The building was completed in the neoclassical style in 1738 on the site of the old Guildhall and used by the borough council. It was around 150 years later in 1889 that the prominent clock tower was added. The town hall continued to be used for community activities and by the borough council until 1974 when it ceased to be the local seat of government.
It was in 1981, after the refurbishment of the building when our church in Wilton was born. From the small group that started the church, we now regularly have many people of all ages worshipping on a Sunday and involved in various church and community events during the week.
There are various activities at the church, details of which are on this website. In the past, alongside the regular events, we have also undertaken one off events such as charity car washes, Alpha courses, church weekends away, family fun days and Christmas Proms to name but a few.
The first pastor was the Rev Oliver Vellacott who had purchased the building with a mission to serve the community in Wilton and surrounding villages. Rev Vellacott remained the pastor of the church for the next 12 years, leaving to move to Scotland in 1993.
Rev Andrew Thomson took over as pastor in October 1994, having previously been the Pastor of Kidlington Baptist Church, Oxford. Under Andrew’s ministry, the church continued to develop and flourish, building on the firm foundations that had been laid down from its inception. Andrew retired in April 2011.
We welcomed our next minister, Rev Jonathan Greening in April 2012, having previously been minister at Weymouth Baptist Church. Jonathan remained at the church until 2020, at which time he returned to Dorset.
In June 2021, Rachel Stacey, a church member who had been working in the local area as a chartered surveyor for many years, was appointed as minister-in-training. Alongside her role at WBC, Rachel undertook ministerial training and theology study at Regent’s Park College, Oxford. Following completion of her time at college, in September 2024, we were delighted to appoint Rachel as our Minister. The Church has grown steadily in recent years and we joyfully look forward to what the Lord has in store in the years to come.
The Church has a love of music and a worship group that can include piano, flute, oboe, clarinet, guitars, mandolin, banjo, drums and the occasional clash of marching cymbals (which always makes somebody jump!).