General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches
Encyclopedia
The General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches (GAUFCC) is the umbrella organisation for Unitarian
, Free Christian
and other liberal religious
congregations in the United Kingdom
. It was formed in 1928, with denominational roots going back to the Great Ejection of 1662. Its headquarters building is Essex Hall
in central London
, on the site of the first avowedly Unitarian chapel in England, set up in 1774.
The GAUFCC brought together various strands and traditions besides Unitarianism
. These included English Presbyterianism
, General Baptist
, Methodism
, Christian Universalism
, Religious Humanism
and Unitarian Universalism
. Unitarians are now an open faith community celebrating diverse beliefs. They differ from many other religions in that they believe in helping people find their own spiritual path rather than defining it for them .
, the world-renowned historian, explains that ideas such as anti-Trinitarianism
, which scholars solemnly trace back to ancient times, were an integral part of “the lower-class heretical culture which burst into the open in the sixteenth century”. The cornerstones of this culture were Anti-clericalism
and a strong emphasis on biblical study, but there were specific heretical doctrines that had “an uncanny persistence”. In addition to anti-Trinitarianism, there was a rejection of Predestination
, and an embrace of Millenarianism
, mortalism, and Hermeticism
. Such ideas became "commonplace to seventeenth century Baptists, Levellers
, Diggers, Seekers
, … early Quakers
and other radical groupings which took part in the free-for-all discussions of the English Revolution
".
After the restoration of the Stuart monarchy and the resulting Act of Uniformity 1662
, around 2000 ministers left the established Church of England
(the Great Ejection
). Following the Act of Toleration 1689
, many of these ministers preached in 'non-conforming' congregations. The modern Unitarian denomination’s origins lay within this group of respectable Protestants who were reluctant to ever become Dissenters
, that is the English Presbyterians. However, by the late 18th century, the influx of General Baptist
congregations to the denomination established a direct lineage to this radical milieu although, by now, much of the ‘heretical culture’ baggage had been jettisoned.
in 1813 it was a criminal offence to deny the doctrine of the Trinity. By 1825 a new body, the British and Foreign Unitarian Association
, itself an amalgamation of three previous societies, was set up to co-ordinate denominational activities. However, there was a setback in 1837 when “the Presbyterian / Unitarian members were forced to withdraw from the General Body of Protestant Ministers which, for over a century, had represented the joint interests of the old established nonconformist groups in and around London”.
Around this time Presbyterian / Unitarian opinion was once again divided about how far the denomination should be associated with the label 'Unitarian’. James Martineau
, a Presbyterian minister formerly based in Liverpool, pleaded for a ‘warmer’ religion than the ‘critical, cold and untrusting’ Unitarianism of his day. In 1881 he helped to found the National Conference of Unitarian, Liberal Christian, Free Christian, Presbyterian and other Non-Subscribing or Kindred Congregations – “a triumph, one might say, of Victorian verbosity. But the length of the name reflected the breadth of Martineau’s vision”.
Thus, from 1881 to the establishment of the GAUFCC, the denomination consisted of “two overlapping circles, one labelled ‘Unitarian’ and eager for organisation and propaganda, the other rejecting labels and treasuring comprehensiveness. Each side had its own college, its own newspaper and its own hymn book”
who wish to remain part of the Church Universal; at the other are those who wish to move beyond Christianity
The congregations of GAUFCC contain members who hold diverse opinions. Indeed, Unitarians are able to embrace and gain insights from the great world religions, philosophies, arts and modern sciences.
Some Unitarian churches have become defunct, and the buildings are used for other purposes:
The following place articles mention the presence of their Unitarian churches:
and of the European Liberal Protestant Network
. The Non-subscribing Presbyterian Church of Ireland
maintains very close links with the GAUFCC.
In addition to the approximately 180 congregations that are affiliated with the General Assembly, there are also groups within it. Some of these represent interests (history, music, international development, etc.), while others are of religious beliefs, most notably the Unitarian Christian Association
and the Unitarian Earth Spirit Network
.
Unitarianism
Unitarianism is a Christian theological movement, named for its understanding of God as one person, in direct contrast to Trinitarianism which defines God as three persons coexisting consubstantially as one in being....
