Two centuries of church memories

A Spalding church is about to celebrate its 200th year and is asking for people to share their memories as part of the anniversary.

United Reformed Church in Spalding brings up the double century next year and will be holding events throughout 2019 to celebrate.

Ahead of the celebrations, church secretary Anne Mews has asked people to think back about their time at the church and have asked anyone with memorabilia related to the church to come forward.

Anne said: “Many local people will have different memories of the church, its Sunday School – later known as Junior Church – or other organisations; Girls’ or Boys’ Brigades, Young Wives, Women’s Fellowship or Women’s Friendship League.

“Perhaps you were married in our church? For many years, especially during the ministry of Rev Victor Tudor, the church was well known for its youth club and discos as well as it’s drama groups, The Circle or Twilight Players.”

Anne explains the history of the Pinchbeck Road church: “The Protestant Reformation in England saw the rise of many differing groups of religious worshippers. Among these were the Independents who first met in Spalding in private houses before being gathered together to meet in a Red Lion Street Hall in 1819 together with their first pastor.

“The congregation quickly outgrew this building and, in 1823, a new site was identified.

“Today the engraving of ‘Independent Chapel’ is clearly seen on the front of the present church.

“From this small beginning grew the Congregational Church, often fondly referred to and remembered by many as ‘The Congs’. 1972 saw the union with the Presbyterian Church of England and Wales to form The United Reformed Church as it is today.”

If you have memories to share, contact Anne on 01406 373341, via email at aigrief@btinternet.com or on
Facebook at spaldingurc.