AN ANDOVER church has undergone a rebranding as it celebrates its 200th anniversary this year.

Andover Baptist Church is entering a new chapter as it has changed its name to Andover Community Church, while celebrating all the lives that have been transformed and the good that has been done for the people of Andover and across the globe through its community.

The church was founded in 1824 by a group of 11 Christians who moved from Whitchurch Baptist Church to build a new church in Andover.

READ MORE: History: A look back at both of the town's Baptists chapels

Andover Advertiser: The Mayor and Mayoress of Test Valley, Councillor Philip Lashbrook and Mrs Lashbrook meeting the Andover Community Church staff team and unveiling their new signageThe Mayor and Mayoress of Test Valley, Councillor Philip Lashbrook and Mrs Lashbrook meeting the Andover Community Church staff team and unveiling their new signage (Image: Contributed)

Their goal was to build a community of faith in Andover and invite others to explore what following Jesus looks like.

The first Andover Baptist Church chapel was built on the Andover high street, where Clintons Cards and Costa Coffee are today.

Andover Advertiser: A 1968 photograph taken by Charles Wardell showing the impressive Baptist chapel that once stood between Bernfield’s the jeweller and Timothy White’s in Andover high streetA 1968 photograph taken by Charles Wardell showing the impressive Baptist chapel that once stood between Bernfield’s the jeweller and Timothy White’s in Andover high street

By the 1860s the church congregation had grown to more than 100 people and a new larger chapel was built on the same site for £1,800.

After 157 years on the high street site, in 1981, a new church building was constructed on the current site opposite the Folly pub, where pieces of the iconic rose-window were incorporated.

As the whole world began interacting remotely during Covid, the church expanded its use of digital technology and it continues to livestream to YouTube each Sunday to help make the journey of faith accessible and available to all.

SEE ALSO: Marlborough Street: Road reopens nine months later

Communications director Chris Choules said the church has changed its name to reflect its ongoing passion for the people who live, work and socialise in Andover.

He said: "We are convinced that we’re all designed to co-exist and grow and flourish when we come together. We have a huge heart for our local community and doing all we can to show how deeply God cares for each and every person in it!

"God’s invitation to a life full of love, purpose, and adventure is open to everyone and we are constantly seeking ways to remove barriers for people to discover all that God has for them."

As part of the 200th anniversary, the church is planning to do a photography competition for Andover residents and display the best images in the church building at the birthday event.