of £133. In the same year a daughter church - Gretton Chapel - became independent of the Kettering church. In 1792 Fuller helped in the creation of what was to become the Baptist Missionary Society, but it was also the year Beeby Wallis and Fuller's own wife died. Two years later Fuller married Ann Coles, the daughter of the Reverend William Coles of Ampthill and found in his new wife "the perfect helpmeet". By 1805 a further rebuilding of the chapel was required, and the building was lengthened by 18 feet and the walls raised by 4 feet, and now could contain 900 people. Fuller died on Sunday, 7 May 1815. It was estimated that 2000 people attended his funeral. Fuller was succeeded by his assistant, John Keen Hall, who died in 1829 at the age of 43. In 1851 the Sunday School had 534 children attending on Sunday mornings and 625 in the afternoon. Gas lighting was introduced into the Chapel in 1846. Revd James Mursell, whose ministry began in March 1853, had an "exciting and innovative" ministry. It was during his time that the new chapel was built. The Fuller Chapel, as it was named, opened for worship on 24 September 1861. James Mursell served until January 1870. By 1884 the membership had risen to 410. In July 1891 the foundation stone of a mission hall in Nelson Street was laid, which become what is now known as Carey Memorial Chapel. By 1896 membership of Fuller stood at 720 with a Sunday School of around 2000 children. In 1945 another church plant in Rockingham Road gained its independence (Rockingham Road Baptist Church) and yet another (Corby) became independent in 1956. Modern usage In 1996 Fuller Baptist Church celebrated its 300th Anniversary with a varied programme of events, including Organ Recitals, Sports Day, and evangelistic outreach. Outreach continues through church activities and the Fuller Coffee House. References Ashley and Jenny Butlin, Fuller Baptist Church - An Outline History 1696-1991 External links The Fuller Baptist Web Site More History from Kettering Borough Council's Web Site Buildings and structures in Kettering Baptist churches in England Kettering Religious organizations established in 1696 17th-century Baptist churches 1696 establishments in England