Tilehouse Street Baptist Church Annual Report 2025 Charity Registration Number 1135132
The charity is governed by an Approved Governing Document which states that the Church engages in a range of activities for the purpose of the advancement of the Christian faith according to the principles of the Baptist denomination. The Church may also advance education and carry out other charitable purposes in the United Kingdom and / or other parts of the world.
Trustees
Rev. Jane Robson (Minister) Mrs Joyce Bleasby Mr Paul Chamberlain (Designated Person for Safeguarding and Safeguarding Trustee from February) Mrs Margaret Granger (Joint Treasurer) Mrs Sheila Hallas (Secretary) Mr John Maguire Miss Anne Moody Safeguarding Trustee during January) Mr Martin Stears Handscomb Mrs Nickie Woodbridge (Joint Treasurer)
Motto Text Joshua 3 verse 5
Joshua told the people,“Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.”
The year was a time for the congregation to consecrate themselves, individually and corporately, and to be receptive to God’s word in preparation for the changes to come in 2026.
Aims
The Church’s primary aim is to worship God, make known his love, share the good news of the gospel and to care for all people and His creation.
Governance
The diaconate has met regularly to consider spiritual, practical and financial matters relating to church life. Church business meetings took place bi-monthly. All members of the congregation are encouraged to attend these meetings and many do but only those whose names appear on the church membership roll have authority to make decisions, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Membership
On January 1[st] there were 44 persons in membership at Tilehouse Street and 8 at Stondon Baptist Church. During the course of the year four members died and three others left the area. In February, a lady was received into membership and on Easter Sunday, it was a joy to witness the baptism of another lady and to welcome her into membership. Stondon’s membership is unchanged, thus leaving a total of 47 at the year’s end.
Safeguarding
Following her appointment by the church meeting Anne Moody became the safeguarding trustee on January 1[st] . Unfortunately, she was unable to continue in the role and Paul Chamberlain temporarily assumed the position alongside his duties as Designated Person for Safeguarding. The November church meeting appointed John Maguire to become the safeguarding trustee from January 1[st] 2026.
A Level 1 training video was shown to the congregation and in October Paul conducted a very helpful training session after a morning service. (The chocolates he provided were greatly enjoyed too.)
The safeguarding team has carried out an audit of its policies and procedures.
Worship and Bible Study
Rev. Jane has continued to lead the weekly services with enthusiasm, energy and imagination. During the early part of the year she took the word, ’consecrate’ as her theme for a series of sermons. In the summer and early autumn, we watched and discussed Radical Roots, a series of videos looking at the lives of six influential Baptists of the past. The two Bible Study groups have continued to meet, periodically, sometimes linking their chosen subjects to the theme of the previous Sunday’s sermon.
At the times when the Minister was elsewhere on a Sunday, it was a pleasure to have others leading the services, usually by old friends but also three new ones who had not previously preached at Tilehouse Street.
It was good to see the size of the congregation rising a little and to see the church full on occasions such as Easter Sunday and Remembrance Sunday. This was an opportunity for the Beavers, Cubs and Air Scouts who meet on the premises to parade their colours and share in the service.
Pastoral Care
Sadly, our very hard working and much loved pastoral care co-ordinator died in April. Since then a ‘buddy scheme’ has been set up, whereby every member of the fellowship has a buddy to keep an eye on him or her. Many members are also buddies to do the caring. Naturally, pastoral care is not confined to this system and much care, help and support is given by many to those in need.
Outreach
Open Church continues to flourish. Its loyal supporters are not deterred by the heaviest of downpours and numbers are growing. It’s been a joy to regularly welcome a number of ladies who live in the nearby apartments.
Coffee mornings at the start of Lent, harvest time and Advent are well attended and raise money for good causes.
A new venture this year was to sign up for ‘Streets of Light’. The aim was to use Halloween to send a message of hope. Decorations showing Jesus as the light of the world were attached to the windows in the front doors and illuminated after dark.