, Free Christian
Free Christian
The term Free Christian refers specifically to individual members and whole congregations within the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches....
and other liberal religious
Liberal religion
Liberal religion is a religious tradition which embraces the theological diversity of a congregation rather than a single creed, authority, or writing...
congregations in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. It was formed in 1928, with denominational roots going back to the Great Ejection of 1662. Its headquarters building is Essex Hall
Essex Street Chapel
Essex Street Chapel, also known as Essex Church, is a Unitarian place of worship in London. It was the first church in England set up with this doctrine, and was established at a time when Dissenters still faced legal threat...
in central London
Central London
Central London is the innermost part of London, England. There is no official or commonly accepted definition of its area, but its characteristics are understood to include a high density built environment, high land values, an elevated daytime population and a concentration of regionally,...
, on the site of the first avowedly Unitarian chapel in England, set up in 1774.
The GAUFCC brought together various strands and traditions besides Unitarianism
Unitarianism
Unitarianism is a Christian theological movement, named for its understanding of God as one person, in direct contrast to Trinitarianism which defines God as three persons coexisting consubstantially as one in being....
. These included English Presbyterianism
English Presbyterianism
Presbyterianism in England is distinct from Continental and Scottish forms of Presbyterianism. Whereas in Scotland, church government is based on a meeting of delegates, in England the individual congregation is the primary body of government...
, General Baptist
General Baptist
General Baptists is a generic term for Baptists who hold the view of a general atonement, as well as a specific name of groups of Baptists within the broader category.General Baptists are distinguished from Particular or Reformed Baptists.-History:...
, Methodism
Methodism
Methodism is a movement of Protestant Christianity represented by a number of denominations and organizations, claiming a total of approximately seventy million adherents worldwide. The movement traces its roots to John Wesley's evangelistic revival movement within Anglicanism. His younger brother...
, Christian Universalism
Christian Universalism
Christian Universalism is a school of Christian theology which includes the belief in the doctrine of universal reconciliation, the view that all human beings or all fallen creatures will ultimately be restored to right relationship with God....
, Religious Humanism
Religious humanism
Religious humanism is an integration of humanist ethical philosophy with religious rituals and beliefs that center on human needs, interests, and abilities.-Origins:...
and Unitarian Universalism
Unitarian Universalism
Unitarian Universalism is a religion characterized by support for a "free and responsible search for truth and meaning". Unitarian Universalists do not share a creed; rather, they are unified by their shared search for spiritual growth and by the understanding that an individual's theology is a...
. Unitarians are now an open faith community celebrating diverse beliefs. They differ from many other religions in that they believe in helping people find their own spiritual path rather than defining it for them .
Early Modern Britain
Christopher HillChristopher Hill (historian)
John Edward Christopher Hill , usually known simply as Christopher Hill, was an English Marxist historian and author of textbooks....
, the world-renowned historian, explains that ideas such as anti-Trinitarianism
Nontrinitarianism
Nontrinitarianism includes all Christian belief systems that disagree with the doctrine of the Trinity, namely, the teaching that God is three distinct hypostases and yet co-eternal, co-equal, and indivisibly united in one essence or ousia...
, which scholars solemnly trace back to ancient times, were an integral part of “the lower-class heretical culture which burst into the open in the sixteenth century”. The cornerstones of this culture were Anti-clericalism
Anti-clericalism
Anti-clericalism is a historical movement that opposes religious institutional power and influence, real or alleged, in all aspects of public and political life, and the involvement of religion in the everyday life of the citizen...
and a strong emphasis on biblical study, but there were specific heretical doctrines that had “an uncanny persistence”. In addition to anti-Trinitarianism, there was a rejection of Predestination
Predestination
Predestination, in theology is the doctrine that all events have been willed by God. John Calvin interpreted biblical predestination to mean that God willed eternal damnation for some people and salvation for others...
, and an embrace of Millenarianism
Millenarianism
Millenarianism is the belief by a religious, social, or political group or movement in a coming major transformation of society, after which all things will be changed, based on a one-thousand-year cycle. The term is more generically used to refer to any belief centered around 1000 year intervals...
, mortalism, and Hermeticism
Hermeticism
Hermeticism or the Western Hermetic Tradition is a set of philosophical and religious beliefs based primarily upon the pseudepigraphical writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus...
