The Congregation was formed in 1976 on September 8th (I smell a 30th anniversary coming up!). They met at Cowpen Hall in Billingham (not far from where they are now, on the north side of Middlesbrough). 30 adults were at that first meeting Tom Wallace and Ken Kidd were the deacons. They were pastored by David Stirk - with Richard Frankel, David McGowan, Bernard Dowson (co-pastor) and Bob Harrison following. Members came from far and near: Whitby, Redcar, Peterlee, Hartlepool, Stockton, Spennymoor, Yarm, Newton Aycliff, Billingham itself and Middlesbrough. Over the years 51 adults have been regular attendants, with 34 children also attending. (I was born in Ripon/Yorkshire so felt right at home here. I first spoke to the members in Feb ’79 and felt well at home, although it was over two years since I had last attended.) Tom Wallace | 
