Writers' News - Step back in time

Step back in time

An enthusiastic participant of the Writers’ News Talkback website discussion group and long-standing subscriber, Stanley Evers, Potton, Bedfordshire, had his latest book published with the backing of his local church.

Stan, who celebrates twenty years as pastor of Potton Baptist Church this September, was asked by parishioners to complete a history of the church, right back to its foundation in 1800.

Publication of the resulting book, Potton Baptists, was also sponsored by the church-goers.

The history took longer than expected to complete. ‘I have spent about eight years reading Minutes books, two dating from 1800 and 1846, sifting through magazines and documents, besides writing to former pastors and members,’ says Stan.

‘I wanted to produce this history in time for the 200th church anniversary in June 2000 but new information kept coming into my hands.

For example, one day as I was reading about a 19th century pastor, Henry Hercock, his great-great grandson, researching his family history, knocked unexpectedly on my door! He gave me a photograph of Pastor Hercock, which is one of eleven included in the book.’

Anecdotes in Potton Baptists include how two young boys came to be caught in the vestry with stolen beafsteaks, horses running wild in the graveyard and an organist who refused to allow a visiting preacher five hymns instead of the customary four.

Stan, who contributes to several Christian magazines, still earns royalties from his 1996 book Doing a Great Work, which has since been translated for publication in the Czech Republic.

Details: Potton Baptists (£2.50, p&p £1, cheques to Potton Baptist Church) is available from Stanley Evers, 9 Oak Crescent, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2PX.

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