OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2024-12-31-accounts

Report and Accounts

----- Start of picture text -----
J & E Pri
----- End of picture text -----

Year ended 31 December 2024

BLESSED ACCOUNTANTS 328 London Road Mitcham Surrey CR4 3ND Tel: 020 8544 1551 Email: accountants@blessedltd.com Web: www.blessedaccountants.com

EARLSFIELD BAPTIST CHURCH

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

COMPANY INFORMATION

Registered Office Magdalen Road
Earlsfield
London
SW18 3NZ
Charity Registration Number 1193754
Trustees Rev K Parr (Minister)
Mrs J Davis (Secretary)
Mr A Adesuyan (Treasurer)
Ms D Dorman
Mrs B Lee
Mrs L Perez Bernaldez
Mr B Williams
Church Secretary Mrs J Davis
Property Trustees The London Baptist Property Board (L.B.P.B)
235 Shaftesbury Avenue
London
WC2H 8EP
Paid Staff Rev K Parr (Minister)
Ms Y Biney (Cleaner)
Mrs Sally Phillips (Admin support)
Governing Document CIO For Earlsfield Baptist Church
Independent Examiner Mrs M Adriaans ACMA CGMA
Bankers Barclays Bank
Leicester
LE87 2BB
CONTENTS
Page
Trustees Report 1-4
Independent Examiner's Report 5
Statement of Financial Activities 6
Balance Sheet 7
Notes to the Accounts 8-9

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The Trustees have pleasure in submitting the Report and Accounts for the year ending 31 December 2024.

Objects of the charity

The principal aims and objectives of the Church are:

a) the advancement of the Christian faith according to the principles of the Baptist denomination;

b) the advancement of education in the Christian faith; and

c) to carry out other charitable purposes in the United Kingdom and/or other parts of the world.

The Church is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at its services and to become part of the local congregation. Church services continue to be held on Sunday mornings both in the Church building and via Zoom for those unable to come to the Church.

Governance

Earlsfield Baptist Church is a charity registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales. Charity Registration number 1193754.

The policy and operating decisions of the Church rest with the Trustees who met eight times during the year, including an away day. Key decisions were brought to Church Members by emailed correspondence (hard copies were sent by post to those without access to the internet) and also communicated at Church Members' meetings.

Review of Activities

Congregation and Members

The Church celebrated its 127th Anniversary in 2024 as did the Sunday School. Weekly worship services continued to be held on Sunday mornings at 11 am. The Church continued to use the Hybrid Model for worship (online and offline community) throughout the period covered by this report.

Throughout 2024, contact was maintained with all members of the congregation by monthly newsletters. Contact was also maintained with telephone calls, emails and, when possible, home visits. In the period covered by this report, one person was baptized, one person was were received into membership and five members received their home call. A number of funerals, including some from the local community, were held at the Church during the year. Current membership stands at 32, however congregation numbers continue to incease and a record number of people attending the Christmas services.

Our Minister, Rev Keith Parr, led Lent studies and special services at Easter, Pentecost, Harvest Thanksgiving, Remembrance Sunday and Christmas.

During the year, Rev Parr continued weekly Bible Study meetings: a morning 'Coffee and a Chat' in a local coffee shop, an evening Bible Study house group via Zoom and an evening Bible Study house group held at the Manse. Outreach also continued in a local public house and in other local coffee shops. 'Rendezvous', the new club for adults, celebrated its first anniversary in May 2024 and continued to meet on the first Thursday of each month. These meetings are well attended and enjoyed by all who come. A new Sunday School group, 'BLAST!' (Believe, Learn And Seek Truth!) started in May 2024 meeting on Sunday mornings from 11.15 am. Numbers have been growing in this group since that time. Also in May 2024, 'Comfort', a quiet weekly service on Sunday evenings was launched with 10-12 people usually attending. The Church joined with two other charities, Keeping Families Together and Youth for Christ, to launch 'The Lounge', in May 2024. This group for girls aged 11+ met on Thursday afternoons but, due to staffing difficulties, had to close at the end of July 2024. A Reunion of past members of the 14th London Boys' Brigade Company and the 38th London Girls' Brigade Company was held at the Church in October and attendees also joined the Church's 127th Anniversary Service.

The Church opened its doors for individual prayer as often as possible on weekdays during the year and a daily Prayer Texting continued to be circulated to those wishing to take part with encouraging Bible texts and suggested subjects for prayer for individuals, the local community and wider world events.

1

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Mission:

The Church continued to stay active in the community.

