The history of Little Eaton Chapel now known as
The United Reformed Church
The United Reformed Church was formed in 1972 when the Congregational Church of England & Wales & the Presbyterian Church of England merged.
In 1981 the Churches of Christ joined the union and the Scottish Congregationalists in 2000. This union was named the United RE-FORMED Church.
The United Reformed Church is a non-conformist Church, meaning they are not an ‘established’ church, with a formal link to civil authority such as the Church of England.
HISTORY OF THE PROPERTY
Property purchased 11th Feb.1843
Trust Deed dated 27th June 1843
The property was built as an Independent Chapel. Usually Independent Chapels were built by the Land Owner, The Lord of the Manor or Factory or Mill Owners. After much research, we are still not certain who put up the money for the Chapel to be built, but it was obviously thought that non-conformist worship was needed in the village.
Court Rolls (27th June 1843), land was surrendered by Thomas Tempest (Paper Manufacturer), & others, for 2 cottages to be erected on a piece of ground called ‘The Between Ways’ with garden & yard adjoining thereto situate in the Manor of Little Chester.
Also, that a chapel be erected and school rooms for the use of the Protestant Dissenters of the Congregational Order.
Records show that the building cost the princely sum of £402.11s.4d., half financed by loans that took another 23 years to pay off the debt of (£252:8s:1d). – to a Mr Gawthorns Trust. Researching, we found Mr Gowthorn was in fact Revd. Gowthorn – Minister of Victoria Street Church – or the Dissenters Chapel as it was known at that time.
Dissenters were identified as Non-Conformists- (a Protestant who didn’t conform to the established Church of England.) - Presbyterians - Congregationalists - Baptists - Methodists - Unitarians and Moravians.
INDEPENDENTS at the time were recorded as – quiet, grave & orderly – of middle to upper class but not given to much enthusiasm!
Some still know the Chapel as “Bottom Chapel” – “Top Chapel” being Methodist Chapel which closed (1982) - now residential.
The difference being between a Chapel and a Church - Chapels normally have a Mother Church – maybe that Victoria Street Church/Derby was the Mother Church as in 1841, two years before the Chapel was built – Victoria Street recorded “apportioned £10” towards the building of a new chapel in Little Eaton.
Names of the Trustees at the time & Trustees appointed later that century – are familiar family names to Derby and Little Eaton.
**Original & Elected Trustees – (listed at the end of passage)
All information taken from the original account’s books from 1843 & the Minutes Books from 1928.
Records appear to have been lost – particularly those between the wars & most of the earlier history from the accounts book is regarding the building but give an insight into the way of life & commitment of the people of Little Eaton.
The Chapel was built with a Lantern roof the only source of light into the building – no side or back windows and the doorway built at the front into the road via a porch – more of that later.
Two cottages built next door known as Chapel Cottage 1 & 2 were rented out – One to Mr James Parker – for £6 per/annum & the other to Samuel Birkinshaw for £5 per/annum.
Originally the Chapel was lit by candles and heated by a coal fire in the corner.
By 1844 income at the Chapel was mainly funded by seat rentals £4:11s:9d & over the year a giving of £8:12s:3d – so an expanding congregation. In 1850 – the Chapel gave Mr Gowthorn £16 for giving a testimonial to the congregation – obviously a man of some standing,
We’ve since found out & a money lender too by all accounts, so we had to keep in with him.
Records show a stove was purchased in the same year for (£4:8s:0d) – probably attached to the fire grate.
Images showing the oil lighting.
Oil Lights introduced around 1850 - lit by Camphine lamp fuel (trade name made up of purified spirit of turpentine by distilling turpentine with quick lime making the mixture very volatile 93% grain alcohol & 7% turpentine) this gave such a bright light it needed a draft to waft away the excessive amount of smoke it produced. Probably just as well we had the Lantern roof.
Fire Insurance wasn’t considered until 1934 at the great amount of 8s:3d!
Various payments were recorded, fantastic handwriting but only recording names – not the firms doing the work. Pikes Bill / Ward Bill / Fred Seals.
Harmonium tuning & repair 2s:6d appeared to be a regular bill.
1859 - Highway rate of 2s:1.1/2d which rose quite considerably in 1881 to 5s.
