Below are some examples of books that churches have published books to celebrate and commemorate their heritage.
The Caribbean Contribution (Notting Hill Methodist Church)
Told through a series of photographs and themed chapters, this book documents the role of Notting Hill Methodist Church as a focal point for Caribbean identity in Notting Hill, bringing together a community who had come to London as part of the Windrush generation.
The church applied & received a grant for a book and related website for their local borough, Kensington and Chelsea, through its NCIL (Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy) funds. The church were required to bid and get councillor support.
An editor and designer was found via Reedsy. The contributing author, Claudius Steven and a member of the project working party (who was also Chief Exec of Notting Hill Carnival) Claire Holder gave a presentation at the local library during a Windrush exhibition.
The Chapel on the Green (Ley Hill Methodist Chapel)
Written and compiled by Neil Rees this 62pp book shares the story of the Baptists and the Methodists at Ley Hill Methodist Chapel, near Chesham, Bucks. Beautifully illustrated with over 100 photographs both from the archives and from present day.
The book takes a people first approach rather than being a history book about the building - Neil spoke to members of the chapel (the oldest being 108!) to talk about their memories. The book includes a list of weddings at the chapel complete with photographs, the activities of youth groups at the church and it's association with a partner church in Macedonia.
The book was researched and photographs sourced by Neil Rees, the book itself was published with a loan from the circuit and the expertise of local publisher Hawkes Design & Publishing, Chesham.
The book was published in 2021 to commemorate the 180th anniversary of the chapel.