The United Reformed Church (West Midlands) Synod received a generous donation of a fund run by Baxter URC in Kidderminster upon their closure in 2025. The fund had previously supported their Old Meeting Day School.
Richard Baxter served the community of Kidderminster as a minister for nearly twenty years, and historians note that his efforts were so effective that nearly everyone in the town was converted. Baxter is remembered as someone who believed that faith is lived, not merely spoken.
As a 17th century pastor, teacher and writer, he devoted his life to guiding others – especially the young – toward thoughtful, active, and compassionate Christian living.
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His ministry in Kidderminster became a model of how dedication, personal example, and genuine care can transform a whole community.
Baxter placed great importance on personal responsibility in faith. He encouraged individuals to grow in understanding, to serve others, and to take an active role in the spiritual life around them. He saw young people not as passive members of the church, but as vital participants with the energy and vision to shape its future.
These values are now recognised by the creation of the “Baxter Award” for those under the age of 26 who are actively involved in United Reformed church life in the West Midlands. It honours not only commitment, but also initiative, service, and a willingness to live out faith in meaningful ways. Just as Baxter invested in people and believed in their potential to make a difference, this award recognises and encourages the same spirit in a new generation.
In celebrating young people in this way, the award carries forward Baxter’s legacy – affirming that faith is strongest when it is active, shared and lived with purpose.
The award, which will be presented to individuals or small groups, includes a certificate, medal, and a £100 financial gift for the recipient’s church. The award recipient is invited to decide how this gift is used.
Children and young people enrich church life in many ways, and there are no restrictions on the types of contribution that can be recognised. The only requirement is that nominees must be under the age of 26.
Examples of contributions might include regularly supporting Sunday worship, such as running the tech and/or training others to use the equipment, helping to organise or lead outreach and missional activities, or taking part in fundraising initiatives.
Making a nomination
Anyone under the age of 26 can be nominated and anybody can make a nomination. Complete the nomination form and send it by post to the Synod Office or by email to admin@urcwestmidlands.org.uk You also need to ask the nominee (and their parents, if they are under 18) to sign the form to show they agree to you sending us their details.
It would be great if you can send a good quality, original photo of the nominee, preferably doing something connected with their nomination. If they win, this photograph may be used on our website or other publicity to celebrate their achievement.
What happens next?
- You will receive an acknowledgement from the Synod Office of your nomination, together with the date of the next Missional Discipleship Development Committee (MDDC) meeting.
- The nomination will be considered at the MDDC meeting.
- The CYDO will contact you after the meeting to inform you whether the nomination was successful.
- When successful, the CYDO will arrange to visit the church and present the Baxter Award.
Email: admin@urcwestmidlands.org.uk