Independent Christians, as they were known then, from Fish Street Congregational Church, in Hull. Their mission? To bring the Gospel to ‘the dark villages of Holderness’ and they arrived in Hornsea in 1738.
The Revd George Lambert found the support of a local man, John Scaife, who opened his humble cottage as a meeting room – later to be registered as a place of worship. The word spread and so did the number of believers, so much so that a new church was built in 1808 – the Bethsaida Congregational Church.
It was a rapid time of growth for the non-conformist movement in Hornsea and the Congregational church, with 120 members, had outgrown the Bethsaida premises. A plot of land was purchased and our present church was built in 1874 for a cost of £3,300!
The outward appearance of the church has changed little but the interior of the building has changed over the years, to meet the needs of the community which we serve.
Little did we know back in 2020, when we first had the vision to make the church 100% accessible to all, that the completion would coincide with our 150th Anniversary!
Thanks to the incredible support of the Yorkshire Synod, through the Vision and Opportunities Grant and the General Assembly’s Legacy Fund along with other granting bodies, we had a wonderful month of celebration in October as the work was completed.
We had an Open Church Week with all who use the church taking part – along with a ‘How many Mice?’ competition (all winning a knitted mouse – thanks to our wonderful knitters). We planted a tree; Held lots of Concerts;
Enjoyed riding in the lift to the wonderfully warm and cosy Upper Room; Celebrated with a month of Worship Services opened by Jamie, our Synod Moderator; Dedicated the new lectern to commemorate the occasion; And had hundreds of people through our doors.
Many folk were astonished at the quality of work and the difference it has made. Several people commented – “it is still a church with character but with a very modern feel”. There are now no steps to climb; a spacious entrance; clear vision and central doors; a lift to the repurposed ‘Upper Room’; improved lighting and secondary glazing to the west window. The building work may be completed but the work of mission – “To bring the Gospel and the love of Jesus to ‘the dark lives of Holderness’” still goes on.
If you are ever visiting the East Coast, it is really worth visiting our friends at Hornsea URC, to see their work in and for the community and how they bring the Love of God through Jesus Christ to everything they do. For more details visit https://hornseaurc.org.uk/
Hornsea URC – 150th Celebration month