Throughout the life of the church, it was led by a Minister (or sometimes called a Pastor), who would have been responsible for spiritual leadership, preaching, pastoral care and guidance. Congregational churches emphasise the autonomy of each local congregation, and thus the Minister is a very important role within the church as the leader of that congregation, with no ‘higher authority’ such as Bishops above them.
We believe the minsters were as follows:
Rev. Thomas Grant
1856 – 1887
Founder of the Stuckton Chapel, Grant was a self-taught preacher whose deep personal conversion and tireless ministry transformed rural communities, culminating in the chapel’s establishment after his unjust ejection from Hungerford.
Rev. Grant is buried in the chapelyard, along with other family members.
Rev. William Reynolds
1867 – 1880
Succeeded Grant and oversaw the chapel during a period of consolidation, though records from this era are sparse.
Rev. A W Bennett
1880 – 1885
Continued pastoral oversight during a time of modest growth and community engagement.
Rev. Enoch John Hunt
1885 – 1902
Guided the church through practical challenges including storm damage and financial recovery, and officiated its first marriage in 1896.
Rev. H. C. Miller
1902 – 1907
Brought spiritual renewal and organisational development, initiating prayer meetings, evening services, and affiliating the church with the Congregational Union.
Rev. Frank Mead
1907 – 1910
Succeeded H. C. Miller and provided steady leadership during a transitional period before John Baines’ long pastorate began
Rev. John Baines
1910 – 1950
A deeply influential minister whose 40-year pastorate shaped generations; known for his musical gifts, pastoral care, and unwavering commitment to prayer and spiritual growth.
While he was minister at Stuckton, he and his wife sadly lost their son – George Edmund Baines – in the First World War. On the page linked you can see postcards from George to Charles and Margret Lewis in Stuckton.
Rev. Baines and his wife are buried in the chapelyard.
Rev. E. T. C. Wheeler
1952 – 1954
Introduced the Women’s Guild and served briefly before accepting a call to Petersfield.
Believed to be Edward Thomas Carnal Wheeler, born October 1915 in Edmonton in Middlesex, who married Olive England in April 1939 in Brentford. He died on 2nd March 2007 in Torfaen, Gwent. To date, no picture has been found.
Rev. Lesley Alcock
1955 – 1957
Former leader of the Bournemouth Forces Gospel Team, he brought warmth and vision, overseeing the church’s centenary celebrations and initiating practical improvements.
Rev. Derek Anderson
1960 – 1964
Energised youth engagement and oversaw practical renovations, including Sunday School updates and outreach initiatives, before moving to the Colchester Railway Mission.
Rev. Philip Williams
1966 – 1973
A principled preacher who led the church through doctrinal challenges and into fellowship with the Evangelical Fellowship of Congregational Churches, while overseeing major repairs and spiritual deepening.
Rev. Martin Price
1975 – 1982
Focused on youth work and spiritual outreach, leaving a legacy of relational ministry and practical leadership across the group of churches.
Rev. Dennis Scurrell
1984 – 1996
Known for his faithful pastoral care, especially among the elderly and sick, he and his wife Ethel were beloved for their gentle, consistent ministry and community presence.
Rev. Bruce Jenkins
1998 – 2001
An American minister whose global perspective brought fresh energy; he initiated outreach efforts like the Avon Gospel Initiative and helped formalise the church’s constitution.
We are keen to find out more information about the ministers. We would hugely value any further information and particularly images for those that are missing; if you have anything we would be grateful if you could get in touch via the Contact page.