The Recent Past 1954 - the present

• 1954 - 1975 
• 1975 - present

The Revd. Thomas Getley (1954-1961) saw a slow but sure development and growth in the life of the church during the seven years of his ministry. During the more than eighteen months interregnum after his ministry a Boys’ Brigade was started in 1962. Membership of the church began to grow with new housing estates springing up in the district.

The Revd. William Mumby's (1963-1969) pastorate saw the start of a Girls’ Life Brigade in 1963 and the acquisition of a minibus. He came with many new ideas, and with his refreshingly unorthodox ways effectively shook the West Malling church out of any signs of lethargy it might have been showing, and ultimately brought us to a new spiritual awareness. In 1967 a prayer group was formed and a prayer secretary appointed. Also in 1967 a Stewardship Campaign was held (and renewed in 1968). This led to the adoption of the all-in budget, and also to a fuller commitment of members to the Lord and the work of His church.

During the Revd. William Mumby’s ministry contact was made with the Nuns in St. Mary’s Abbey across the road: this was further developed by the Revd. Roy Connor (1969-1975) and contacts with other churches in the area were established. During his stay the “Grow and Go” campaign was introduced, together with a “One Step Forward” campaign, which resulted in church membership reaching one hundred for the first time in its history. During this time a Play Group was started, the minibus was sold and a reconditioned ambulance bought.    (back to top)

The longest serving minister was the Revd. Michael Thomas (1975-2001): he retired at the end of September 2001. God changed many things during this time. The Brigades were closed and ‘Covenanters’ became the hub of the Children’s and Young People’s work. The Playgroup became a Pre-School and is thriving. The work of the Women’s Own served a very useful and necessary service. A Parent and Toddlers Group proved to be a very worthwhile link with the community. Servant Evangelism was started within the local community and ‘Alpha’ courses were held during the Autumn and Spring months and this helped to bring new folk within the church boundaries. During this time the giveaways were started.

The Revd. David Bousfield has been our minister since May 2003 after a period of interregnum. Three years on we are going through an exciting time as we have explored the vision that God has for us as a fellowship. Although the Women’s Own has come to a natural end, elsewhere things are going from strength to strength. We have purchased a manse in West Malling, Alpha courses are still being run, new members are coming into the fellowship and a mum’s & toddlers bible study has started (Bible Babes). The leadership team has been strengthened and we continue to see God adding to our numbers. This year we are running a marriage course and we have had three baptisms already. God continues to be good to us.   (back to top)