Welcome to Open Doors Baptist Church
(formerly The Downs Chapel / Downs Baptist Church)

We are a vibrant, growing church with a big vision and a passion for serving God. Founded in 1869 as one of the great Charles Spurgeon church plants, we carry a rich spiritual heritage that continues to shape our mission today. You can learn more about our journey on our [History page].

Located at the junction of Downs Road and Queensdown Road, we’re right at the heart of the community and we would truly love to welcome you in person sometime soon.

Founding & Early Years (1869)

Originally named The Downs Chapel, our church was established in 1869 as part of a wider evangelical movement led by a confederation of Baptist ministers. Among its key founders were Charles Spurgeon, one of the most influential preachers of his time, and William Landels, a respected pastor and writer.

This collaboration was born from a shared vision: to expand the Gospel both across London and within local communities. The Downs Chapel quickly became both a local hub and a significant contributor to broader evangelical work.

In 2010, we embraced a new name that better reflects our heart for outreach: Open Doors Baptist Church (ODBC).

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2. Baptist Origins

From the outset, our church embodied Baptist values of evangelism, education, and community support. Spurgeon’s involvement brought theological strength and wide influence, laying a firm foundation that still supports our ministry today. What began with a few faithful leaders has become a legacy over 155 years strong, built on unity, devotion, and generosity.

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3. Early Mission & Struggles

In its formative years, the church was deeply engaged in both local and global missions. It helped plant Woodberry Down Baptist Church and established local mission halls such as the Rendlesham and Waterloo Rooms.

A remarkable figure, Ethel Payne, served in Bengal from 1900 to 1933, founding a girls’ school and the Door of Hope refuge for vulnerable women in Calcutta. These efforts illustrate our enduring commitment to serving through both word and deed.m]

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4. Milestones & Growth

By 1910, Clapton’s social landscape began to shift due to immigration and urban changes. Later, the arrival of Caribbean and African families in the 1960s further diversified our congregation. Rather than resist change, the church embraced its evolving community.

We have continued to champion social action from pioneering the UK’s first drop-in center for mental health, to running a community charity shop, to hosting an annual Community BBQ that offers kindness and connection to local residents.

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5. Building Attraction & Resilience

Our building is more than brick and mortar it’s a symbol of resilience and sacred history. As a Grade II listed property, it holds national cultural and architectural importance.

In 1942, a bomb during World War II damaged the chapel. Yet the church pressed on, worshiping amid wartime hardship. A 1946 entry in the Downs Record celebrated this perseverance.

Located beside Downs Park, the building has strong potential as both a spiritual and community venue, with restoration plans in mind for future use.

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6. Present & Future Vision

Our Mission Today

Open Doors Baptist Church continues to stand on its original foundation of faith, fellowship, and service. We are committed to:

• Worship that inspires
• Teaching that transforms
• Outreach that uplifts

Our doors remain open to all, reflecting the diversity of Hackney and beyond.

Looking Ahead

We envision a church that:

• Engages and empowers youth
• Reaches the marginalized with love
• Uses digital tools for broader connection
• Remains a beacon of hope for future generations

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You’re Invited

Whether through worship, service, or community, there’s a place for you at Open Doors Baptist Church.
Come and be part of a living legacy of faith, love, and transformation.