The Reverend John Fullagar was perhaps the most respected minister at
Baffins Lane Chapel over the years. In 1837, during his 42-year
ministry, the chapel was certified as a place of Public Religious Worship
and registered for the Solemnization of Marriage.
Reverend Fullagar had nine children, four sons and five daughters. His
wife died in 1852 and he gave up the evening service at Baffins in 1855,
resigning in February 1861, then over 80 years of age.
He died in 1863 at his home in South Pallant and was buried with his wife at
the entrance of the chapel for which he obtained special permission from the
Secretary of State a few years previously. His grave and its memorial
are still there today (see image).
Following the ministry of John Fullagar (1818-1861) there seems to be a
problem in finding a suitable minister to take his place and there was a
22-year period of closure after his death.
An agreement dated 29th December 1882 shows that the Chapel was son to
re-open for public worship. The agreement also made provision for the
Rev. John Fullagar's memorial tablet in the chapel entrance and the graves
and gravestones
in the yard "not to at any time be disturbed but on the contrary shall be
preserved and kept as far as possible in good order and condition".
This is something that Henry Adams still respect and follow today.
In 1913 an important decision was made to merge the two congregations of
Baffins Lane and Eastgate Chapel and to use the Eastgate Chapel for all
purposes. The decision was taken to sell the Chapel and site for £250
and the money invested for the benefit of the minister of Eastgate Chapel.
On 13th April 1913 the chapel was sold to Messrs Wyatt, Estate Agents,
Chichester. Edward Wyatt, a farmer, founded Wyatt & Son in 1826 when
he moved to Chichester and set up as an Agricultural Valuer and Auctioneer.
The fist sale took place in Baffins Hall in 1913. Henry Adams, who
later formed the firm of Estate Agents and Valuers, held his first sale on
behalf of Wyatt & Son in Baffins Hall in 1954.
Incumbents of Baffins Hall
1913-1986 - Wyatt & Son
1986-1988 - Prudential Property Services
1988-2000 - Phillips Auctioneers
2000-present - Henry Adams Auctioneers
