Our Story

Abbeyfield Community Church began in 1880 when 4 men met together to pray for their neighbourhood around Vineyard Street in Colchester. The room they met in soon became too small and so a room was hired over the theater Royal in Queens Street and the group that met there was known as “The Gospel Band.” Music being a significant focus. As this group grew it became apparent that a permanent meeting place was needed. Land was bought in Abbeygate Street and became the site for a mission hall. This building which we still occupy was opened in 1902 and officially registered as a place of worship in 1912. Eight years later a Sunday school was started and numbers grew to 50. Church life continued knowing particular times of God’s favour as well as times of little growth and discouragement.

In 1966 the step was taken to change the name of the church to Colchester Evangelical Church and to become affiliated with the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches. Other changes took place. The former superintendent became the Pastor followed by the purchase of a manse and building alterations including the putting in of a baptistry. In 1987 the first full time minister was appointed. The church is also affiliated to the Evangelical Alliance.

Pastor Graham became the Minister in 1992 leaving to pastor Bethesda Baptist church in Ipswich from 1998 to February 2003 when he felt it was right to return to this church. In 2006 the name of the church was changed again, this time to Abbeyfield Community Church. God has given us a love for the Abbeyfield and the people that make up this growing community. We believe this is where God wants us to live and serve him. With this in mind a new manse was purchased on the Churchill gate part of the Abbeyfield development and we are looking to see a Church and community building established here soon.