This innovation was so well received that the idea was repeated and decorations on the nativity theme were displayed throughout Advent and Christmas.
Charitable Donations
The church supports a number of charities, both Christian and secular. This year all the offerings given during the extra Christmas activities and services were donated to the Garden House Hospice in Letchworth. Other charities which the church supports prayerfully and financially include Phase, Home Mission, BMS World Mission and Operation Agri.
Use of the Premises
Both the church building and the Memorial Halls are well used throughout the week. Three other churches meet for worship on Sundays.
The Pre-school and Nursery is open five days a week during term time. We were sorry to lose Hitchin School of Dance who had hired rooms in the Hall for very many years. A wide variety of other activities such as Pilates, drama classes, Tai Chi and more take place on the site.
The Buildings
Work to repair the roof and resolve the problem of damp is still awaited. It is hoped that this work will be done in the spring of 2026.
A generous, anonymous donor paid for a new cooker to be installed. The floor in the main hall was sanded, sealed and varnished.
On the advice of the Fire Service, improvements have been made to the fire safety precautions in the Halls and a video doorbell has been fitted for increased security. At the onset of colder weather it was discovered that urgent repairs to the church boiler were needed. These were done and comfort regained.
The Future
Much of this year has been devoted to planning and preparation for the pastoral vacancy which will arise when Rev. Jane retires in April 2026. I have alluded to Jane’s encouraging of us to consecrate ourselves, so that we would be alert to God’s leading. A Ministry Working Group was set up to look into the varying styles of ministry available, investigate what is sustainable and right for Tilehouse Street. The group was grateful for help and advice from Rev. Mary Moody, one of the Central Baptist Association Regional Ministers. On April 5[th] , we held a Church Day, facilitated by Kieran Murphy. This was an opportunity to listen, pray and discern God’s guidance. The outcome of the day can be summarised in three points:
Courage – to move forward in faith Capacity – it may be limited, but use what we have well Cultivating – building on what we have.
We face an unknown future, but we travel on together trusting in our Lord to lead us.
I would like to thank everyone who has played a part in the church’s life during the year. Thank you for your prayers and practical help, in whatever form that may have been. I especially want to thank Rev. Jane for her ten years of ministry, guidance, spiritual support and practical help. I wish her a long, happy and blessed retirement.
Sheila Hallas January 2026
Minister’s Reflection
As I look back over 2025 I am convinced that the church has been consecrating itself and is ready for the amazing things that God will do among them in 2026 and beyond. I have already seen signs of apprehension over the future and a grieving for what will be lost but in so many ways I see a church that has also been preparing itself for the new season.
The church secretary has, once more, clearly and succinctly given a snap shot of the church’s ministry and mission in 2025. What has not been mentioned is the number of extra meetings the diaconate have held in the latter part of the year. These meetings have sought to put structures in place for the immediate future and given thought to new ministry in order to draw together a profile for when the search for a new minister begins.
Signs, in my opinion, of a healthy church that is able to celebrate the successes of the past year while also looking ahead with hope and purpose to all that God has in store. It has been a privilege and a joy to lead this part of the body of Christ for the last ten years. In particular I want to recognise the team work, commitment and integrity of all those who have served as deacons in that time. To God be the glory.