• The Prayer Texting Service continued whereby members were able to request prayer. These requests and other matters for prayer are circulated on a daily basis.

• Throughout the year, the Church continued to support various charities through its monthly Communion offerings - Mission Aviation Fellowship, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Earlsfield Food Bank, Christian Aid, Global Care, BMS World Mission, Bible Society, The Leprosy Mission, Operation Agri, Home Mission and Laces, a local ladies football charity.

Premises:

General maintenance of the premises continued throughout the year where needed.

The Manse provided accommodation for Rev Parr throughout the year and maintenance carried out when needed. The Colour Box Montessori School continued to rent The Rock on weekday mornings during term time. A Dance School and a Stage School hired The Rock on weekday afternoons and evenings and on Saturdays respectively. The 6th Earlsfield Guiding Group used the premises on Wednesday evenings and Alcoholics Anonymous also held their weekly meetings at the Church on Thursday evenings. The Wandsworth branch of U3A held their monthly meetings at the Church on the third Monday of each month and the local Allotments Society held their Annual Show and AGM at the Church in September and November respectively.

A new name sign was erected above the front doors of the Church in May 2024. A Quinquennial Survey was carried out on the Church premises and the Manse in October 2024. This Survey has been reviewed by the Leadership Team and appropriate action will be taken in line with recommendations made. We are grateful to B&Q who generously provided staff and materials to redecorate our Sunday School Hall. The wooden floor of this Hall was also stripped, repaired and repolished in December 2024.

General Data Protection Regulation 2018:

Members of the congregation continued to be contacted by email from the official church email addresses. The Church remained compliant with GDPR but work is needed to ensure it follows UK guidelines with regard to retaining members' personal information.

Safeguarding:

The church’s safeguarding statements and policies are reviewed annually and copies are displayed throughout the premises. The Church hosted a Safeguarding Training Course in May 2024 for its own members and those from churches in the local area. Safeguarding statements are read to the church members annually and all leaders of clubs and activities held at the church have been made aware of the statements and must adhere to the policies and procedures.

Plans for Future Periods:

Mission: The Trustees remains committed to the mission focus of the Church and endeavours to strengthen the outreach programme whenever possible. There is a mission focus each month when a specific charity or organisation is highlighted and supported through the communion offering.

2

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The Church will continue with the Hybrid Model for Sunday services to give the congregation and members the choice of where to worship. Hybrid worship offers more inclusivity; it includes the housebound, those who are unwell, those who may have COVID or other health concerns, those who live far from the Church Building and those who are busy with work and family commitments. Hybrid Church offers new opportunities to include more of our community in the body of Christ.

The Church continues to look at different ways to reach out to the Community such as meeting and holding events in pubs and coffee shops.

Financial Activities and Affairs

The Church continued to make all payments and expenses via online bank transfer or Direct Debits. Payments were processed by the Treasurer and then approved online by either the Church Secretary or another Trustee. A small team of Church members meet monthly to count and bank cash/cheque offerings.

Please see the attached detailed accounts.

2024 Total Income of £466.0k is £375.7k more than 2023 due to Legacy Donation of £340.4k from the Estate of the late Phyllis A Thompson, a long serving church member. In addition, £20.2k received from Restricted fund to General fund. Underlying income rose by £15.1k excluding legacy donation and internal transfer (2024: £105.4k vs. 2023: £90.3k).

Total Expenditure has increased by £358.8k to £448.6k (2023: £89.8k). This includes £320k of legacy donations paid into Deposit Account with LBPB; and £20.2k transferred out of Restricted fund.

Exclude legacy donation and transfer out from restricted funds, underlying expenditure is £99.9k which is £10.k higher than 2023 £89.9k.

Church congregational offering was £25.9k, £2.0k less than last year. The reduction appears to be due to removal of personal envelopes tithes to reduce manual admin work. However we didnt see an increase to bank standing orders to offset.

Hire of Premises increased by £11.8k to £51.4k due to The ColourBox (leasor) as payments issues resolved and increased hours agreed.

Donations & Contributions of £367.0k includes legacy donations of £340.4k from the Estate of the late Phyllis A Thompson and £20.2k received from Restricted fund as historical funds reallocated to designated fund.

Higher Investment Income due to increased interest rates from our deposit held with L.B.P.B (London Baptist Property Board).

Cost of Ministry increased by £5.1k to £43.5k. Manse repairs increased by £2.5k and unfortunately minister’s mobile data was hacked over a period of 2.5 months, costing £2.3k. Minister Stipend was kept at 2023 level to support Church finances after a challenging 2023.

