United Reformed Church - Stratford-upon-Avon, England
N 52° 11.535 W 001° 42.631
30U E 588142 N 5783204
Construction of the United Reformed Church, formerly known as the Congregational Church, began in 1878, and dedication services occurred in 1880.
Waymark Code: WMN6B9
Location: West Midlands, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 01/03/2015
Views: 6
"The United Reformed Church in Stratford regards its origins as arising with the ejectment in 1662 of Alexander Beane, Vicar of Holy Trinity Church, Stratford, for failing to sign the Act of Uniformity.
Nothing further is known about presbyterianism in Stratford until 1689 when licences were granted for the holding of conventicles in dwelling houses in the town. In 1698 John Letherland was ordained and in 1714 a new Meeting House erected in Rother Street, on the site of the now demolished Public Hall. In 1782 the small covenant subscribed to a Solemn Covenant and Constitution, marking the formation of the Independent church in Stratford which continues in Stratford as the United Reformed Church.
The congregation moved to a new church building in Rother Street in 1880 and in 1972 the Congregational Church and the English Presbyterian Church were amalgamated to form the United Reformed Church.
A British School was established for the children of non-conformist children in 1824 and transferred from the British Schools Committee to the School Board in May 1881."
-- Source
The church's cornerstone was laid by Henry Wright, Esq., J.P., of Kensington on October 3rd, 1878. The architect was H.J. Paull, F.R.I.B.A. There's a note at the above website that references minutes of church meetings and printed notices that provide state dedication services for the church took place on April 14-27, 1880.