Northfield Baptist Church in Birmingham began its existence on 4 June 1912, and by 1915 the church had completed its first building project (albeit a temporary chapel), called a part-time minister and joined the Baptist Union. 

The church has adapted and developed in many ways over the years, with community outreach always at its heart. However, numerous building projects have been 'profoundly important' to its worship and witness, said minister the Revd Neil Coulson.

For instance, in 1937 the church completed its first permanent building, making the significant decision to site it right in the centre of Northfield.

In the late 1960s there was a pressing need for larger accommodation, and members had a vision for the church to be able to serve a growing and developing Northfield. It was agreed that the 1937 building be almost doubled in size, and with the additional space the church could easily accommodate a new playgroup, a youth club and luncheon club for the elderly.

In the early 1980s, the church decided to put some adjacent land to good use by building a sheltered housing scheme.  It is now managed by Riverside English Churches Housing Group, and the staff and residents of Ash Grove and the Church continue to enjoy excellent relationships with one another. 

And thanks to the most recent building project, planned over several years and completed in 2006, Ash Grove and the church are now joined with a connecting door between the two buildings. 

Neil said these decisions have all helped to make the church what it is today. 'One hundred years on, Northfield is now a busy suburb in South Birmingham and because of the goodness of God and the vision and dedication of the ministers and members across these years, Northfield Baptist Church is located just off the High Street with a building that facilitates both the church's worship and its mission within the local community.

'These days, much of the church's mission work occurs through the relationships church members have with the many people and organisations from the surrounding community who enter the centre every day.'

To mark the centenary, the church has planned two celebrations with guest preachers. 

The first was held earlier this month with the Revd Keith Judson of the Heart of England Baptist Association.  The service was followed with a fellowship lunch attended by well over 100 people. 

The second centenary service will be on 7 October with the Revd Jonathan Edwards. 

Neil said the first event was 'a wonderful day of celebration as past and present ministers and members, along with our guests and friends, gave thanks to God for all He has done and is still doing in and through His people here in Northfield Baptist Church. It was also an occasion for us to listen to God and imagine His future for the church.'

A centenary history booklet has also been published, written by Dr Robert Whitworth a church member since 1957. 

Neil added, 'We are so delighted with the great work that Robert has done on our behalf to tell the story of Northfield Baptist Church so very well.'