Also paid a Poor Rate of 2s:9d to somewhere!
Then at last in 1866 – THE FINAL DEBT FOR THE BUILDING WAS PAID.
Early image showing the gas lights.
1868 – Gas lights installed at a cost of £8:15s:0d plus 1/- to install a gas pipe under the Tram Road. That year the gas consumption bill was 11s:8d & Gas Mantles – were still being bought way into 1934.
1871 – Paying the Canal Company 1s:0d a year.
Finance for the upkeep of the Chapel appeared to come from Socials / Concerts / Anniversary teas / Seat Rentals / Lectures (although we had to pay those giving the lecture / and from weekly giving of the congregation & rentals of the cottages which by 1876 – Both cottages were occupied by Birkinshaws.
Preachers came from far & wide – some by bicycle, one from Ashbourne, came on horseback & others by cab – we paid the Hewitt Cab Hire Company £4:5s:6d that year for Cab Hire.
Plus Preachers refreshments cost £1:12:0d - !!! A thirsty lot.
TAX – being non-conformist (not conforming with the CofE) - we had to pay tax – (a certain amount being claimed back by the Anglican Church).
The Audited Balance held at the close of 1899 was £20:16s:9.1/2d
Records are pretty sparse for the first half of the 20th century – In 1906 we joined the Lay Preachers Assoc.
1915 – the 12 monthly offertory amounted to £3:8s:2d – also giving to the Infirmary (pre NHS) / The Mission Fund / The Solders Fund & the Poor Rate although still collecting cottage rental & seat rentals. Plus the interest on a Bank Account was 1/-.
1928 - although still operating as an Independent Chapel (It is suspected that money was running very low & it would be to our advantage to find a link with other churches), it was suggested that the Chapel become affiliated to the County Union of Congregational Churches.
1929 – Great decision taken for estimates to lay water to the cottages & to add lavatories!!
SOCIAL EVENTS
1930 – Bazaars started – one arranged for Easter Monday in the Council School – Charges were 2.30 – 5.00 (6d) after 5pm (3d). An Influential person was to be asked from Victoria St. Church to perform the opening ceremony & games & small concerts arranged – Treasure Hunt / Hoop-La & Rifle Shooting!. A comprehensive list of stall holders was printed. A Bath Stall / Soap & Hankies / Pots / Jams etc. Did wonder what was sold on the bath stall as most didn’t even have a bath !
1931 - saw the introduction of Lantern Slide shows in the winter evenings.
1932 – Individual Communion cups were purchased.
1933 – Proposed that a pulpit bible be purchased by a Mrs G Bates, said she had a very good one and would donate it to the Chapel. Presumably that still in existence. Also 1933 – Proposal to purchase land adjoining Chapel for a new Schoolroom, grants were applied for & various Churches & Trusts approached by letter asking for ‘Sympathy & Help‘ Deeds of the Garden land put into the hands of Mr Raybold – Victoria Street Solicitors. If not enough money raised to buy the land – suggested that we entertain selling the cottages. (not sold until 1969)
1939 – trusteeship of Church Property transferred to the Congregational Union of England & Wales.
1939 – 1951 – Records state that - All notes copied were from notes found in the late P Birkinshaw’s papers – presumably he was ill over this period & he died in May 1952 but no papers were found.
1954 – The Chapel & cottages were joined in the Congregational Union of England & Wales by Deed and the Deeds and Trusteeship papers were taken down in person to the Congregational Union of England and Wales, Memorial Hall, Farringdon Street, London EC4 on 24th August 1954.
1954 – Morris Mitchell made a member of the Church at the Sunday Evening Communion service on 2nd May.
1954 Mr Frederick Warrall appointed Lay Pastor – which continued until he was ordained into the ministry in 1979 – he retired in 1981.
In 176 years, we have only had 6 ordained Ministers – ordained into the pastorate of Little Eaton to Minister the Word & Sacrament. Otherwise we have been dependant & served well by retired and non-stipendiary ministers or lay-preachers.
Electric lighting at last.
In 1954 - Mr May, 2 Chapel Cottage requested permission to put electricity into the cottage – also Mr(s) Birkinshaw at No.1 – at their own expense and because of that - electricity was installed in Chapel.