. Such ideas became "commonplace to seventeenth century Baptists, Levellers
Levellers
The Levellers were a political movement during the English Civil Wars which emphasised popular sovereignty, extended suffrage, equality before the law, and religious tolerance, all of which were expressed in the manifesto "Agreement of the People". They came to prominence at the end of the First...
, Diggers, Seekers
Seekers
The Seekers, or Legatine-Arians as they were sometimes known, were a Protestant dissenting group that emerged around the 1620s, probably inspired by the preaching of three brothers – Walter, Thomas, and Bartholomew Legate. Arguably, they are best thought of as forerunners of the Quakers, with whom...
, … early Quakers
Religious Society of Friends
The Religious Society of Friends, or Friends Church, is a Christian movement which stresses the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers. Members are known as Friends, or popularly as Quakers. It is made of independent organisations, which have split from one another due to doctrinal differences...
and other radical groupings which took part in the free-for-all discussions of the English Revolution
English Civil War
The English Civil War was a series of armed conflicts and political machinations between Parliamentarians and Royalists...
".
After the restoration of the Stuart monarchy and the resulting Act of Uniformity 1662
Act of Uniformity 1662
The Act of Uniformity was an Act of the Parliament of England, 13&14 Ch.2 c. 4 ,The '16 Charles II c. 2' nomenclature is reference to the statute book of the numbered year of the reign of the named King in the stated chapter...
, around 2000 ministers left the established Church of England
Church of England
The Church of England is the officially established Christian church in England and the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The church considers itself within the tradition of Western Christianity and dates its formal establishment principally to the mission to England by St...
(the Great Ejection
Great Ejection
The Great Ejection followed the Act of Uniformity 1662 in England. Two thousand Puritan ministers left their positions as Church of England clergy, following the changes after the restoration to power of Charles II....
). Following the Act of Toleration 1689
Act of Toleration 1689
The Act of Toleration was an act of the English Parliament , the long title of which is "An Act for Exempting their Majestyes Protestant Subjects dissenting from the Church of England from the Penalties of certaine Lawes".The Act allowed freedom of worship to Nonconformists who had pledged to the...
, many of these ministers preached in 'non-conforming' congregations. The modern Unitarian denomination’s origins lay within this group of respectable Protestants who were reluctant to ever become Dissenters
English Dissenters
English Dissenters were Christians who separated from the Church of England in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.They originally agitated for a wide reaching Protestant Reformation of the Established Church, and triumphed briefly under Oliver Cromwell....
, that is the English Presbyterians. However, by the late 18th century, the influx of General Baptist
General Baptist
General Baptists is a generic term for Baptists who hold the view of a general atonement, as well as a specific name of groups of Baptists within the broader category.General Baptists are distinguished from Particular or Reformed Baptists.-History:...
congregations to the denomination established a direct lineage to this radical milieu although, by now, much of the ‘heretical culture’ baggage had been jettisoned.
Nineteenth century
Until the passing of the Unitarian Relief ActDoctrine of the Trinity Act 1813
The Doctrine of the Trinity Act 1813 was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom...
in 1813 it was a criminal offence to deny the doctrine of the Trinity. By 1825 a new body, the British and Foreign Unitarian Association
British and Foreign Unitarian Association
The British and Foreign Unitarian Association was the major Unitarian body in Britain from 1825. The BFUA was founded as an amalgamation of three older societies: the Unitarian Book Society for literature , The Unitarian Fund for mission work , and the Unitarian Association for civil rights...
, itself an amalgamation of three previous societies, was set up to co-ordinate denominational activities. However, there was a setback in 1837 when “the Presbyterian / Unitarian members were forced to withdraw from the General Body of Protestant Ministers which, for over a century, had represented the joint interests of the old established nonconformist groups in and around London”.
Around this time Presbyterian / Unitarian opinion was once again divided about how far the denomination should be associated with the label 'Unitarian’. James Martineau
James Martineau
James Martineau was an English religious philosopher influential in the history of Unitarianism. For 45 years he was Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy and Political Economy in Manchester New College, the principal training college for British Unitarianism.-Early life:He was born in Norwich,...
