Todmorden Unitarian Church - 01706 818181

Todmorden Unitarian Church was a redundant Unitarian church, which is located in Honey Hole Road, Todmorden, West Yorkshire, England, but it is now holding services again. It occupies an elevated position overlooking the town. It is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade I listed building, and is under the care of the Historic Chapels Trust.Early historyThe Unitarian movement originated in Todmorden in the early 19th century, and one of their prominent members was John Fielden, a local mill owner and a social reformer, who later became a Member of Parliament. Because of his work, Fielden has been nicknamed "Honest John". The Unitarians built their first chapel and school in 1823 and the congregation steadily increased in size. Fielden died in 1849. After his death the Unitarian community continued to grow and the chapel became inadequate for their needs. In 1865 building of a new church started. This was built in memory of John Fielden and paid for by his three sons, Joshua, John (junior) and Samuel. It was built on land they owned at Honey Hole. "Money was no object to these brothers" and the resulting building, costing over £35,000, was large and splendid, and was built using the best quality materials. The church was completed in 1869 and at its opening service in April of that year the first sermon was preached to a congregation of 800 by William Gaskell, widower of the novelist Elizabeth Gaskell. A lodge (or gatehouse) was built at the same time as the church.

Tags: Nondenominational Church