A SPECIAL exhibition celebrating the 200th anniversary of a church in Hambrook has opened detailing its fascinating and tragic past.

As well as once being home to the village school, Whiteshill Evangelical Church was ministered by Rev Henry Alban Brown who, in 1906, murdered his wife Maria and sister-in-law Mary before cutting his own throat with a razor blade.

As part of a summer of events to mark the anniversary, Frenchay Village Museum is hosting an exhibition on the church’s history.

Curator Alan Freke said: “The chapel was founded by the Itinerant Society, which had been founded in 1811 ‘for the purpose of establishing Sabbath Schools, preaching the Gospel, and distributing tracts in the villages near Bristol’. Cottage services were held at Pye Corner and in other places.

“On August 7, 1816, a certificate was sent to the bishop of Gloucester, in accordance with the law, to state that a non-conformist place of worship had been established. It was opened on August 28, when the Rev Rowland Hill was the preacher.”

In 1861 a school building was added to the chapel, which was known as the British School where village children attended until 1911 when Hambrook Primary School took its place. “In 1819 ordained ministers began to serve the church, Mr Weston being the first,” said Mr Freke.

“Mr H Alban Brown came in 1890 and in 1906 was the central figure in a tragedy in which his wife, her sister and Alban Brown all died a violent death in their home. A book about the tragedy, A Winterbourne Tale, is available in the museum.”

He added: “The fine Grade II listed building contains a fine pulpit, which came from Castle Green Congregational Church some 140 years ago.”

The church, on Whiteshill Common, is an independent evangelical church which concentrates on the preaching and teaching of the Gospels.

It is hosting a number of celebratory events this summer, including a flower festival and art show between Saturday, August 27 and Bank Holiday Monday, August 29. A special service with a talk from the Bishop of Bristol, Rt Rev Mike Hill, will take place on Sunday, August 27 (11am).

The museum exhibition is on until mid-August. Frenchay Village Museum is local just inside Entrance B of the former Frenchay Hospital and is open Saturday and Sunday (2-5pm) and Wednesday (1-4pm). Entrance is free.