Cost of Premises increased by £10.1k to £43.1k due to one off floor polish of main hall (£6.3k) and more essential repairs and maintenance of premises (£4.5k).

Net assets increased by £706k to £8,399k (2023: £7,693k), due to increased property valuation based on insurance rebuild values. Total Cash Balance at end of the year was £14.5k (2023: £9.5k).

Funding:

The Church continued to raise necessary funds from within its own membership, congregation and by hiring out its halls. The Church is committed to making donations to other charitable organisations and causes.

In this period, £3.8k (2023: £3.5k) was donated Home Mission and £1.3k (2023: £1.2k) given to BMS World Mission (Denomination fund). The Church donated to eight charities including Christian Aid, Leprosy Mission, Earlsfield Foodbank and Global Care, where our own Minister, Rev. Keith Parr is Chair of Trustees (charity no. 07560813).

3

REPORTOFIHE TRU5TEE5 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DE￿mBER￿lI4 FIDanclal Ae¥lew Church contirlued ty spend within tts mean5.Thi5Ve3rf5 Gerwal EX￿nse ra￿ was at94%12023: 1(IYAI. The thurth aimsto rnaintain an expense ratio of arca 95% Ilor£l i￿. eXpl￿e1. 94%eXI￿ Trlio 15 I￿er thars East yeardueto increase Hall Hire income and Th)t 1rKreaSi￿ mIn￿terf$ st¢peTrJ. ExwinR 2025 ratloto duEto G45 prKe ir￿￿o510E from sept￿nber 2024 and fj¢wernrnert drnEn Pll HKreasefrom hw"12025. The Church Is heamly dÈpEfideTht it5 rnerrt￿ and the rernainderof itscongregatyon worknng a5 volullteer5 in all asperts of the (thurch's actNlties. many of which havÈ litdÈ impart on the Churth'5 expeDditiwe. bJtnv4erthdess toNtributÈ ttsthe a￿￿ement of thÈChurch% obierbve5. Pdi¢y on Re5erwes It is the poliryof the Chtsrch to mainiain unresiFthd bankrash balarKeequivaknttotwo month5. exp￿thrE ICurrw￿Y £17kl. tf the balantr t5 hsEher than this &thÈend of theyear.the delts to ￿trar￿ferred to our &ivinB5 accourrt held with L.B.P.B. to benefrtfrom the higher iThtere￿ ratss. Atthe end of 2024, tatal bank cash balarxe was£14.52512023.. E9.5421. Charity law requires as TIu5te25to pTeparefiThar￿1al smements aca￿￿t￿%￿ar￿knKh we a truparKlfairvw of the state ofthe chaT6ty and ofits inuwneand eXpen￿￿refOr thevear. l. SÈfect Suitable accounting policies and appty thom corNstenty. 2. Make judgements and estimates that afe reasonab￿ and prLuknL 3. State whether the appJKable accounti￿ standards hoE teen followed. sub￿110 any matErial depathjres discfosed and explained in the accounts. 4. Prepave the fiTranoal statements on an¥NJ1￿￿r￿ern IYsi5 unle55 iti5 inapwowktsto WE5UFneththe charitywll continue in busin￿. Trustees are respon5iblÈforkewr¥ adequate acco￿4￿8 recordswtr#th disd[￿, Mih rEasonable accurary atarytime.the financial position of the tompany aiKJ en5￿￿5 thal the financtal statements complywith CompaniesAct ￿. Trustees also have a reSp?￿bIlity tosafwrd the aksetsof the dwrtty and to take reasonablesteps to preventfraud orany other irregulariiies. prtyAI This report WRS a&￿￿ved bythETrustee5 and thurch Mernberson 18th May2025and their behalfbv: Mrsj Daw5 IU)w(h Secretary)

Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Section A Independent Examiner’s Report

Report to the trustees

Charity Name Earlsfield Baptist Church

On accounts for the year 31 December 2024 Charity no 1193754 ended (if any) Set out on pages 6 - 9 (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31 / 12 / 2024 .

