sentences:  Its first pastor was William Rider, and many notable others have filled the position since, including Benjamin Keach, Dr. John Gill, Dr. John Rippon, and C. H. Spurgeon.The Metropolitan Tabernacle at Elephant and Castle still worships and holds to its historical principles under its present pastor, Dr. Peter Masters.From 1650, when the English Parliament banned independent Christian organisations from meeting together, this congregation braved persecution until 1688, when the Baptists were once again allowed to worship in freedom.