Derby Evening Telegraph photograph on the emigration of Mrs Fox to Australia.
Anniversaries remembered by Edna Mitchell & Val Upton were held over 2 weekends – the first at the Methodist Chapel because of it being larger and the next weekend at our own.
Whitsuntide meant a walk through the village, headed by a band up to the fields at the back of the Cotters where the menfolk took ladders & threw ropes over the tree branches to form a swing for the children – football & cricket enjoyed more by the fathers than the children. The highlight being when the farmers wife arrived with home-made ice-cream where they could buy a tub or a cornet for 1/2d or 1d.
Harvests celebrated when the moors were heavy with bracken and fern & so gathered & decorated the Chapel adding to the home-grown produce from the garden – strings of carrots & onions would be tied & looped from the side hat pegs & sold off later to help the building fund.
1955 - At long last after much to-ing & fro-ing, plans for the new extension for a new schoolroom) were agreed and passed by the Council.
Three sets of plans were put forward and the April church meeting agreed the work be carried out by Morris Mitchell & built with available funds, commencing August 1956.
Mr May informed Chapel that he would pay £1 per year rent for the remaining ground at the back of Chapel and use this as an allotment.
In 1956 – letter received from the Derbyshire Congregational Life & Work Committee expressing ‘displeasure & grave concern’ on Her Majesty’s Government proposal of issuing National Premium Bonds! That it was against the Nation’s interest & fraught with grave moral consequences and urged the church members to refrain from purchasing such, if they were issued.
FOUNDATION STONELAYING FOR THE NEW EXTENSION
1956 – Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony
1957 – Permission was granted for the Police Superintendent to carry out a house to house collection, last week in March appealing for donations for the Church alterations.
1957 – June. Extension complete – Agreed wording to be :
To the Glory of God & in memory of those who laboured
for the erection of this building.
Scholars and individuals to be charged 5/- to lay a brick !
The final account from MM(Synod) £133:8s:0d offered this as a long term loan.
But was paid off in 1962.
Mr Brindley said he would pay the fees for the Architect and the pulpit (eventually bought from the Methodist) However Mr Brindleys gift was not as much as anticipated! Mr F Mitchell & workers did the plastering.
Opening & dedication of the New Church Premises was held on Sat.15th June 1957 at 3.15pm by Mrs B M Mitchell.
1958 - Cost of new gates sought – Mrs Littler re: her father Mr Gregory.
2 New Communion chairs were gifted by Mr & Mrs May.
A Preachers chair given by Mr Brailsford in memory of his wife.
2 sets of gates were given by Mr Brown. (presumably Frank)
1958 – continued getting preachers for as far away as Chesterfield, Burton, Ashbourne – also Mr Manchester from Melbourne.
1961 – Irene Brindley asked to be a soloist at the Church Anniversary 15th Nov.
New piano purchased – old one given to Mr Chambers.
1965 - New gas boiler & 2 radiators installed £163:17s:6d
1966 – Building found to be under insured – the organ alone was only insured for £25 where a replacement would be £140!
Cottages – On the death of Mrs K Birkinshaw, the vacancy of the cottage was taken up by Mrs Harris of 112 Alfreton Road.
Eventually sold – both Oct. 1971 (£1,675) –or £1,144 ! Trust for the cottages was eventually wound up in 1997.
Playgroup – Church Inspected by the County Council for a Playgroup use – grounds to be fenced – Kitchen organised, strip lighting to be installed.
Agreement reached on 2 mornings a week
1970 – Coke Hole knocked down ! Presumably from the side wall outside.
1971 – Passing of Mr O Birkinshaw – Members stood in silent memory.
Miss Pearson suggested that Pulpit Expenses be raise from 3/6d to 5/- (17.1/2p to 25p) as the cost of bus fares had risen greatly!
Nov. 1971 UNION suggested the joining of Congregational & Presbyterian Churches. This took place officially at a United Assembly at Westminster Abbey on Thursday 5th Oct. 1972. thus forming the United Reformed Church.
July 1972 – Front of Chapel knocked down when a milk lorry collided with the building causing significant damage to the front porch.
1973 - 1 April Insurance payout of £4,227 banked in the Leek United & Midlands Building Soc. @ 9.76% per annum – 6.75% tax=3%
Plans by architect – Miss Pearson suggested they be paid off as their plans were beyond our means !
