Image ID: 27036

United Reformed Church

High Pavement
Sutton in Ashfield
Nottinghamshire
England

An Independent Church was founded in Sutton-in-Ashfield in 1651. One of Cromwell's commanders, a Capt Wright of Nottingham, was a great help in the early years. In 1656 the church helped to found the Independent Church in Castle Gate, Nottingham. One of the first dozen Independent churches in the country, Sutton in Ashfield URC is certainly the 'mother' Independent church in Nottinghamshire. After worshipping in homes, members fitted out a meeting-house for worship in 1691, and by 1704 a purpose-built meeting-house was built. In 1743 a chapel was erected in King Street, and enlarged in 1835. The church founded new congregations in Mansfield and a second in Sutton-in-Ashfield, with missions in South Normanton and Fulwood. Sutton in Ashfield URC is the only one surviving. The present church was built in 1906. It seats more than 650, and surprises newcomers with its simple beauty. Not unique, but extremely rare, the pews are all curved, giving it a naturally warm and welcoming atmosphere. These premises have been made available in the past to both Baptists and Methodists, when they needed a place of worship. The present congregation continues this tradition by being strongly ecumenical.

Date: 1976

Organisation Reference: NCCW001442

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