How we started

The Particular Baptist Fund (PBF) was founded in 1717 by six London congregations, together with the support of two wealthy brothers, Thomas and John Hollis, who helped establish the Fund from the beginning. Particular Baptists were distinct from General Baptists in their understanding of salvation, believing that God had chosen particular individuals to be saved through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Although the founders were united in being Particular Baptists, they were not identical in all their theological views. Some hoped the Fund might benefit all Baptist churches, both General and Particular, but the majority decided that its support should be directed specifically to Particular Baptist churches and ministers. This commitment was formally expressed in the Fund’s Rules and Orders in 1791 and has remained central to the Fund’s identity ever since.

From its earliest days, the Fund was organised carefully and responsibly. An iron chest with three separate locks was purchased to hold the funds and government stock, with each of the three Treasurers holding one key. The first gifts, received on 13 August 1717, totalled £788 14s 6d — a remarkable amount for six churches and one private donor. Within a year, 55 ministers throughout England were receiving support, alongside grants to churches in Wales, many of which were financed by Thomas Hollis.

The education and encouragement of ministers quickly became an important part of the Fund’s work. In its early years, grants were often used to purchase books and theological resources. Among those who benefited were John Gill, who used his grant to buy Hebrew books, and later William Carey. In the nineteenth century, the Fund became closely associated with the founding of a new academy in Stepney, which eventually became Regent’s Park College, Oxford.

Over the centuries, the Fund has continued to grow through generous gifts and bequests. Many churches named the Fund as their ultimate beneficiary, meaning that if a church closed and its property was sold, the proceeds would support the ongoing work of the Fund.

For nearly 300 years, the PBF operated through its Rules and Orders rather than through a formal constitution. As charity regulation developed, it became necessary to establish a modern constitutional framework. In 2004, a new constitution was agreed with the Charity Commission, confirming that the Fund exists for “the advancement of the Christian religion … in accordance with the doctrines of Particular Baptists.” At the same time, the geographical scope of the Fund was extended to include England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

Today, the Particular Baptist Fund continues its long-standing mission of supporting churches, ministers and gospel work in accordance with its historic convictions, while seeking to serve future generations faithfully.

A fuller account of the Fund’s history can be found in Money, Mission and Ministry by Dr Tim Grass, published to mark the Fund’s tercentenary. Please contact the Secretary for a copy.