Hope United Reformed Church facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Hope United Reformed Church
Religion
Affiliation	United Reformed Church
Location
Location	Weymouth, Dorset, England
Architecture
Architectural type	Church
Completed	1862

Hope United Reformed Church is a special church in Weymouth, Dorset, England. It was first called Hope Congregational Chapel. The church was built between 1861 and 1862. It stands where an older chapel from 1822 used to be. Since 1974, it has been a Grade II listed building. This means it is an important historical building.

The Church's Story: A Look Back

Starting a New Church in Weymouth

In 1817, a group of people who wanted to worship independently started meeting in Weymouth. They rented a house on Hope Street and turned it into a small church. About 100 people could fit inside. The church group officially formed in 1821. Soon after, they began raising money to build their own chapel.

Building the First Chapel

The group leased some land from Sir Frederick Johnstone, 7th Baronet. Their new chapel was finished and opened on August 21, 1822. This first building was later made bigger in 1833. This cost £154. An organ was also added to the chapel around that time. In 1859, the organ was updated and made larger by a company from London. This cost £130.

Why a New Church Was Needed

By 1860, the first chapel was getting too small and looked a bit old. Weymouth's population was growing, so a bigger place for worship was needed. People started raising money in 1860 for a new building. The plan was to tear down the old chapel and build a new one on the same spot.

Building the New Hope Chapel

In February 1861, builders were asked to submit their prices for the new church. Six companies offered to do the work. Mr. A. Williams of Weymouth was chosen. His price was £1,144. It was interesting because Mr. Williams's grandfather had built the first chapel. His father had also helped with changes to it over the years.

Laying the Foundation Stone

The first stone for the new church was laid on April 3, 1861. A man named Matthew Devenish from Dorchester did the honors. By this time, £600 had been raised for the building. While the new chapel was being built, the church group used another chapel nearby for their services.

Opening the New Church Doors

The new chapel was almost finished by January 1, 1862. That's when it was first used for worship. The official opening ceremony happened on March 5, 1862. Two reverends, G. Smith and H. B. Ingram, gave speeches. When the church opened, there was still £300 left to pay from the total cost of £1,617. But by the end of 1862, all the money was paid off. This happened after a man named Mr. W. Sommerville offered £50 if the rest of the debt was cleared that year.

Later Additions and Changes

In 1871, the church was given full ownership of the land it stood on. The legal papers were prepared for free. Two years later, in 1873, a house was bought for £432. This house was used as a home for the church's minister. In 1884, a small room for church activities was built in the garden. This cost £100.

When the church's schoolroom became too small for the local children, more land was bought behind the chapel. A new, larger schoolroom was built there for £1,000. The mayor of the area, R. N. Howard, laid a special stone for the school on November 11, 1885. The new school opened its doors on April 21, 1886.

Hope Church Today

Hope United Reformed Church is still an active church in Weymouth. In 1971, another church, the Congregational Chapel at Gloucester Street, closed. Its members then joined the Hope Chapel. In 2008, the church received a grant of £5,000 from the National Churches Trust. This money helped with repairs to the building.

What the Church Looks Like

Hope United Reformed Church is built using Portland stone. It has brick details and a slate roof. The schoolroom next to it, built in 1885, is made of red brick.