, a Presbyterian minister formerly based in Liverpool, pleaded for a ‘warmer’ religion than the ‘critical, cold and untrusting’ Unitarianism of his day. In 1881 he helped to found the National Conference of Unitarian, Liberal Christian, Free Christian, Presbyterian and other Non-Subscribing or Kindred Congregations – “a triumph, one might say, of Victorian verbosity. But the length of the name reflected the breadth of Martineau’s vision”.
Thus, from 1881 to the establishment of the GAUFCC, the denomination consisted of “two overlapping circles, one labelled ‘Unitarian’ and eager for organisation and propaganda, the other rejecting labels and treasuring comprehensiveness. Each side had its own college, its own newspaper and its own hymn book”
Now
By 1928 these two "overlapping circles" had been reconciled in the same organisation: the GAUFCC. Over time the organisation has come to embrace a wider theological and philosophical diversity. "At one extreme are the 'Free Christians'Free Christian
The term Free Christian refers specifically to individual members and whole congregations within the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches....
who wish to remain part of the Church Universal; at the other are those who wish to move beyond Christianity
The congregations of GAUFCC contain members who hold diverse opinions. Indeed, Unitarians are able to embrace and gain insights from the great world religions, philosophies, arts and modern sciences.
Member churches
The General Assembly counts about 180 churches as members, including:- Billingshurst Unitarian ChapelBillingshurst Unitarian ChapelBillingshurst Unitarian Chapel is a place of worship in Billingshurst in the English county of West Sussex. The cottage-like building was erected in 1754 for General Baptists, hence its original name of the Billingshurst General Baptist Chapel, but the congregation moved towards Unitarian beliefs...
, 1754, West Sussex - Brighton Unitarian ChurchBrighton Unitarian ChurchThe Brighton Unitarian Church, previously known as Christ Church, is a Unitarian chapel in Brighton, England. Built in 1820 by prolific local architect Amon Henry Wilds on land sold to the fledgling Unitarian community by the Prince Regent, the stuccoed Greek Revival building occupies a prominent...
, 1820, built by Amon Henry WildsAmon Henry WildsAmon Henry Wilds was an English architect. He was part of a team of three architects and builders who—working together or independently at different times—were almost solely responsible for a surge in residential construction and development in early 19th-century Brighton, which until then had... - Chowbent ChapelChowbent ChapelChowbent Chapel is a Unitarian place of worship in Atherton, Greater Manchester, England. It was built in 1721 and is the oldest place of worship in the town. It is a member of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches, the umbrella organisation for British...
, in Atherton, Greater ManchesterAtherton, Greater ManchesterAtherton is a town within the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan, in Greater Manchester, England, historically a part of Lancashire. It is east of Wigan, north-northeast of Leigh, and northwest of Manchester... - Cross Street ChapelCross Street ChapelCross Street Chapel is a Unitarian church in Manchester, England, famous in civic and national life for its contributions to piety and civil society. Jane Barraclough currently serves as minister at Cross Street, having been inducted in September 2008...
, Manchester - Dean Row Chapel, WilmslowDean Row Chapel, WilmslowDean Row Chapel is a Unitarian place of worship near Manchester, England. It is located east of the town of Wilmslow, Cheshire, near the junction of the A5102 and B5358 roads. The structure has been designated by English Heritage as a Grade II* listed building...
, Cheshire - Essex Church, the first Unitarian church in England, moved in 1880s from central London to Kensington
- Fulwood Old ChapelFulwood Old ChapelFulwood Old Chapel is a Unitarian place of worship in the Fulwood district of western Sheffield, South Yorkshire. It is a member of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches, the umbrella organisation for British Unitarians....
, in Sheffield - Newington Green Unitarian ChurchNewington Green Unitarian ChurchNewington Green Unitarian Church in north London is one of England's oldest Unitarian churches. It has had strong ties to political radicalism for over 300 years, and is London's oldest Nonconformist place of worship still in use...
, North London - Octagon ChapelOctagon Chapel, NorwichThe Octagon Chapel is a Unitarian Chapel located in Colegate in Norwich, Norfolk, England. It is home to a growing liberal religious community, welcoming people of all religious faiths and none. The congregation is a member of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches.The chapel...
