Fishermen's Bethel, The Stade, Folkestone

In 1890 the welfare needs of Folkestone fishermen were vividly explained when a Report in the spring of that year stated 'The first three months of the year had been exceptionally unremunerative and there is considerable distress and absolute want amongst the fishermen.'

During this period, there was no Fishermen's Mission at Folkestone, but the Deep Sea Missions ship, Herald of Mercy, visited the harbour at times, to bring spiritual and practical assistance to the fishermen and their families. There was however, a Fishermen's Club in a house at Radnor Street, near the harbour, which was established in November 1890, it was open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, and was fitted out to suit their recreational needs.

Around this time a Mr. Charles Barclay began to take an interest in mission work among the fishermen of Folkestone. At his own expense he purchased a site at The Stade, and had a Bethel erected. The building consisted of a large lecture hall, a coffee bar for the benefit of fishermen going to sea in the early hours of the morning, and a room under the building where the men could gather round a fire to smoke or read on cold winter days.

The Bethel was opened with a ceremony in June 1894. The generous benefactor, Mr Charles Barclay who was a member of the Barclay banking family, traveled over from Cannes to be present.

Mr. W.G. Cooper an ex-seaman was the Bethel's first Superintendent recommended by Evangelization Society. The running costs of the Bethel were sustained by Mr. Charles Barclay, but after his death in 1901 the Bethel was leased from the family by the Royal National Mission to Deep-Sea Fishermen,who later bought it outright for £1,000.

Mr. Cooper died in 1912 he was succeeded by Captain J. Nicks, 1912-25; Captain A. Course, 1926-27 and Skipper G. Crockett, 1928-31. During Skipper Crockett's time as Missioner the Bethel was extended, which was opened by Philip Sasson in March 1928. Mr Crockett was succeeded by H.A. Howes, then in 1936 by its last Missioner G. Oldman.

On Armistice Day 11 November 1940 the Bethel was demolished by some hit-and-run Messerschmitt 109s, Skipper Oldman, his wife and daughter Violet were trapped in the wreckage.

The Bethel was not rebuilt.