1 x RENOVATION – Meant re-configuration of the main entrance the porch was therefore taken away & the door put on the side of the building & the lantern roof removed and the front wall made good.
1974 – Organ broke down & a new one was required – Mrs Thumbs & Miss Pearson volunteered to pay for a new one. (£1,000 new - £745 second hand)
New radiators were fitted in the schoolroom from the existing boiler.
1977 - Feb – Two houses built adjoining Church property – their drains (for some reason) to be connected to the Church drain and a 6ft. high fence erected at the boundary.
1980 - Mrs Lamb & Mrs Hockin asked to help at Sunday School (28 pupils)
Nov.1980 – Move to explore formation of a United Free Church in L/E between the Methodist & the URC although on meeting, Methodists disagreed with some URC practices so idea was shelved.
Dec.1980 – Oversight given to Little Eaton from Central of Revd. Frank Brown & Mr Mark Pickles of being responsible for preaching.
1981 – Retirement of Revd. Frank Warrall – presented him with a photograph of the Church with Lantern Roof.
Request to cultivate church garden for an allotment.
1982 – Calls made to extend schoolroom with the closure of the Methodist Chapel
1984 – Decided to abandon the evening services. Church roof insulated. £120.00. Proceeds from church bazar £355.00.
1985 – Concern expressed regarding War Memorial Plaques from the former Methodist Chapel – ascertained that the new owners intend to polish & install on site.
Playgroup request to extend hours until Friday lunch-time – not taken up by
them until1989.
1989 – New fence put up – paid Mr P Oldknow £230.00 – needs replacing Peter!
Rented schoolroom out alternate Mon. afternoons to Derby Health Auth./Babies.
Gas fire removed from vestry !
Friends in Harmony grew larger and left renting the Chapel for larger premises.
1993 – 150th Anniversary – Celebrations – Rev.d John Slow invited to lead worship but in the end the Moderator Revd. Malcolm Hanson led with Miss Pearson’s suggestion of ‘A Public Tea’ of sandwiches and cake – nothing too complicated !
DR. Martindale offered to do the flowers for around £12.00
1993 – New kitchen fitted
1993 – Revd. Colin Meynell appointed as Interim Moderator during the continuing illness of Revd. Helen Matherson -retired the year later in 1994 due to ill health.
Organist – Norman Booth increased honorarium to £100 per annum.
The Dalzell’s moved to Lincoln & DR. Martindale retired to Scotland leaving 3 less of a congregation.
1995 The Church of England want to enter a Local Covenant with other denominations – endorsed by the Moderator.
Would a covenant between St. Paul’s and Little Eaton URC work?
Playschool withdrew Monday morning sessions but are waiting to benefit from the Governments’ new voucher system.
Miss Pearson pointed out that first and foremost, the building should be recognised as a Church and not as a Community Centre.
Playgroup requested erecting a shed & re-turfing of the grass !
1996 – Little Eaton grouped with South Derbyshire Churches also forming a partnership with the Churches of North India.
Because of the loss of 4 active members at the end of 1997, the agreement of the Church Meeting was to continue as a worshipping community.
Revd. Graham Maskery, Minister of Central URC therefore offered 3 elders from Central & himself to the Chapel as support & encouragement for such a small congregation. Clive Herrod to provide communion, Jim McGill to act as minute secretary in future meetings and Mrs Eunice Griffiths to support Sunday School staff.
Playschool livestock – Jim McGill wrote to P/S on behalf of the Trustees requesting the practice of keeping the goldfish overnight on the premises.
This was later permitted but P/S to ensure the fish were kept in conditions meeting needs of the RSPCA and taken home at weekends.
1999 - District Pastoral Committee proposed that the informal arrangements developed over the last 18 months with the elders from Central be developed as formal & that a joint pastorate be born between Central URC & L/E.
2000 - DISABLED FACILITIES INTRODUCED.
Quinquennial highlighted the need for disabled facilities – Access / Toilets & a PA System.
Reserves of £9,500 were inadequate to meet the £13- £14 k needed for the work and fund raising would be too slow.
Professional advice sought to maximise assets. – other than grants i.e. selling off the allotment land – rented at the back of Chapel.
