Colchester New Church facts for kids
Colchester New Church is a special Christian church located in Colchester, England. It is part of a larger group called the General Church of the New Jerusalem. This church bases its beliefs on the Old Testament and New Testament from the Bible, along with the writings of a famous thinker named Emanuel Swedenborg.
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Discovering Colchester New Church's Past
The story of Colchester New Church began on July 26, 1816. A reverend named Robert Hindmarsh gave a public talk in Colchester. After his talk, a small group of people became interested. They started meeting to worship and discuss ideas.
Early Days and Growth
In the beginning, this group rented different rooms around town. They used these spaces for their meetings and services. By 1853, the church had 11 members. They were renting a small chapel in St. Helen's Lane. U. W. Mattacks was their leader at that time.
The church's history becomes clearer again in 1880. A man named George McQueen discovered the writings of Emanuel Swedenborg. He read a book about Swedenborg that inspired him. On September 12, 1880, George McQueen walked 10 miles to attend a New Church service.
Forming a New Group
In 1881, Reverend J. Deans gave a series of talks in Colchester. This led to a new group forming. Their first official worship service was held on April 16, 1881. Soon after, they rented a room called Shaftsbury Hall.
A member named William Gill joined the group. He became one of their lay preachers, meaning he helped lead services. Two members even gave money to help build a church. However, it took 42 years for the building to finally be constructed.
Joining the General Church
In 1885, Reverend C. Griffiths became the pastor for a nearby church in Brightlingsea. Colchester New Church then asked him to be their honorary pastor. At this time, the Colchester group was part of a larger organization called the General Conference of the New Church.
However, the Colchester members started reading sermons from a magazine called New Church Life. This magazine was published by the General Church of the New Jerusalem. This might have made them more interested in the ideas of the General Church.
In 1890, Reverend C. Griffiths left the Colchester group. He disagreed with their strong interest in the General Church of the New Jerusalem. On July 6, Reverend William Frederic Pendleton from the General Church gave a sermon that the members really liked. George McQueen also became a member of the General Church Academy that day.
The next year, on March 27, 1891, Colchester New Church officially joined the General Church of the New Jerusalem.
Building and Expanding the Church
In 1905, Bishop William Frederic Pendleton visited Colchester. He talked about opening a school, but they decided it wasn't the right time yet.
Finally, in 1924, the church building was built at 175 Maldon Road. Around the same time, Reverend Gyllenhaal became the pastor. In 1926, a day school was started at the church by Muriel Gill.
In 1967, under the leadership of Reverend Frank Rose, the church building was made bigger. The main worship area was extended. A new school room and a new entrance porch were added. Geoff P. Dawson was the architect who designed these additions. The new school room was officially opened on April 15, 1967, by Bishop Willard Dandridge Pendleton.