, Norwich - Rivington Unitarian ChapelRivington Unitarian ChapelRivington Unitarian Chapel is a place of Unitarian worship in Rivington, Lancashire, England. It was founded in 1703 and its motto is "Here let no man a stranger be". The chapel is a Grade II* listed building, and its restoration in 1990 was aided by English Heritage...
, in Lancashire - Rosslyn Hill Unitarian ChapelRosslyn Hill Unitarian ChapelThe Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel is a Unitarian chapel on Rosslyn Hill in Hampstead, London. It is a member of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches, the umbrella organisation for British Unitarians....
, Hampstead, North London; one of the biggest congregations nationally - Todmorden Unitarian ChurchTodmorden Unitarian ChurchTodmorden Unitarian Church is a formerly redundant Unitarian church standing in Honey Hole Road, Todmorden, West Yorkshire, England , now holding services again. It occupies an elevated position overlooking the town...
, in West YorkshireWest YorkshireWest Yorkshire is a metropolitan county within the Yorkshire and the Humber region of England with a population of 2.2 million. West Yorkshire came into existence as a metropolitan county in 1974 after the passage of the Local Government Act 1972.... - Toxteth Unitarian ChapelToxteth Unitarian ChapelToxteth Unitarian Chapel is in Park Road, Dingle, Liverpool, England . Since the 1830s it has been known as The Ancient Chapel of Toxteth. It has been designated by English Heritage as a Grade I listed building, and continues to be in use as a Unitarian chapel...
, in Liverpool - Unitarian Chapel, LiverpoolUnitarian Chapel, LiverpoolThe Unitarian Chapel, Liverpool is in Ullet Road, Sefton Park, Liverpool, Merseyside, England . It is a Grade I listed building and is an active Unitarian church...
- Upper ChapelUpper ChapelUpper Chapel is a Unitarian chapel lying on Norfolk Street in Sheffield City Centre. It is a member of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches, the umbrella organisation for British Unitarians....
, Sheffield - York Unitarian ChapelYork Unitarian ChapelYork Unitarian Chapel is a building on St. Saviourgate, York, England. It is a member of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches, the umbrella organisation for British Unitarians....
Some Unitarian churches have become defunct, and the buildings are used for other purposes:
- Wallasey Memorial Unitarian ChurchWallasey Memorial Unitarian ChurchWallasey Memorial Unitarian Church is a redundant church in Manor Road, Liscard, Wallasey, Wirral, England . It has been designated by English Heritage as a Grade II* listed building, and is under the care of the Historic Chapels Trust.-History:...
, on the Wirral PeninsulaWirral PeninsulaWirral or the Wirral is a peninsula in North West England. It is bounded by three bodies of water: to the west by the River Dee, forming a boundary with Wales, to the east by the River Mersey and to the north by the Irish Sea. Both terms "Wirral" and "the Wirral" are used locally , although the...
, now under the care of the Historic Chapels Trust
The following place articles mention the presence of their Unitarian churches:
- BelperBelperBelper is a town and civil parish in the local government district of Amber Valley in Derbyshire, England.-Geography:Belper is situated eight miles north of Derby and is centred in the valley of the River Derwent...
, Derbyshire (1788) - Bessels GreenBessels GreenBessels Green is a village now incorporated into the built-up area of Sevenoaks in Kent, England. It is on the north-western outskirts of Sevenoaks, in the parish of Chevening. The A25 road runs through the centre of the village....
, in Sevenoaks, Kent - Brookfield Unitarian Church in GortonGortonGorton is an area of the city of Manchester, in North West England. It is located to the southeast of Manchester city centre. Neighbouring areas include Longsight and Levenshulme....
, near Manchester, built by Richard PeacockRichard PeacockRichard Peacock was an English engineer, one of the founders of locomotive manufacturer Beyer-Peacock.-Early life and education:... - CrewkerneCrewkerneCrewkerne is a town in Somerset, England, situated south west of Yeovil and east of Chard in the South Somerset district close to the border with Dorset. The civil parish of West Crewkerne includes the hamlets of Woolminstone and Henley...
, in Somerset - Little HortonLittle HortonLittle Horton is a Ward in Bradford Metropolitan District in the county of West Yorkshire, England, named after the de -Horton family,who were once Lords of the Manor....
