Congregationalism in Potton

Church c.1890s with Minister F C Layton [Ref.X744/80]

The Congregationalists| in Potton were formed in 1846 and Potton Congregational Church in Sun Street had its first service in Jul 1848; a certificate registering the building for public worship exists in Bedfordshire & Luton Archives & Records Service [ABN1/2] filled out by its minister, Frederick Basden in October 1849. The church was renovated in 1899 and the interior photograph  below was taken before that time [Ref.X744/81].

The church closed in 1987 and the majority of its records transferred to Bedfordshire & Luton Archives & Records Service [Z771] of which the following are highlights: Z771/1-3: Church minute and record books 1848-1957, with a history compiled in 1903 in Z771/1/1; Z771/4/1-24 records of the fabric of the building including plans and papers 1903-1960; Z771/6/1-6 general correspondence including proposed amalgamations with the meetings at Roxton, Sandy and Wrestlingworth 1904-1936; Z771/8/1-5 church rolls 1848-1932. Following its closure the building became a Sports Centre, the owners of which emigrated to Australia in 2005.