This cause dates from 1655 and was at first Independent but soon became Baptist. In February 1689 the church cast out four of its Independent members who then formed an Independent church at Carlton, one of them, John Greenwood, becoming its first pastor. The Stevington first Church Book entries show that in its early days that church had groups of members not only in Bedfordshire but also in Northamptonshire. The first Church Book was in a state of advanced decay in 1955 when it was expertly repaired at the County Record Office, Bedford, where it now is on deposit loan, together with a copy of my typed transcript of its entries. Other copies of the transcript are with the Stevington church; with the County Library, Bedford; with Bedford Public Library; with Luton Museum and Art Gallery; and with the Angus Library, Regent’s Park College, Oxford.

1673: About eighteen years ago some of the faithfull in Christ did gather together at Steventon in the county of Bedford, for to walke in the commandments and ordinances of the Lord, with their beloved brother and teacher Stephen Hawthorne their overseer, whose names, with the names of them that have been since added unto them are hereunder written.

Gregory Reade of Steventon, an old disciple, gone home.

Katherine Reade his wife, gone home also.

John Reade, asleep in Jesus: he was a teacher and was also appointed to breake bread to the church as an elder in the cheife brother’s absence, and to baptize beleivers.

Judith Reade, his first wife, departed.

Richard Laughton of Steventon, departed.

Thomas Wooton of Steventon. Departed.

Mary Coxe of Steventon. Departed.

Elisabeth Finden of Okley, daughter of Gregory abovnamed.

William Ashburn, he died at Milton.

Henry Savage of Milton.

Elisabeth Savage his first wife, departed.

Thomas Kinge of Woollaston in Northamtonshire.

Mary Read wife of Edward Reade of Steventon.

Mary Hine of Rodwell, widow.

Margeret White of Okley, widow.

Elisabeth Negus of Steventon, wife to Henry Neg[us[.

John Allen of Steventon.

Elisabeth Allen his wife.

Frances Laughton of Steventon, wife to John Laughton.

Mary Smith, the wife of Giles Smith of Thurley.