The history of the Waterside Church
The Waterside Community Church was founded in 2001 by a group of local Christians, keen to create a friendly and relaxing gathering that is engaging and inclusive, to encourage a healthy Christian life to the benefit of themselves and their community, making true disciples of Christ Jesus.
In 2017 the leaders started to uncover the history of the Henry Cook mission, to revive his original vision. With many different titles over the years for the Hall and church, the original identity has been reinstated to unite the charity name with both the building and the church, the charity ‘Cook’s Bethel‘ at The Henry Cook Centre, with ‘Waterside Bethel‘, being the church meeting.
In 2021, ‘The Waterside Community Church’ was renamed Waterside Bethel.
The name ‘Bethel’ denotes the place with it’s Biblical meaning ‘House of God’, the church being those who gather there.
Our vision
To include all in our society and community with no discrimination, judgement or condemnation, to build and equip His church in three ways:
- To encourage a loving family fellowship, sharing foundational Biblical truths of scripture.
- To equip each person with an understanding of their true individual identity in Christ Jesus.
- To support the needs of the local community, healing the sick and evangelising the Gospel message of good news.
