This is Falkland Park, South Norwood. From 1923 till 2025 it was the home of Spurgeon's College - the training establishment established by Charles Haddon Spurgeon in 1856.
Its closure last year was very sudden and very sad. But hundreds of us joined on Thursday to mark the significance of this place in our lives. From 1981 - 1986, Bob was a Spurgeon's Student - the first year on a college placement as a Student Minister in Gillingham, Kent, then 4 years of fulltime study in this lovely building.
Our daughters were born during that time [82 and 86] Initially I worked as Warden in an OAP Scheme just down the road, then we moved to Orpington and became a full time Mum. For some time I worked as a volunteer helping with the college book-keeping, and student spouses were allowed to attend evening classes with paying fees. I did courses in counselling and church history!
Thursday's event was one described as "Remembering, Lament, Thanksgiving and Hope" Despite the sadness and great sense of loss there was gratitude for the legacy, for all those men and women trained there, and a sense of hope because God continues to call people into serving him in ministry and there are still ways in which they can be trained and encouraged.
It was a bittersweet day, but there was a real sense of God's faithfulness down the years and the certainty that he will lead us in the days ahead. We began the service with Wesley's hymn "O for a thousand tongues to sing my Great Redeemers Praise" [sung at our wedding] and also joined with confidence in a hymn of faith and trust
I love You Lord
Oh Your mercy never fails me
All my days I’ve been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
I will sing of the goodness of God
All my life You have been faithful
All my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
I will sing of the goodness of God
I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
In darkest nights you are close like no other
I’ve known You as a father
I’ve known You as a friend
I have lived in the goodness of God
[Bethel Music/Jenn Johnson]
A special place, a special time...
ReplyDeleteVery special 💙
ReplyDeleteThat’s a fine looking building. Some years I join the Surgeon Trundle, a walk in Isleham, Cambridgeshire, to the spot by the River Lark where Charles Spurgeon was baptised. There is a memorable stone on the river bank. Isleham also has an impressive and enormous baptist centre for worship called The Ark made out of green oak. It took about 10 years to build: https://www.thearkisleham.co.uk/
ReplyDeleteThank you for all this information, Philip, I hope to visit The Ark some day
DeleteThat must have been very emotional for you both. Do you know what is happening with the building? I know the area well as I used to live in Selhurst. I think I have mentioned in the past I know people who trained at Spurgeon's College. Sadly missed. Regards Sue H
ReplyDeleteWe understand the buildings have been sold to another Christian Group. The Spurgeon Heritage Library has been sold to a theological college in the USA, and some other stuff has gone to a college in South Africa. As you say, sadly missed
DeleteWhat a very special place and time in your lives. Catriona
ReplyDeleteVery precious memories
ReplyDeleteA very beautiful and impressive building indeed. Are there fewer people entering the ministry? JanF
ReplyDeleteThe numbers of candidates has not diminished, there were plans to expand . But unfortunately some of the financial backers pulled out leaving debts which could not be repaid without the closure and sale of the property
DeleteLovely to return to somewhere so special. And what an impressive building!
ReplyDelete👍
DeleteIt's sad that such a powerhouse of faith training closed but I'm glad you were able to benefit from it. Was it specificalky for Baptist ministry or general ministry. Do you know where people can study instead?
ReplyDeleteThere are 5 other Baptist Colleges - but Spurgeons was always the biggest
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