A TERRIFYING attack on worshippers by an angry mob is described in a new book about Upton-upon-Severn's Baptist Church, written by a former Upton minister.

The siege by "High Church furies" armed with an axe and iron bar was among many attacks on Nonconformists at the beginning of the 18th Century.

In this case the pastor managed to leave by the back door and escape in a small boat on the River Severn.

A far cry from today's ecumenical partnership between Upton's churches, it is recorded by the Rev Colin Rogers, in his book, I Will Build My Church - the story of Upton-upon-Severn Baptist Church (1653-2003).

Mr Rogers, retired deputy head of Malvern's Chase High School, was minister at Upton from 1985 to 1994 and was prompted to research the history by former minister's wife Helen Wylie.

"It wasn't until I retired that I had time to do it and I turned up a lot of unexpected information," he said.

Happy

One of the most surprising tales was that of pastor Abraham Greenwood, invited to be minister at Upton in 1807 and asked to leave two years later because "his disposition was not agreeable nor likely to make the people happy."

A founder of the Baptist Missionary Society, Mr Greenwood had previously been asked to leave Oakham, Leicestershire, for "indulging in low vulgarity in the pulpit, until it became disgusting and offensive."

"Perhaps he was a very challenging preacher and was too hard-hitting for the people of Upton," said Mr Rogers.

The book, with a cover illustration by Upton artist Gerald Savine, was launched this month to coincide with the church's 350th anniversary and the opening of a £250,000 extension.

It is being sold, priced £10, in aid of the church building fund and is available from Bridge House, Upton, the Lyttelton Well, Malvern and the SPCK bookshop, Worcester.