History

Church History

West Worthing Evangelical Church, Rugby Road, was originallyfounded in1900, meetings first being held in the laundry premises in Elm Grove. In 1912 during the pastorship of Rev. Onions the congregation moved into its own purpose built chapel in Rugby Road. Sunday worship services and a Sunday school, as well as meetings for women, children and young people mid-week, were established. The cause was founded upon "undenominational lines" although firmly Protestant, being faithful to the Bible in all aspects of its life and work. The Church has always believed in a triune nature of the Godhead, with Jesus Christ as man's only means of salvation, which He secured through His atonement on the cross. In its early days the church became known for its clear Protestant witness, and for upholding the authenticity and authority of the Word of God. The church in 1962The Church has always relied upon the faithful giving of God's own people to meet its funding and has never resorted to public appeals. During the long history of the church it has passed through difficult times. In the 1939-45 War the premises were used as a day school due to the large influx of evacuees into the town. On the cessation of hostilities a full programme of activities was recommenced, although it was not easy to re-establish the cause after the war.

In the mid 90's the church grew and an attractive hall was added to its premises, and a gallery was installed in the church sanctuary to help accommodate the growing congregation.Inside in 2000The area around where the church now stands was once part of the town's extensive horticultural industry. Just as seeds were once sown and plants nurtured in the area in years gone by, spiritually this is the prayer of the church today: that as the gospel seed is sown, the Lord may be pleased to bring forth spiritual fruit to His honour and glory.

Church Pastors

John
ONIONS

Starting on
25th March 1906

Finishing in 1925

Theodore H.

BENDOR-SAMUEL

Starting in 1927

Finishing in 1931

Frederick H.
KING

Starting in 1934

Finishing in 1939

Norman
COGLEY

Starting in 1942

Finishing in 1944

Ernest W.
BACON

Starting in 1945

Finishing in 1948

Charles F.
BROWN

Starting in 1954

Finishing in 1962

Trevor
MANNING

Starting in 1963

Finishing in 1973

Clifford
MOTHERSDALE

Starting in 1974

Finishing in 1976

William
HAMILTON

Starting in 1980

Finishing in 1983

John W.
BILLETT

Starting in 1991

Finishing in 2005

Ian
MCNAUGHTON

Starting in 2008

Finishing in 2013

What We Believe

The churches of the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches are committed to these truths of historic, biblical Christianity:

1. GOD
There is one God, who exists eternally in three distinct but equal persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God is unchangeable in his holiness, justice, wisdom and love. He is the almighty Creator, Saviour and Judge who sustains and governs all things according to his sovereign will for his own glory.

2. THE BIBLE  
God has revealed himself in the Bible, which consists of the Old and New Testaments alone. Every word was inspired by God through human authors, so that the Bible as originally given is in its entirety the Word of God, without error and fully reliable in fact and doctrine. The Bible alone speaks with final authority and is always sufficient for all matters of belief and practice.

3. THE HUMAN RACE
All men and women, being created in the image of God, have inherent and equal dignity and worth. Their greatest purpose is to obey, worship and love God. As a result of the fall of our first parents, every aspect of human nature has been corrupted and all men and women are without spiritual life, guilty sinners and hostile to God. Every person is therefore under the just condemnation of God and needs to be born again, forgiven and reconciled to God in order to know and please him.

4. THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
The Lord Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin, and lived a sinless life in obedience to the Father. He taught with authority and all his words are true. On the cross he died in the place of sinners, bearing God's punishment for their sin, redeeming them by his blood. He rose from the dead and in his resurrection body ascended into heaven where he is exalted as Lord of all. He intercedes for his people in the presence of the Father.

5. SALVATION
Salvation is entirely a work of God's grace and cannot be earned or deserved. It has been accomplished by the Lord Jesus Christ and is offered to all in the gospel. God in his love forgives sinners whom he calls, granting them repentance and faith. All who believe in Christ are justified by faith alone, adopted into the family of God and receive eternal life.

6. THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit has been sent from heaven to glorify Christ and to apply his work of salvation. He convicts sinners, imparts spiritual life and gives a true understanding of the Scriptures. He indwells all believers, brings assurance of salvation and produces increasing likeness to Christ. He builds up the Church and empowers its members for worship, service and mission.

7. THE CHURCH
The universal Church is the body of which Christ is the head and to which all who are saved belong. It is made visible in local churches, which are congregations of believers who are committed to each other for the worship of God, the preaching of the Word, the administering of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, for pastoral care and discipline, and for evangelism. The unity of the body of Christ is expressed within and between churches by mutual love, care and encouragement. True fellowship between churches exists only where they are faithful to the gospel.

8. BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER
Baptism and the Lord's Supper have been given to the churches by Christ as visible signs of the gospel. Baptism is a symbol of union with Christ and entry into his Church but does not impart spiritual life. The Lord's Supper is a commemoration of Christ's sacrifice offered once for all and involves no change in the bread and wine. All its blessings are received by faith.

9. THE FUTURE
The Lord Jesus Christ will return in glory. He will raise the dead and judge the world in righteousness. The wicked will be sent to eternal punishment and the righteous will be welcomed into a life of eternal joy in fellowship with God. God will make all things new and will be glorified forever. 

A House the Lord Built

A House The Lord Built.pdf





wwech@rocketmail.com
www.westworthingevangelical.co.uk
https://sites.google.com/view/westworthingevangelicalchurch