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The year is 1848. All over Europe there are Revolutions… … in Birmingham, England a group of forty people decided on a quiet revolution in starting a new Baptist church which was to be different to the other churches and chapels of the day. On the second Sunday in August 1848 the People's Chapel opened. It was to be an experiment in Democracy. |
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No Minister Services were conducted by people with ordinary jobs who gave their time freely. They were from many denominations not just Baptists. The Baptist principle of the "Priesthood and equality of all Believer's" was put into the fullest practice. |
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No Pew Rents or Allotted Seats In most Churches and Chapels of the day members of the congregation paid to sit in the seat they wanted. At the People's Chapel there were no reserved places and anyone could sit in any seat. |
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No Nomination of Leaders All Leaders and workers to be unpaid and voluntary. The Church to be run by Church Members who have supreme power over the running of the Church. All members names were on a voting paper for the annual election of the leadership. |
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No Collections They decided not to pass a collection plate so anyone too poor would not be embarrassed and kept away. Boxes were placed at the doors for all who wished to give. |
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