Our Story
Church.co.uk is the latest name of a church that has had a variety of titles over a long, brilliant history. Here's a snapshot of our big story.
On June 8th 1783 Church.co.uk began its life in central London under the name Surrey Hall. Its leader, Rowland Hill, was a well-known figure in London life. Surrey Hall was to become the birthplace of the Bible Society, Shaftesbury Society, the Ragged School Movement and several other significant Christian initiatives. William Wilberforce and friends made it a base for many of their anti-slavery meetings.
Its new building, known as Christ Church, was opened in July 1876. Our spire was donated by Abraham Lincoln's family and friends to thank the church for their inspiration and support in the battle for the emancipation of the slaves in North America.
In May 1785, James Upton and a small group of friends began meeting together to establish a new London Baptist church. This grew very quickly and in 1862, on the opening of a new building in Lambeth Road, became known as Upton Chapel.
During September 1940 both church buildings were bombed. Upton Chapel was completely destroyed and only the tower of Christ Church survived. The two churches began to work together and, in 1943, having resolved to form a united congregation - Christ Church & Upton Chapel was born, though the building wasn't rebuilt until 1960.
In 1985 Oasis Trust was founded. It now works around the world, providing education, housing, health care, employment and training for church leaders.
In June 2003, Christ Church & Upton Chapel and Oasis partnered together to develop a new, united church which is now known as Church.co.uk, Waterloo, and is part of a small but growing network of churches developing around the country as part of Oasis' work.