PROFILE: Claremont Baptist Church
Aug 10, 2022
Claremont Church Profile
Claremont Baptist is one of Tasmanian Baptists’ more recently developed churches.
In 1964 the church was the brainchild of Rev. Matthew Francis, pastor at Lenah Valley. Council planning included building new schools, and people were looking to live in the northern reaches of Hobart. The fledgling church began as a home fellowship called Abbotsfield Baptist Fellowship.
CLAREMONT BAPTIST CHURCH
A church for the working classes
Claremont Baptist Church (CBC) was originally planted to service the northern suburbs of Abbotsfield and Chigwell, just over 50 years ago.
At that time, the surrounding community were mainly working class, and there were many Housing Commission homes. The early influences are still in evidence today. The building is not an ornate church design, but more like a community hall. The traditional offering plate has never been passed at the church – there is a box near the main entry (and now of course e-banking).
Unfortunately, younger families no longer call CBC home. The congregation is mainly elderly. The average age of members would make a great batting score!
From the extended church family, about 30 attend the Sunday morning service each week. One of the great assets of the church is the large, dedicated team of volunteers who keep everything running smoothly.
In 2021, we were excited to celebrate our 50th Anniversary on the 6th March.
Read about our 50th Anniversary weekend >
Willing, Able and Gifted
We have welcomed some new members to the church in recent times. We’ve also had past friends return to us after a season elsewhere. As a local church we are not focused on guarding our patch, but are happy to celebrate when the Kingdom grows. We bless members when they leave and bless them when they come back.
As a local church we are not focused on guarding our patch, but are happy to celebrate when the Kingdom grows.
Claremont Baptist Profile
March this year, marked 20 years Since Peter and Jenny Clark began providing pastoral leadership at CBC. Peter does most of the preaching/teaching, and Jenny is the music leader. Over the years, a great team of preachers has ably supported them, as well as musicians, and other highly gifted contributors. Peter can remember one Sunday morning where our members were preaching at five different churches in Hobart (including CBC).
Ministry Opportunities
Building friendship is the focus of our current ministry. This includes groups such as Book Nook which meets on Tuesday mornings. We also hold Bible study and prayer meetings.
As well, there is a strong emphasis on [overseas] missions at Claremont, with missionaries receiving finances, prayer support, and encouragement. This has been a feature of the church since its beginnings.
Future Direction
With some external support from Tasmanian Baptists, a review is being conducted into the future direction of CBC.
The members understand something new must emerge for the ministry to continue. We also need to reposition the church so the welcome which was always extended to the past community will also appeal to an increasingly multi-cultural and diverse population.
To that end, we value the prayers of our Baptist brothers and sisters as we look to God for what that future might look like.
By Peter Clarke
Pastor of CBC, and Chair of Tasmanian Baptists
Claremont Baptist Church > Where, When and Contact information
This is the Claremont Baptist Profile
Claremont Baptist Church
A Brief History
Pam Conrad’s Reflection
Claremont Baptist, up close and personal
Pam was a founder member of the Constitution of Claremont Baptist in 1977. She has been an active member for some 45 years. She is a special person in our church family.
In my earliest years I believed in God and after a time I found myself at Claremont Baptist, which is where I am today.
Through attending on a regular basis, I became a true believer and even though times have been tough, the Lord has always brought me through. We have regular prayer times and keep in touch with each other.
People are strengthened through prayer, including me, and praise is strong when we gather on Sunday. Going through COVID hasn’t been easy but taking things daily really helps.
We also celebrate in good times and gather whenever we can. From my first attendance over forty years ago until now, I feel that I belong.
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