Responsibilities and As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the basis of report accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examiner's statement come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Date: 01.06.2025 Signed: Name: Meagan Adriaans Relevant professional ACMA CGMA qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: 23 Moorfield Road KT9 1AU

Oct 2018

1

IER

Unrestricted
General
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
2024
2024
2024
2023
Note
£
£
£
£
INCOMING RESOURCES
Incoming resources from generated funds
Voluntary income
2a
392,983
6,788
399,771
41,834
Transfer from General Fund
-
-
-
Statement of Financial Activities
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Summary Income and Expenditure Account		 Unrestricted
General
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
2024
2024
2024
2023
Note
£
£
£
£
INCOMING RESOURCES
Incoming resources from generated funds
Voluntary income
2a
392,983
6,788
399,771
41,834
Transfer from General Fund
-
-
-
Statement of Financial Activities
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Summary Income and Expenditure Account		 Unrestricted
General
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
2024
2024
2024
2023
Note
£
£
£
£
INCOMING RESOURCES
Incoming resources from generated funds
Voluntary income
2a
392,983
6,788
399,771
41,834
Transfer from General Fund
-
-
-
Statement of Financial Activities
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Summary Income and Expenditure Account
Investment income
9,038
128
9,166
4,273
Gift aid recovered
5,731
-
5,731
4,638
Incoming resources from community activities
Hire of Premises
2b
51,360
-
51,360
39,564
Total Incoming Resources
2,7c
459,112
6,916
466,028
90,308
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Direct Church activities
3a,b
96,529
196
96,725
79,637
Charitable Donations
3c
-
6,794
6,794
5,436
Transfer from General fund
3c
324,932
-
324,932
4,744
Transfer from Restricted fund
3c
-
20,188
20,188
-
Total Resources Expended
421,461
27,178
448,638
89,818
Net Movement in Funds 37,651
(20,261)
17,389
491
Revaluation of assets
Transfers between funds		 373,746
-
373,746
621,851
315,000
-
315,000
(5,000)
Accrual - -
-
-
Fund balances at 1 Jan 2024
7,669,201
23,680
7,692,880
7,075,539
Fund balances at 31 Dec 2024
8,395,598
3,418
8,399,016
7,692,880
Movements on reserves and all recognised gains and losses are shown above.
The notes onpages 8-9 formpart of these accounts.

6

EARLSFIELD BAPTIST CHURCH

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

Note
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
4,5b
CURRENT ASSETS
London Baptist Property Board
5a
National Savings Income Bond
5a
Cash and bank
5a
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Liabilities falling due within one year
5c
Net Current Assets
NET ASSETS
FUND BALANCES
Unrestricted funds
General Funds
Designated funds
Restricted Funds
7c
Capital
2024
£
7,948,857
7,948,857
432,367
-
14,525		 2023
£
7,575,111
7,575,111
108,227
-
9,542
446,892
(3,267)
450,159
8,399,016
446,741
-
3,418
7,948,857		 117,769
-
117,769
7,692,880
94,090
-
23,680
7,575,111
8,399,016 7,692,880

For the year ended 31 December 2023, the company was entitled to the exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Responsibilities of directors/trustees:

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf on 02 June 2025 by:

A Adesuyan ACMA

Charity number: 1193754

The notes on pages 8-9 form part of these accounts.

7

Notes to the Accounts FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting Policies

The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 on a Receipts and Payments basis.

Donated income and grants receivable are taken into account when received by the charity. Income received in circumstances where a claim for repayment of tax has been or will be made to HM Revenue & Customs is grossed up for the tax recoverable. Any amount of tax reclaimed from HM Revenue & Customs but not yet received is shown within the charity's debtors.

Investment income is taken into account when receivable and expenditure, including irrecoverable VAT, when incurred by the charity, regardless of when payment is made. Donations/Grants payable are taken into account at the earlier of when they are paid or become constructive obligations. Donations/Grants for the support of mission are accounted for on the basis of support that relates to the financial year.

d) Fixed assets and depreciation: Fixed assets acquired for use by the charity are capitalised and depreciated over their estimated useful life unless they cost less than £5,000 when they are written off on purchase.

Depreciation periods are as follows:

Motor vehicles 25% reducing balance Furniture and office equipment 25% straight line

The company operates a defined contribution scheme for certain of its employees. Pension premiums are charged as they are paid.

f) Taxation: The Church is a charity but ‘excepted from registration’ under The Charities (Exception from Registration) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 and is exempt from taxation under the Income & Corporation Taxes Acts.

g) Cashflow statement:

The Church has taken advantage of the exemption provided by the Financial Reporting Standard 1 and has not prepared a Cash Flow Statement for the year.

