Scarborough church marks its 250th anniversary with a book celebrating its history

Church member Sam Cowgill has produced a book to mark the 250-year anniversary of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Scarborough, telling of its rich history.
By Lyndsey Young
Published 20th Jan 2021, 09:31 BST
Author Sam Cowgill with a copy of his book.Author Sam Cowgill with a copy of his book.
Author Sam Cowgill with a copy of his book.

ChrisEbenezer Baptist Church members will celebrate the 250th anniversary of their church this Sunday by coming together for online worship. The church had a series of planned events in place to mark the anniversary which is on Wednesday January 20, however due to Covid they were unable to go ahead.

Pastor Neil Douglas said: “Although we are disappointed we cannot meet in person to celebrate our 250th anniversary, we felt it important to care for our local community by not meeting during the national lockdown. We plan to meet and celebrate properly when it is safe to do so in the coming months.”

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All is not lost, as church member Sam Cowgill spent seven months last year researching and producing a book to coincide with the anniversary. The book is titled ‘Ebenezer’ and spans 250 years of history from its founding in 1771 by William Hague to the present day.

The book titled Ebenezer marks the 250th anniversary of the church.The book titled Ebenezer marks the 250th anniversary of the church.
The book titled Ebenezer marks the 250th anniversary of the church.

Mr Cowgill said: "When asked if I would update the bi-centenary booklet of 1971 I knew nothing of Ebenezer Baptist Church's past. Researching the lives of God-fearing people, I was captivated by events.

“This book is a compilation of words from my heart, along with members’ recollections and reports, snippets of the past, an overview of the present and hopes for the future. Simply put, a celebration of 250 years in the life of a church.”

Mr Cowgill lives in Scarborough but was born in Bradford, West Yorkshire, his career has been spent mainly in nursing, and just before retirement working for Scarborough and North East Yorkshire Healthcare NHS Trust.

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He took up writing as a hobby upon retiring and Ebenezer is his 12th book.

Mr Cowgill said: "I write for pleasure and I also design all of my book covers, the other books are a mixture of children's books, biographies and historical novels all with Christian content and are available on Amazon.

Copies are available to order via Ebenezer Baptist Church Columbus Ravine, Scarborough YO12 7QZ. An order form is on the church website.

You can also click the link HERE

Related topics:ScarboroughWilliam Hague