Planning permission for office space refused & the land was finally sold in 2002 to the adjoining house.
Disabled facilities were eventually carried out in July/Aug 2002. Narrowing the passage & making another toilet & outside, a pathway leading down the outside of the building to the new side door for wheelchair users.
Meeting suggested the introduction of Gift Aid giving for those paying tax.
Flower Festival – 17th Sept. with snacks served in the schoolroom.
Eunice led a 6 week course with the Sunday School on Communion.
2001 – Little Eaton Primary School visited Chapel over two days – (80 children) – received £100 from Synod Outreach fund to purchase gospels.
Windows replaced with PVC in the schoolroom.
2001 – Communion table received from closure of Hognaston Church. Large Print King James Bible gifted by Peter & Eunice Griffiths.
Edna Mitchell fell through the floor in high heels owing to the floor infested with Wood Beetle. Floor replaced and pews treated for woodworm.
Budget – Meeting expressed thanks to Miss Pearson over her continued prudent management of Church finances.
BATES TRUST – Frank Mitchell elected to serve as Trustee of the Trust.
Church decorated, roof repairs done, sanctuary carpeted and foam seating added to pews and a hardwood step up to the dais.
Wall hanging removed – EG to seek professional advice on how to clean it – ongoing but by 2003, announced that no-one was able to revive it & it would go into store.!
Mr & Mrs Griffiths created a rockery at the side of Chapel.
Playschool required a canopy for prams at the side entrance & paid 1/3rd of the £1,300 cost.
2003 - PAVEMENT OUTSIDE THE GATES – Reported pools of water not draining away after rain to the Clerk of the Parish Council.
May 2003 – Licencing of a new Vicar on retirement of Revd. Michael Fenton from St.Paul’s Church.
July – New PA System fitted with Loop System from Hilltop Audio at a cost of £1,762.15)
2003 160th Church Anniversary - & Flower Festival made a total of £916.78.
Maxwell Craven asked to give a talk (noted, he did not appear to be very knowledgeable on Little Eaton) & Radio Derby took photos for the paper.
Miss Pearson sent thank you letters to Clive Robinson for a new Microwave & Clive Graham of Bookers for 52 Soup Bowls.
A new wrought iron flower stand & URC Cross wall hanging made by Steve Oldknow in the village was gifted by Mr & Mrs McGill & Mr & Mrs Griffiths.
Mr J McGill proposed as Interim Moderator to Little Eaton & Revd. Graham Maskery left & was inducted at a church in York leaving record books to be lodged with the County Archivist in Matlock.
Decoration of kitchen, vestry & hall carried out by Eunice & Peter Griffiths.
2005 - £5,000 sent to the Tsunami Earthquake Fund as suggested by New member - Mrs Sybol Shaw & agreed by a shocked (nearly broke)church meeting!
Application submitted for a Christian Copyright Licence.
The building was checked for asbestos – none found.
2005 - May – First Village Songs of Praise -
2006 - 6th Sept. – Associated Vicar appointed to St. Paul’s. – David Barnsley.
Quinquennial – required painting of the building & double glazing back windows.
Over the summer - Railway Weekend held where Mickleover Railway Club were invited to display
First Aid Training Course held & members of Playschool & other churches invited.
New Lectern donated by Mr & Mrs Leslie Stone.
2007 – Food Hygiene Course held – other churches invited.
Christmas – Hired a coach to the Organ Recital at Thorpe.
LOSS OF DISTRICTS – Change to the structure of the URC – Synod eliminated District Councils. Concern was expressed that there would be no ‘body’ between Churches and Synod which has since been proved. With the removal of District Councils, a South Derbyshire Team was established as a strategic body in the life of the Church. The idea being that Churches would share & support each other!
2008 – New School head welcomed suggestion to meet representatives from both churches & playschool.
Mr & Mrs Griffiths painted toilets and corridors.
2008 – Test piece from Technology Hymnal fitted from Hillside Audio, Risley – all interested parties invited to test. All in agreement & to be fitted
27th Feb 2009. - which was unfortunately/ fortunately the date when Norman Booth took ill and went into hospital, passing away some time later. God moves in a mysterious way.
2009 – Playschool floor – Grant from Midlands Co-operative Society of £1,000 towards the cost of £1,148.