, in Bradford - Monton Unitarian Church in Eccles, Greater ManchesterEccles, Greater ManchesterEccles is a town in the City of Salford, a metropolitan borough of Greater Manchester in North West England, west of Salford and west of Manchester city centre...
- Grade II* listed buildings in Greater Manchester lists Brookfield, Monton, and Chowbent
- StalybridgeStalybridgeStalybridge is a town in the Metropolitan Borough of Tameside in Greater Manchester, England, with a population of 22,568. Historically a part of Cheshire, it is east of Manchester city centre and northwest of Glossop. With the construction of a cotton mill in 1776, Stalybridge became one of...
, near Manchester - Trim Street, BathTrim Street, BathTrim Street in Bath, Somerset, England is a historic street, built in 1707, of shops and houses, many of which are listed buildings. It was named after George Trim who owned the land....
, 1795 - Westgate Chapel, in LewesLewesLewes is the county town of East Sussex, England and historically of all of Sussex. It is a civil parish and is the centre of the Lewes local government district. The settlement has a history as a bridging point and as a market town, and today as a communications hub and tourist-oriented town...
, East Sussex - List of places of worship in Hastings
Affiliations
The British Unitarians are a member of the International Council of Unitarians and UniversalistsInternational Council of Unitarians and Universalists
The International Council of Unitarians and Universalists is an umbrella organization founded in 1995 bringing together many Unitarians, Universalists and Unitarian Universalists.The size of the member organizations varies widely...
and of the European Liberal Protestant Network
European Liberal Protestant Network
The European Liberal Protestant Network is an association of free Christians and Liberal Protestants of Europe.It had its inaugural meeting at Bad Boll, Germany, July 1998 among Protestant members of the International Association for Religious Freedom....
. The Non-subscribing Presbyterian Church of Ireland
Non-subscribing Presbyterian Church of Ireland
The Non-subscribing Presbyterian Church of Ireland derives its name and its liberal and tolerant identity from early 18th century Presbyterian ministers who refused to subscribe at their ordination to the Westminster Confession, a standard Reformed statement of faith; and who formed, in 1725, the...
maintains very close links with the GAUFCC.
In addition to the approximately 180 congregations that are affiliated with the General Assembly, there are also groups within it. Some of these represent interests (history, music, international development, etc.), while others are of religious beliefs, most notably the Unitarian Christian Association
Unitarian Christian Association
The Unitarian Christian Association is a relatively small fellowship of Christians who feel an affinity with traditional Unitarianism and Free Christianity...
and the Unitarian Earth Spirit Network
Unitarian Earth Spirit Network
The Unitarian Earth Spirit Network was founded in 1990 by Rev Peter Roberts, assisted by Jo Rogers as Sec/Treasurer. Roberts felt that the British Unitarian movement had two main streams of belief adequately represented, but that another mode of thought that was not formally represented, a Nature...
.
Officers
Information is taken from the 2009 Annual Report, which also contains a full list of presidents, a role that normally rotates each year.Secretaries / Chief Executives / Chief Officers
- 1928 Rev S H Mellone, MA, DSc
- 1928 Rev R Travers Herford, BA, DD
- 1929-49 Rev Mortimer Rowe, BA, DD
- 1949-69 Rev John Kielty, LD, DD
- 1969-79 Rev Brian L Golland, MA
- 1979-94 Dr Roy W Smith, DHL
- 1994-07 Mr Jeffrey J Teagle, MSc
- 2007-09 Rev S Dick, MSc
- 2009- Mr Derek McAuley, MA, BSSc
Treasurers
- 1928-39 Lieut-Col S Chatfield-ClarkeEdgar Chatfeild-ClarkeSir Edgar Chatfeild-Clarke was an English Liberal Party politician.-Family and education:Edgar Chatfeild-Clarke was the son of Thomas Chatfeild-Clarke, who was a Fellow of both the Royal Institute of British Architects and of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and his wife Ellen from...
