The Basis of the Baptist Union is:  |
1. That our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, God manifest in the flesh, is the sole and absolute authority in all matters pertaining to faith and practice, as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, and that each Church has liberty, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to interpret and administer His laws.
2. That Christian Baptism is the immersion in water into the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, of those who have professed repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ who 'died for our sins according to the Scriptures; was buried, and rose again the third day'.
3. That it is the duty of every disciple to bear personal witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to take part in the evangelisation of the world. more
Cannon Street Memorial Baptist Church is a warm, caring and friendly church. We are a predominantly afro-Caribbean congregation with a blend of traditional and modern worship. Working amongst children and young people is a vital part of our ministry and serving the community is very important. We provide support in a variety of ways, including weddings, funerals and infant dedication. The Olive Branch and the church supports community based issues such as crime, health and race. Our motto is ‘Empowering God's People’ and we aim to achieve this with Bible based teaching, pastoral care, prayer and guidance.
The Leadership Team of CSMBC
A summary of Our History
In 1737, Baptists living in Birmingham had to walk 14 miles to Bromsgrove for worship each Sunday. In August that year, 17 members (10 women and 7 men) were "dismissed" to form a new church. They first met in a house on the High Street, not far from where the Rotunda now stands. Later a plot of land was purchased on Cannon Street. This was large enough for the church and burial grounds. In 1875 the church was issued with a compulsory purchase order by the city, to allow the building of Corporation Street. The road would run through the site of the church, which was demolished for work to start.
Funds from the sale were managed by the Cannon Street Trust. They had the difficult task of deciding how to spend it. After abandoning the idea of a Central Baptist Church grants were given to the following Baptist Churches: Hagley Road, Hamstead Road, Stratford Road, Smethwick, Moseley, Spring Hill, Small Heath and Lodge Road.
The congregation then met in various locations including Birmingham Town Hall and at Mount Zion on Graham Street for thirty years. Mount Zion was closed due to the population around the church moving to the suburbs of Birmingham. Some members moved to other churches, but most re-located to Handsworth. The plot the church now stands on was then purchased. Whilst waiting for the building to be completed, services were held in Handsworth Council House, now known as Handsworth Library.
The church hall was opened in September 1921 and the Main building was opened on 3rd May 1930. Our church leaders today have a lot to thank their predecessors for. It was not an easy road to travel; we thank the Lord for their faith. Today Cannon Street is at the heart of a diverse community. The leaders and congregation are aware of the challenges this brings. We continue to move forward in faith and build on the foundations of the previous congregations.