Cream Teas – June – all profits for charity.
June 2009 – Eunice takes over as Secretary due to the health of James McGill, also authorized to take service of Holy Sacraments.
2009 - Meeting with the Environment Agency – registering Church with their Floodline Warnings Direct Service which would result in use of receiving free of charge advance warning of any risk of flooding in the area of the Church building
Sept. 2009 – Playschool on their 40th Anniversary – buried a Time Capsule in the area next to our shed / since moved to the sensory garden below vestry window.
Jan.2010 – Little Eaton agreed to join with Melbourne at 60% / Little Eaton 15% / & 25% Mission Enabler. This came about to fit in the 25% somewhere of a Mission Enabler post. But it was also felt the priorities of the churches, both pastorally and socially were similar, each being in a village location.
17 March 2010 – Partnership with Central URC dissolved and Little Eaton & Melbourne declared in Vacancy.
2010 - Quinquennial report – repointing required of the exterior – estimates were around £3,800.
Meeting informed that as a church we are responsible as Management Trustees for a reasonable level of maintenance of the building whilst in use. The Legal Trustees of the building being the URC East Midlands Province.
July 2010 New Outside Extension – Playschool with the assistance of Mr McGill obtained a grant (on a 10 year sliding scale) from Derbyshire County Council. (Built & erected by some firm known to Playschool – & who went into liquidation the following year ! )
Revd. Jane Baron inducted into the pastorate of Melbourne & Little Eaton
CROSS OF HOPE ERECTED ON FRONT OF BUILDING, erected on the outside of Chapel – Erewash asked for their agreement.
Magazine – Two monthly magazine started – at Jane’s suggestion that it reflected village life & be named (because of our catering background too) LITTLE EATON MESS-AGE.
2012 – Special Service of celebration for – Queen Elizabeth’s Jubilee 60 years.
Held a summer ‘Sunshine Service on the grass outside.
John Easter held an evening of slides entitled ‘Lost & Forgotten’ Little Eaton.
April 2012 – Death of Emily Pearson – great loss personally & to the Chapel.
First Christmas Meal at Sudbury Prison – shared with Melbourne congregation.
1st Live Nativity on Christmas Eve at the Village Blacksmiths.
Due to a legacy left to the Chapel for upgrade and repair, a Structural Consultant was called in leading to -
Replacement of windows the front ones being leaded & with coloured glass, replicating the arches. (Needhams Derby)
Refilling cracks with lime mortar in line with the age of the building &
Putting Solar Panels on the roof of the building to ensure cheaper bills and an income from them in the future. This income to be added to the amount still ring-fenced for use of the maintenance of the building. Work carried out by MAINLINE ENERGY SOLUTION.
All work to be carried out in time for the 170th Anniversary in September 2013
March 2013 – Secretary Mrs Eunice Griffiths & Treasurer Mrs Maureen Dodd both in plaster after breaking bones in the leg & ankle – (not together).
During 2013 – Revd. Jane Baron diagnosed with cancer.
New ceiling replaced and Sanctuary carpeted, walls painted, floorboards replaced – backscreen removed, pews sold and chairs introduced.
Facias & Guttering replaced & tarmac & gates taken down.
New Communion cloth & White Communion cloth purchased.
Sound system upgraded with a donation (£398) in memory of Ernie Pickstock.
170th ANNIVERSARY – 22nd Sept. 2013 service led by past Moderator – Revd. John Slow.
Sadly had to announce the death of Revd. Jane Baron the day before(21st)
Jane had been informed of all the changes taking place to the chapel as her interest had not waned although she was in pain in her final weeks.
Jan.2014 – In Vacancy – due to the death in service of Jane –
Pastorate Profile revised. Revd. Ruth Allen elected Interim Moderator – until replaced by Mrs Margaret Davies in Jan. 2015.
Wall built within the Pram Area due to a child cycling down the path at speed and falling through the bars. The Chapel offered to plant & maintain this.
Mrs Rene Brindley celebrated her 100th birthday at Bankwood Nursing Home.
2014 - South Derbyshire Assoc. of Churches – at the March Meeting read out a statement of Covenant between the 12 churches – aim to further the work of the Kingdom of God and support each other by encouragement and co-operation.