2a
Voluntary income
General Donations
Donations and Legacies
Transfer from Restricted Funds
To General Fund
Transfer from London Baptist Property Board
To General Fund
Transfer from General Funds
To Church Denominational
2b Incoming Resources from Activities for Generating Funds
Hall Hire
Investment Income
Gift Aid recovered
Total income
3
Charitable activities
a
Direct Charitable Costs
Minister's Stipend, Pension and NIC
Pastoral Assistance and Visiting Preachers
Ministry Expenses
Church Mission activities
b
Support and Administration
Church Premises Costs
Manse costs
Admin/Other
Combined charitable activity cost
c
Donations
Transfer from General Funds
To L.B.P.B Legacy Account
To Church Denominational
Transfer From Restricted Funds
Transfer To General Funds
Donations to supported charities and causes
Total expense		 General
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
25,962
1,857
27,819
32,090
341,832
-
341,832
-
20,188
-
20,188
-
5,000
-
5,000
5,000
-
4,932
4,932
4,744
392,983
6,788
399,771
41,834
51,360
-
51,360
39,564
9,038
128
9,166
4,273
5,731
-
5,731
4,638
66,129
128
66,257
48,474
459,112
6,916
466,028
90,308
General
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
37,937
-
37,937
34,900
273
-
273
125
-
-
-
-
553
-
553
587
38,762
-
38,762
35,613
£
£
£
£
43,097
-
43,097
33,008
5,330
-
5,330
3,373
9,341
196
9,536
7,643
57,767
196
57,963
44,025
96,529
196
96,725
79,637
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
320,000
-
320,000
-
4,932
-
4,932
4,744
-
20,188
20,188
-
-
6,794
6,794
5,436
324,932
26,982
351,914
10,180
421,461
27,178
448,638
89,818

8

Notes to the Accounts FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

5 Statement of Assets and Liabilities at 31 December 2024

2024 2023
Notes £ £
a)
Cash Funds Bank Current Accounts 14,027 7,230
Bank Deposit Accounts 498 2,312
Total Cash at bank 14,525 9,542
London Baptist Property Board - Investments London Baptist Property Board - Legacy (DE18295) 324,640 -
London Baptist Property Board - Main Deposit Account (DE16270) 104,531 105,159
London Baptist Property Board - Youth Deposit Account (DE16560) 3,196 3,069
446,892 117,769
London Baptist Property Board - Net transfer from General Fund 315,000 (5,000)
b)
Assets Retained for Church Use May 2024 May 2023
Church Building (Place of worship & praise) - Magdalen Road SW18 3NZ 4,914,933 4,748,677
Church Halls - Magdalen Road SW18 3NZ 2,444,800 2,362,100
Manse (Minister and family residence) 27 Ellerton Road SW18 3NG 589,124 464,334
Church Property Valuation as at May 2024, based Church's insurer, 'Baptist Insurance' rebuild value 7,948,857 7,575,111

c) Liabilities

Gift Aid
Expenses
Net total
(5,731)
-
2,465
-
(3,267)
-

6 Staff and Trustees

At 31 December 2024, the charity employed 2 staff on payroll and 1 staff, self employed admin support. Its activities are generally carried out by volunteers. No staff received salaries at a rate of more than £60,000 per annum.

During the year the Minister was reimbursed for expenses totalling £1,160.73

The Minister, Rev. Keith Parr is Chair of Trustees at Global Care (charity no. 07560813). In 2024, the Church via Communion offering collected and donated £90.50 for Global Care

7 Funds

Analysis of Fund Movements for the Year

a) Unrestricted Funds may be used by the Church for any of its ordinary purposes. The movements in the fund are shown in the Receipts and Payments Account.

b) Designated Funds represent sums set aside, out of ordinary unrestricted funds, for specific designated purposes, but they can be transferred back into general funds at any time.

Fund Name
Fund Purpose
Outreach Projects & Events for Community
Totals (per Receipts and Payments Account)		 Balance
1 January
£		 Receipts
£		 Payments
£		 Transfers
£		 Balance
31 December
£
0
20,188
20,188
- 20,188 - - 20,188

Notes: 2024 AGM, on 29th September 2024, members votes to create a Designed Fund from consolidating unused restricted funds (Building, Parent & Toddlers & Over 60s club)

Fund Name
Fund Purpose
Church Denominational
London Baptist Property Board - Youth Deposit Account
Supported Charities
Building Fund (Closed)
Parents & Toddler Group (Closed)
Benevolent Fund
Over 60s Club (Closed)
Totals (per Receipts and Payments Account)		 Balance
1 January
£		 Receipts
£		 Payments
£		 Transfers
£		 Balance
31 December
£
-
5,277
(5,277)
(1)
3,069
128
3,196
1
1,512
(1,512)
1
14,282
(14,282)
-
1,341
(1,341)
-
306
(200)
106
4,566
(4,566)
-
23,564 6,916 (6,989) (20,188) 3,302

9