History
Founded in 1873 by John La Touche, Brannockstown Baptist Church has a long and rich history. A wealthy landowner and prominent public figure in County Kildare, Mr. La Touche of Harristown was converted to the Baptist faith and baptized by Rev. C. H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle. Soon after he began evangelizing in Naas, Newbridge, Kilcullen, and Brannoxtown (the town’s original spelling).
A group of people began meeting in Brannockstown for prayer and to hear Mr. LaTouche’s Bible teaching. The group received their first minister, F.J. Ryan by 1880. In May 1882 the present Gothic-style church building and the manse were completed. Mr. La Touche was also instrumental in the creation of Brannoxtown National School in 1885 by demolishing an old castle on the grounds and using the materials to build the school.
Brannockstown Baptist Church has experienced many changes throughout its long history, from the o
pening of the cemetery on the church grounds to the addition of stained glass windows in the church building. Brannockstown Baptist has had 14 prior pastors throughout the years, the most recent of whom was Robert Dunlop. A well-known national religious broadcaster and author, Pastor Dunlop served for 42 years before recently retiring. The history you have just read was gleaned from his 1982 book, “Plantation of Renown”.
Following is the list of ministers at Brannockstown Baptist Church:
| 1880 F.J. Ryan 1882 John Stubbs 1884 Archibald McCaig —– S.A. McCracken —– F.G. Buckingham |
1893 J.D. Gilmore 1898 James Pearce 1902 Alfred Bird 1904 Ambrose U.G. Bury 1912 S.G. Godkin (honorary) |
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