CHURCH INVESTMENTS – Notified by Synod that they were not registered with the FSA and so could not invest on other’s behalf and all moneys would be returned for Churches to invest themselves. Treasurer, Secretary & representatives met & took advice from a Financial Advisor.
Invited to send views to General Assembly for their next meeting to discuss Same Sex Marriage in URC Churches. General Assembly notified of resolution passed at Little Eaton of 8 against with 2 abstentions. Outcome being – that the URC would leave this to individual Churches & a special licence would be needed.
Closure of Chaddesden URC.
14 Apl. 2015 – Death of Frank Mitchell
2015 - 1st Lent Course held – led by Peter Stay.
Gates taken away and Stone Walling extended to be one. – Groundworks -Derby
2016 – 1st Oct. Induction of Revd. Marcus Hargis
Eunice attended Induction of Revd. DR. James Hughes as Vicar of Duffield & L/E.
2017 -Legacy on the death of Rene Brindley, provided a set of new gates made by Steve Oldknow at the village blacksmiths.
Introduction of Prayers in the magazine – Peter & Wendy Stay.
New Notice Board made by Old Mil Graphics
Scouts assisted at Apple Day in Oct & the Christmas Fayre in Nov.
New radiators – Touch Heat – fitted in the schoolroom by British Gas.
Oven in the kitchen now obsolete – cannot use oven & replacement door seal unobtainable. Meeting gave permission for installation of a new kitchen to be purchased from the money set aside in an account from previous legacy.
Completely new kitchen with 2 x ovens & electric hob – fitted over the summer by Ascot Kitchens.
Flooring fitted by Astra of Derby & tiling & walls by private contractor.
2019 - We are very proud that Morris Mitchell has celebrated his 100th birthday with us and is still a regular attendee each Sunday.
Over the years, many have given their time and energy to running social events & raising money for charity. For this we thank them.
15th year (2020)of Songs of Praise for the Village - Live Nativity in the Blacksmith’s Shed started 2012 - Strawberry Cream Teas - United Christmas & Easter Services - Beetle & Bangers afternoons - Police Choir - Moira Male Voice Choir - Soup & Pancake Day - Ploughman’s lunches - Big Breakfasts - Christmas Lunches - Christmas Fayres. - Spire Singers - Pudding afternoons - Chocolate Display - Clothing Sale - Holiday at Homes (ran for 9 years) - Joint Carnival Blessing on the park - Carnival tent - Run a Rhyme Time on Monday afternoons for toddlers. - Rail weekend - First Aid course - Food Hygiene course - Teddy Bears Picnic for the Playschool - Visit Sudbury Prison for a Christmas meal – since 2012.
It has been a privilege for me to write the history of the Chapel and I hope many in years to come some will find it of interest.
Names on some of the stones inset in the walls of the chapel are witness to those who led worship, many familiar names still known to some in the village.
It is through the generosity of those and many more who’s memories live on that we have to thank for the Chapel still going strong today.
God has guided our way to this point, with many changes taking place over the 176 years. Changes in culture, structure, morality and understanding. But GOD has not changed – he is still the loving God who is with us and carries us onwards , giving us guidance and hope for the future.
Eunice Griffiths
TEXTS from- DERBY EVENING TELEGRAPH
OLD CHURCH CRACKED BY GIANT MILK TANKER. July 1972.
Chaos hit the village of Little Eaton yesterday when a giant milk tanker loaded with 2,000 gallons of milk crashed into the front of the 140 year old Congregational Church splitting the porch from top to bottom and fracturing a gas main.
The accident happened shortly before 11.00am when the Sunday-school children were having their morning lesson in the little schoolroom at the rear of the church, worshippers and children were sent home due to the danger of the escaping gas and the threat of an explosion.
LIGHTS OUT SOON FOR LANTERN ROOF. 18th March 1974
The Lantern Roof at the Little Eaton United Reformed Church is to go in a £6,327 scheme to restore the church following it’s partial demolition by a milk tanker in July 1972.
Although the roof is of great historical interest, it being one of the few remaining examples of it’s kind in Britain, it is no-use in a modern church.
In winter, the severe draughts determine folk from attending & although it was first hoped to install a false roof, the building contractors have said this is unwise because of the poor state of the beams.
