 | Next meeting: Sunday 12 February 2012, on the theme 'Love and Hate', coordinated by Tim Powell.
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For pure religion, the glory of God and the happiness of humankind
These words are taken from the lengthy inscription on the Foundation Stone of the meeting house in 1752, which stated that the building was erected
…not for schismatical or heretical separation, not as a source of bigotry and superstition, but for the establishment of principles quite the reverse: a super-structure built for the upholding of no unchristian faction, in opposition to no Christian command, in defiance of no Protestant royal authority,but for promoting pure religion, the glory of God, and the happiness of mankind…
Unitarian worship was illegal in 1752 but the absence from the inscription to any allusion to doctrines such as the Trinity, and its references to the avoidance of bigotry, the happiness of mankind and (later on in the inscription) to liberty of conscience, indicate the congregation’s Unitarian sentiments. The meeting house was used for Unitarian worship until its closure in 1886, since when it has been used for a variety of community uses. It is now owned by the Royal British Legion.
Since December 2008 services for Unitarian worship have once again been held at the Old Meeting.
The Old Meeting has no minister leading worship, no members, no committee and no offertory, and the services are simple in format. They are led by a worship coordinator on a set theme and comprise short readings, prayers, hymns and music, interspersed with contributions from members of the congregation on the theme of the service. These contributions can include readings, poems, thoughts and music, but no-one need think they need bring anything other than themselves.
What does Unitarian worship mean? Services are Unitarian in that worship is directed simply to the One God - while recognising the great range of understandings of the word ‘God’. Thus services are also Unitarian in that adherence to a creed or statement of belief is not required - you do not have to be a Unitarian to participate fully in Unitarian worship. And services are Unitarian in that doubt is an option and being willing to ask questions is as important as knowing answers. So if you are looking for a spiritual outlook that offers certainty and values uniformity, you may wish to worship elsewhere.
Otherwise, please do consider coming to worship at the Old Meeting. Services are held on the second Sunday of each month at 11.15am. They last about an hour and are followed by lunch at a local pub, the Catherine Wheel or the Lord Nelson, both just up the High Street. This is a social occasion to which all are welcome.
Our next service is on 12 February 2012. It will be on the theme 'Love and Hate' and coordinated by Tim Powell.
If you would like more information, please contact Dr Tim Powell, tepowell@ymail.com.
…not for schismatical or heretical separation, not as a source of bigotry and superstition, but for the establishment of principles quite the reverse: a super-structure built for the upholding of no unchristian faction, in opposition to no Christian command, in defiance of no Protestant royal authority,but for promoting pure religion, the glory of God, and the happiness of mankind…
Unitarian worship was illegal in 1752 but the absence from the inscription to any allusion to doctrines such as the Trinity, and its references to the avoidance of bigotry, the happiness of mankind and (later on in the inscription) to liberty of conscience, indicate the congregation’s Unitarian sentiments. The meeting house was used for Unitarian worship until its closure in 1886, since when it has been used for a variety of community uses. It is now owned by the Royal British Legion.
Since December 2008 services for Unitarian worship have once again been held at the Old Meeting.
The Old Meeting has no minister leading worship, no members, no committee and no offertory, and the services are simple in format. They are led by a worship coordinator on a set theme and comprise short readings, prayers, hymns and music, interspersed with contributions from members of the congregation on the theme of the service. These contributions can include readings, poems, thoughts and music, but no-one need think they need bring anything other than themselves.
What does Unitarian worship mean? Services are Unitarian in that worship is directed simply to the One God - while recognising the great range of understandings of the word ‘God’. Thus services are also Unitarian in that adherence to a creed or statement of belief is not required - you do not have to be a Unitarian to participate fully in Unitarian worship. And services are Unitarian in that doubt is an option and being willing to ask questions is as important as knowing answers. So if you are looking for a spiritual outlook that offers certainty and values uniformity, you may wish to worship elsewhere.
Otherwise, please do consider coming to worship at the Old Meeting. Services are held on the second Sunday of each month at 11.15am. They last about an hour and are followed by lunch at a local pub, the Catherine Wheel or the Lord Nelson, both just up the High Street. This is a social occasion to which all are welcome.
Our next service is on 12 February 2012. It will be on the theme 'Love and Hate' and coordinated by Tim Powell.
If you would like more information, please contact Dr Tim Powell, tepowell@ymail.com.
