Churches are not allowed by law to hold property in their own name. They need to appoint trustees who then hold the trust deeds and take on certain legal responsibilities.

Finding volunteers with the necessary qualifications and experience became a problem for Baptist Churches as far back as 1891. In that year the Baptist Union Corporation was formed, which would take on this legal role on behalf of churches. Several regional trust companies were founded in the years that follow, including the forerunners of the two trust companies which now serve the WEBA region and operate from the WEBA office: West of England Baptist Trust Company (East) Ltd, and West of England Baptist Trust Company (West) Ltd.

These two companies hold the deeds of most WEBA churches, and offer help and advice in legal, trust, practical, and charity matters, and with property transactions and redevelopments.

It's important that churches whose property deeds are held by these companies contact the Trust Manager at an early stage when planning any sales, purchases, letting of church property, alterations or building works, as it is the company's responsibility to ensure that the church is complying with their own trust deeds and with the Charities Act.

The West of England Baptist Trust Companies are managed by Geoff Starling, the WEBA Administrator, along with a Board of Trustees who provide a wealth of experience and expertise, and a local and personal approach, for the churches who take advantage of this service.

Read more about the Trust Companies in our Church Administration Section.

For advice on trust matters, contact Geoff Starling, preferably by email

Please feel free to contact us, we are only too pleased to help...