Tilehouse Street Baptist Church Registered Charity no. 1135132 Income and Expenditure Account for the year 1st January to 31st December 2025 Page I
Tilehouse Street Baptist Church Tru$tEes Rev J Robson Mrs S Hallas Mrs M Granger Mrs N Wbridge Mrs J Bleasby Mr J MJJuire Mr P ChamiErlain Miss A Mc¥yJy Mr M Stears-Handscomb MinisÈr etsry Joint Treasurer Joint Treasurer Deacon Deon Deacon tknon Deacon Address Tilehouse Street Baptist Church UpkEr Tiiehouse Street Hitchin, Herts SG5 2EE Baptist Unk)n cOrwratn Limited Baptist House 129 Broadway DKlcot Oxfordshire OXII 8RT Maln Bankers CAF Bank Ltd PO Pox 289 West MallirKJ, Kent ME19 4TA Baptist Un¥Jn cOrratn LimitLYJ Baptist House 129 Broadway Oxfordshire OXII 8RT Santater Uk PIC 2 Triton S]uare R8Jents Pe LoThJon NWI 3AN
Tilehouse Street Baptist Church Statement of Financial Activities for the year ending 31st December 2025 2025 2024 Unrestricted Funds INCOME Voluntary Income FundlsIng activitles Interest Charitèble activities 131.322.72 2,864.47 33,319.88 4,258.92 43,532.39 T¢)tal Receipts 167 507.07 123660.63 EXPENDITURE Charitsble expenses Govemance costs 13,489.95 123,639.84 13,784.22 108,374.39 Totsl Payments 137 129.79 132 158.61 OeficiVSurplu5 of income over expenditure 30 377.28 1,502.02 Totsl fvnds brOUgtr fcThard 211,874.12 210,372,10 Total funds carried forward 242 251.40 211874.12 Page 3
Tilehouse Street Baptist Church FUND ACtIvmES for year endlng 31st De¢emb& 2025 2025 GEIIERAL FIJND Income offIngS Donations and fees c1)naOn5 from church giimjps {appeals) Parking Income Gift Aid - Income recovered Lettings Ouuock contrlbutior Intwe5t receoved 3024 41,446.71 2,499.71 75.00 309.00 10,211.31 32,411,88 140.00 2 340.16 89,433.77 42,003.J2 2,221.72 J,965.33 315.40 10,390.18 41,720.26 240.00 718,48 99,574. 49 Expenditure Ministerial (including stipend, expenses pensfon & pulpit supply) BU penon deficit ptyment Manse expenses Stsnding charges- Electriclty 42,664.04 io. 3,467.32 3,310.00 6,816.16 7,199.07 811.74 3,136.55 5,938.89 708.61 5974.87 Water Insurance t)mestIC. Cleaning Grwnds Refreshments 20,880.98 11,865.40 8,209.01 385.07 15,748.92 Ji,321.60 20&19 ganis¢ linceS & piano tuning Outreath & Publicity General Events 20,4S9.48 1,231.86 18,369.79 1,432.72 40.50 54.28 135.01 Office. 40.50 Admini¢rator Bookkeeplng stst4onery & strmp5 Computer supplies Telephone & broadbai Photocopler 189.29 9,IXB.C 850.00 72.10 557.84 600.24 8,591.60 562.50 102.89 697.60 59as1 641.44 Equipment Fees, SuiKn'ptions & glfts Bank Charges Conferences & Ti"aining DonatFons Sundries 12,651.16 11,18&54 368.87 577.79 476.80 335.1)0 3,000.C 104.00 2,500. 105,109.82 91,238.05 Less transfer to Pastor81 Carè fvnd Less transfer to Building maintenano fvnd 5D.00 io.000.00 100.&7 io.000.00 SURPLUSI{DEFI(Jn FOR YEAR 25,726.05 &4LANCE 1st JANUARY ReSee policy transfer (from Legacies fund) BALAN 31st DECEMBER 31,180.05 25,000.00 J5,943.6J 31180.0 Page 4
