and background to demonstrate God’s love and grace.

2013 also saw us plant a new church site: All Nations South. Operating in the south of the town at Bedford Academy, God worked and blessed the church enormously through it. The COVID pandemic meant that the South site had to close in 2020 – but God’s plans are perfect, and reaching south Bedford is still very much on All Nations’ heart.