The church has been waiting for restoration since the tanker wrecked the front of the church but compensation has now been received and work will go ahead. Other money has been raised by selling the two church. cottages.
ORIGINS OF THE BUILDING
Property purchased 11th Feb. 1843
Trust Deed dated 27th June 1843 – to be renewed when reduced to 3 Trustees.
**Original Trustees ; (12)
John Smith – (Bleacher), William Poole -( Blacksmith), Isaac Mason - (Farmer), William Askew – (Bleacher). All of Little Eaton.
Revd. James Gawthorn – (Minister of Dissenting Church, Victoria Street, Derby), Richard Bryer - (Druggist), Richard Storer - (Hatter), James Owen - (Gentleman), Josiah Challinor & Francis Challinor – (Colour Manufacturers), Robert Forman - (Maltster), William Spalton – (Gentleman). All from Derby.
**Trustees appointed at Church Meeting 3 July 1878 :-
Only surviving trustees from 1843 were ; William Poole, John Smith & William Spalton.
Therefore to make up the number to 12 – the names of those below were added;
From Little Eaton - Thomas Pratt - (Grocer), Francis Littlewood – (Paper Maker), Samuel Birkinshaw - (Fitter) & J Whitaker - (Fitter).
From Derby - Wm. Hobley – (Accountant with the Midland Railway), Henry Brown – (Iron Founder), Samuel Pennington Cochrane - (Upholsterer), Thomas Bakewell - (Builder), Robert Richardson - (Draper).
##THE UNITED REFORMED CHURCH & IT’S COMING INTO BEING.
Although one of the smaller of Britain’s mainstream denominations, the United Reformed Church stands the historic Reformed tradition, whose member denominations make-up the largest single strand of Protestantism with more than 70 million members world wide.
The United Reformed Church (URC) in England & Wales was formed in 1972 when the Congregational & Presbyterian Churches joined together. Subsequently joined by the Churches of Christ & in 2000 with the Congregational Union of Scotland.
Both the Congregational & Presbyterian churches came out of the Reformation in the sixteenth century when the Protestant church broke away from the Roman Catholic church.
The Pilgrim Fathers who sailed to America in 1620 were among the fore-runners of the Congregational church, as were the puritans.
Following the Act of Uniformity in 1662, all Ministers had to belong to the Church of England and agree to certain principles. Many felt that they could not do this and left to become Ministers of other churches, including independents (who later became Congregationalists, Presbyterians & Baptists). In the early days, Ministers of these early churches were often sent to prison.
Although both the Congregational and Presbyterian church held the same views about their belief in God, their form of organisation or government differed.
The congregational church is governed by the Members of the Church Meeting while the Presbyterian church is governed by the Presbyters, an elected committee. Both churches had a union, which while having no direct control over the church, acted as a guide and offered mutual support between the churches. They also held annual General Assemblies where Ministers and laity could meet to discuss principles of faith and how the church should relate to a changing world.
When the two churches united, they merged the form of church government. Although the Church Meeting has the final word, elected Elders (the successors to Presbyters) look after the day to day running of the church. There is still a General Assembly, now held every year/every other year.
Although a URC is part of a union with it’s offices in London, each church can chose how it runs things, including appointing it’s Minister. It does sometimes have to get permission to make big changes to it’s building. A URC may be in a group when several churches share a Minister. The Church Members elect Elders who look after the day to day running of the church. Anyone who is a Church Member may become an Elder.
THE SYMBOL OF THE UNITED REFORMED CHURCH
The URC logo combines two central symbols of the Christian Church – the cross and the fish.
The Greek word for fish is ‘ichthys’. As early as the first century, Christians made an acrostic from this word : lesous Christos Theou Vios Soter, which translates as Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.
Greeks and Romans used the fish symbol before Christians. The fish therefor attracted little suspicion, making it the perfect secret symbol for the persecuted early Church to use. Christians used the fish to mark secret meeting places, or to distinguish friends from foes.
According to one ancient story, when a Christian met a stranger on the road, the Christian sometimes drew one arc of the simple fish outline in the dirt. If the stranger drew the other arc, both believers knew they were safe to talk and in good company.
Thank you to Eunice & Peter Griffiths.