, DL - 1939-59 Mr Ronald P Jones, MA, FRIBA
- 1959-70 Sir C Herbert Pollard, CBE, FCA
- 1970-71 Mr Albert Forrester, FCA
- 1971-79 Mr Arnold Graves, FCA, FCIS
- 1979-98 Mr Geofffrey Head, BA
- 1998-05 Mr Michael Tomlin
- 2005-09 Mr Martin West
- 2009-10 Mr Derek McAuley, MA, BSSc
- 2010-11 Mr Huw Thomas
Notable British Unitarians
- Sir Tim Berners Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web
- Sir John Brunner, businessman (ICIBrunner MondTata Chemicals Europe is a UK-based chemicals company that is a subsidiary of Tata Chemicals Limited, itself a part of the India-based Tata Group...
), politician and great grandfather of HRH Duchess of Kent - Alan BullockAlan BullockAlan Louis Charles Bullock, Baron Bullock , was a British historian, who wrote an influential biography of Adolf Hitler and many other works.-Early life and career:...
, historian and academic administrator - Austen ChamberlainAusten ChamberlainSir Joseph Austen Chamberlain, KG was a British statesman, recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize and half-brother of Neville Chamberlain.- Early life and career :...
, Nobel peace prizeNobel Peace PrizeThe Nobel Peace Prize is one of the five Nobel Prizes bequeathed by the Swedish industrialist and inventor Alfred Nobel.-Background:According to Nobel's will, the Peace Prize shall be awarded to the person who...
winner - Rt Hon Joe ChamberlainJoseph ChamberlainJoseph Chamberlain was an influential British politician and statesman. Unlike most major politicians of the time, he was a self-made businessman and had not attended Oxford or Cambridge University....
, businessman (GKN), politician and statesman - Neville ChamberlainNeville ChamberlainArthur Neville Chamberlain FRS was a British Conservative politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from May 1937 to May 1940. Chamberlain is best known for his appeasement foreign policy, and in particular for his signing of the Munich Agreement in 1938, conceding the...
, prime minister - Sir Philip Colfox, politician
- John Sutton NettlefoldJohn Sutton NettlefoldJohn Sutton Nettlefold was a British industrialist and entrepreneur.-Life:In 1823, Nettlefold opened a hardware store at 54 High Holborn, London. This was followed in 1826 by a workshop to make wood-screws based in Sunbury-on-Thames...
, industrialist - Sir Isaac Newton, physicist
- Andrew PritchardAndrew PritchardAndrew Pritchard was an English naturalist and natural history dealer who made significant improvements to microscopy and studied microscopic organisms. His belief that God and nature were one led him to the Unitarians, a religious movement to which he and his family devoted much energy...
, microscope maker - Cyril SmithCyril SmithSir Cyril Smith, MBE, was a British politician who served as Liberal and Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for the constituency of Rochdale from 1972 until his retirement in 1992.-Early life:...
MP, Rochdale Unitarian Church
See also
- Free ChristianFree ChristianThe term Free Christian refers specifically to individual members and whole congregations within the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches....
ity - Religion in the United KingdomReligion in the United KingdomReligion in the United Kingdom and the states that pre-dated the UK, was dominated by forms of Christianity for over 1,400 years. Although a majority of citizens still identify with Christianity in many surveys, regular church attendance has fallen dramatically since the middle of the 20th century,...
- Rev. Joseph Cooke, the inspiration behind Methodist Unitarianism
English antitrinitarian martyrs
- Bartholomew LegateBartholomew LegateBartholomew Legate was an English anti-Trinitarian martyr.Legate was born in Essex and became a dealer in cloth. In the 1590s, Bartholomew and his two brothers, Walter and Thomas, began preaching around the London area. Their unorthodox message rejected the Roman Catholic Church, the Church of...
, the inspiration behind the SeekersSeekersThe Seekers, or Legatine-Arians as they were sometimes known, were a Protestant dissenting group that emerged around the 1620s, probably inspired by the preaching of three brothers – Walter, Thomas, and Bartholomew Legate. Arguably, they are best thought of as forerunners of the Quakers, with whom... - Edward WightmanEdward WightmanEdward Wightman was an English radical Anabaptist, executed at Lichfield for his activities promoting himself as the divine Paraclete and Savior of the world...
, early General BaptistGeneral BaptistGeneral Baptists is a generic term for Baptists who hold the view of a general atonement, as well as a specific name of groups of Baptists within the broader category.General Baptists are distinguished from Particular or Reformed Baptists.-History:...