Congregationalism in a hostile world

The Congregationalists , or Independents as they were known, were formed from non-conforming Protestants in 1658. During the reign of Charles II and James II much was done to discourage Congregationalists and other Non-Conformist sects like the Baptists and the Presbyterians.

The “Corporation Act” of 1661 stopped Non-Conformists from holding any public office and the 1662 “Act of Uniformity” required every clergyman to declare publicly his “unfeigned consent and assent” to everything in the Common Book of Prayer.

As a result, 130 Congregational clergymen were forced to give up their positions. In 1664 the “Conventicule Act” threatened Non-Conformists with imprisonment or transportation if more than five were found to be worshipping together. In 1665 the “Five Mile Act” threatened Non-Conformist ministers from coming within five miles of a town or place where they had previously preached.

It was not until 1689, after the accession of William and Mary, that the situation improved when the “Toleration Act” allowed some religious freedom to Non-Conformists.

The Growth of the
Non-Conformist Movement
It was not until the early 19^{th century that the Non-Conformist movement began to expand. Att this time the Church of England was an establishment catering for the gentry and middle classes and did not cater for the poor, blaming their state on their own idleness. The Industrial Revolution was in its infancy and Non-Conformity appealed more to the new entrepreneurs such as manufacturers, shopkeepers and skilled craft workers. As the Industrial Revolution gathered momentum, Non-Conformist congregations grew, especially in the Midlands and East Anglia.}

Local Connections

It was at this time that the Congregationalists in Newark were worshipping with the Baptists, but were anxious to have their own church that would attract more members from the Parish of St Mary’s.

In 1882 Thomas Wilson, the son of a wealthy silk merchant was visiting Newark. Thomas had joined his father’s company at a branch in Coventry when he was 14 years old. At the age of 21 he became a partner in the business, but when he was 36 he retired from this very profitable work to devote his time, energy and money into promoting Congregationalism.

During his stay in Newark he attended a service in the Parish Church. The sermon on the text “come unto me” contained no reference to Jesus Christ and he was so upset that he decided that he should help to build an “independent chapel” in Newark. For £277 he purchased part of Mr Ordayne’s garden off Lombard Street. An attempt was made to find a temporary building for worship but this was frustrated by men acting for the Duke of Newcastle and this idea was abandoned.

Building commences

The London architect Mr W. Walden was employed and Mr W. Patterson was the builder. On October 24^{th 1822 the foundation stone was laid. The building cost £5,500 and was completed ready for the opening service on March 27th} 1823, although a debt of £3,500 was outstanding. The opening service was conducted in part by a son-in-law of Thomas Wilson, the Reverend James Stratton of Paddington Chapel.

External Features

The original building measures approximately 50 ft in frontage by 75ft in length and 30ft in overall height. A later addition was the schoolroom and writing room.