Tilehouse Street Baptist Church FUND AcrrviTIES for year ending 31st Dffember 2025 2025 2024 PAsfoRAL CARE FUND Balance 1st JanLWrf Inc(xne Transfer from General fund fnterest I.().00 I,om.00 50.00 Iw,00 1.050.IJO so.00 Gffts & Loan5 Balance 31st Decemb i.Joo.00 BUILDING MAipifEMANCE FVIID 8a5ance 1st JanLJary Transfer from General fvnd Transfer from Legaaes fund Intsre 11,976.14 10,000.00 8,671.78 io.000.00 EXpendre - Genwal Church & Halls )ller mairtena Fire exfjnquisher 5erM¢e Hall flo resurfacing Hall lights & Smoke detectors Church r)f drone photos uh roof damp proofing Balance 31* Deomber 21,976.14 1,744.53 4,133.00 522.33 3,240.00 2,698 $1 1.060.00 1.250.00 7 307.47 18,671.78 758.80 450.00 516.84 11976.14 ORfjAN FUND Balance 1st January 11,977.12 11.923.67 282.41 12,206. ExdilU- tuning blower maintenance Bal 31st December 11.977.12 266.40 11710.72 228.96 11977.12 LEGAaES FUND Balance 1st tsnuary Estate of Glll Mayes Intrrest IS,0.34 58,130.86 73,4.62 Expendire (transf¥ to Bulldlng Malntenance) Reserves (transfer to General fund) Balance 31st Dernb 133,731.20 25,000.00 108.731.20 Page 5
Tilehouse Street Baptist Church FUND ACTIVMES for the year ending 31st December 2025 2025 2024 BADMINTON CLUB Balan 1st January Income - Subxriptions 660.48 525.50 1,185.98 29.90 500.00 656.08 605.76 Expendthre - 5hutdes & sundries Donation to General fund Balance 315t December 1,204.76 44.28 500.190 660.48 DONATIONS FUND (see note5 on page 8) Balance 1st January Donations recelved Gift clalmed General fund donatlons Spare 6,039. 1.194.25 3,o.(M) 983.25 Z500.L Donaticns Pald General ftjnd donadtsns Donation5 Wtstsndlng (GHH) Balance 31st CEcembei 10,233.25 6,404.87 3,000.LN) 828.38 9,899.65 7,399.65 2,500.00 oiJrREACH & MIMIRy FUND Balan 1st January Interest 15,134.20 14,780.73 353.47 15134.20 Transfer to General fund Balance 315t December 15,134.20 15 134.20 15134.20 FLOWER FUND Balance 1st January ctrItIonS other bequests 349.93 695. 951.48 13.40 1,058.92 560.11 498.81 Expenditure Balance 31st Etcemb 1,044.93 950.89 Page 6
Tilehouse Street Baptist Church FUND ACTivrriES for the year ending 31st December 2025 2025 sroNDON CHAPEL FUND 2024 Income Offerings Income tax recovered Donation5 Grants Coffee mornings & fund r?rj Leib'ngs Other inctme (bank error) Interest 9,182.00 1.060.00 8,919.01 1,217.50 389.88 382.50 70.00 524.31 11,218.81 1.213.13 112.50 1,138.84 12.990.89 Expenditure Preaching fee5 Standing charges- Electrlctty Gas Water 2,393.50 295.66 853.97 283.72 1135.? 346.62 824.88 195.79 Building- Malntenance Cleaning Projects Insurance, fire extinguisher5 1,433.35 I,J67.29 96.00 942,60 1 165.25 MU¢ licen Outreach & pubFiclty TTaining Equipment Donations- 2,223.85 253,91 4010.83 240.24 32.40 752.88 207.03 Home Mlssion 600.00 BMS 600.00 Baptist T%nnIng iwael l.000.00 MAF Appeals 1,350.c27 112.50 SuThJrles 2,200.00 2,662.50 8,711.64 12,OOJ.14 DEFICITISURPLUS FOR IEAR 2.507.17 BALAN 1st JANUARY 64,251.75 63,263.th7 BALANCE 31st DECEMBER 66 758.92 64251.75 Paje 7
Tilehouse Street Baptist Church FUND AcnvmES the year endlng 315t December 2025 DONATIONS FUND 2025 2024 Note5 {ftr 2025) Home Mi55ion BM5 2,045,62 1,745.63 146.50 1,847.40 1,800.00 400.Lk) 500.CKI 1,814.6D J,514.60 29S.25 J.396.70 see note I See note 2 Blrthday Scheme Operotsoii Agri CTH PHASE Regents Park Bapb'st College Baptist union trsatvest offerings 1,800. donation from General Fund 400. donation from GeneRI Fund donaticm for Spurgeons College Christian Aid DEC appeals 82.22 95.00 Garden House Hospi Garden HOse Hospice 742.50 828.38 Annivwsary appeal Ch¥istmas charity Daisy Chalns Mer¢y Ships Herts Young Homeless 428.Lil 1,432.50 r*stmas tharity Total: 10.233.25 9,899.65 Note 4 Notes (for 2025).. includes £300.00 Church D)ation- £1,462.50 Gift Day,. £283.13 gift aid irKludes £1,462,51 Gift Dayi £283.12 gift aid 3. gift aid is clalmed wherever PDssble; total claimed on datr"OnS £1194.25 4. the total donations equivalert to approximately 11.4% of the church intome other notes: 1) 2025 MI0 Gift Day totsl was £3,628.74 (Including £566.25 grft aid) i) 2024 Mission Gift Day total wa5 £3,029.20 (including £585 gift aid) ill 2023 Missffl Gift Day total was £4,262.50 (Including £822.50 glft aid) iii) 2022 Mission Gift Day total was £4,408.75 (Includlng £858.75 gfft ald) Page 8
Tilehouse Street Baptist Church statement of Assets & Llabllltles as at 31st December 2025 2025 2024 Current assets CAF bank. Cath acnt CAF bank- Gc4d &count Bapbst Union - Deposit account Boptist Union- Hlgh Interest account Nat West bank- Batlminton Club 4,560.17 44,690.44 43.881.49 90,684.04 656.08 9,891.39 25,670.2b 103,143.21 Santsnder UK Flc- Stondon Chapel Bapvst Vnlon - Deposit account 15,119.06 51,639.86 13,136.20 51,115.55 Totrl at bank and in hand 251,231.14 203.617.03 Sundry debtors Prepaid Insuran Lettlngs Stondon (Gift Ad) HNRC (Gift *Jd) 4,660.90 2,258.00 550.00 1,853.63 260,553.67 4,964.28 Totsl assets 2,461.03 ?14, J31.84 Current liabilities Payroll tiabilities (overpayment) Sundry Creditors (donations fund) Stondon 2025 gift aid balance Sundry Creditor5 loffertoryl Sundry Creditors {gift aid re1] (1,059.01) 681.38 117.40 14,849.56 787.72 1,470.rt7 18,302.27 Z257.72 Net assets over liabllities 242 251.40 211874.12 Unrestrirted Funds General fund Pastoral care fund Hower fund Building Maintenare lund Organ Maintenan fiJrKI Badminton Club Donations fund Legocles ftjnd Outreach & Ministy fuThJ 30,454.00 1,000.00 498.81 7,307.47 11,710.72 656.08 31,180.05 I,ooD.00 lJ,976.14 11.977.12 660.48 108,731.20 15,134.20 75,600.34 15.134.20 Stffidon chao 66758.92 64251.75 Totsl fvnds 242 251.40 21] 874.12 Page 9
Tilehouse Street Baptist Church Notes to the Accounts TilÈhousÈ Street Baptist Church has a reserves pcdicy whKh is to rètsin a minimum of three rnonths expendithre in the General FLfnd. These accounts have prepared M a'receipts and payments, Ws and a¢roTd Section 133 Charities Act 2011 Insure(J V lue hdd fi)r Chur 'sow Pmperty- The Church Is the beTIcia[ owner {subJ"ect to the relevant tnJsLs) follovlngi the legal tiue to whKh i5 hdd by the Bapt•st Union Corporation: Church premises Manse 5.806,43B stondon premises 421,864 607 952 6,836,254 Other- Organ. an05, Flxtures, Fittings and Equipment Manse fixtures & fitb.ngs stondon. Pianos, etc. 169,686 31,167 101,327 7 138 434 The kcounts ststement of Assets and LiatNlities *t out on Page5 1 to 10 rel.ng to the year ending 31 December 2024 are as approved by the Trustees Tre85U Date Page io
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