The History of our Church

Occasional Services held at Lindfield

More frequent services held in Black Hill cottages, latterly a room was hired in 'Bent Arms' pub

Erection of first chapel in Lindfield, opened in this year

Four members founded the Lindfield Congregational Church

21st September,
Foundation Stone of main church building, which stands today, was laid

Front of church building was altered, going from two to one main door

Church purchased the house next door – 'Ryecroft' as a manse

School Room opened,
the original small additional room built onto the back of the main church, roughly equivalent to the size of the present Lounge area.
(this picture taken much later in School Room)

At Annual Church Meeting on 21st January, it was recorded that the Ministers stipend (salary) was £20. Income from the offertory was £11-6-4

Proposal at church members meeting on 11th April, by Mr Jones (Secretary) that monthly church meetings be held on the last Thursday of each month. They are still held on a Thursday, but now the second in the month!

7th September, it was agreed to subdue lighting in the church during Evening Services, to comply with Military & Police Authorities requirements during the Zeppelin raids during the War

'The Lindfield Bishops'
At this time in the churches life, the Manse was being let out and the cost of upkeep on church buildings meant that the small number of active members could not support a full-time ministers stipend. The student-pastors came down from Hackney College at the weekends, and their tremendous effort enabled the church to continue through a difficult phase.
Their names were: Frank Short, Henry Guntrip, Albert Copeland & Frank Bowden.

At the meeting on 2nd April, Miss Simmons proposed that Mr Wood (Organist) be asked to accept a salary for this work of £20 per annum

26th May – Motion 2. Thanks were recorded to go to Miss Simmons and Mrs Robbins in donating the sum of £150 for the installation of electric light in Ryecroft.

Formation of a group church with Ardingly and Horsted Keynes

Rev Albert Trinder was called to be minister of the Lindfield Group

Mr Wood proposed (seconded by Miss Pierce) to have electric light installed by Southern Electricity Board in Church and School Room

Ryecroft still had a tenant, church purchased a new manse in Compton Road

Church finally sold 'Ryecroft' for £5,750, It had not been used as a manse to the church for over 50 years!

A thanksgiving service was held to thank God for the opening of the extension to the building. A large hall and kitchen had been built behind the School Room, with an adjoining passageway.

Rev Trinder retires from full-time ministry, after nearly 20 years at Lindfield.

Induction Service for the new minister, Rev Richard Tucker from Bexley Heath

United Reformed Church is formed as a denomination. Lindfield Congregational Church became Lindfield URC – as the Presbyterian and Congregational denominations joined together.

May. The church performs a Christian musical called 'Spirit' in The King Edward Hall, Lindfield. Written for the Salvation Army, it portrays the first nine chapters of the book of Acts.

The three churches in Lindfield worked together to arrange a 'mission' on the Common – called Lighthouse. Lives were changed during that week and many young people gave their lives to following Christ at that time.

Spring. Inspired by the popularity of 'Spirit' – Lindfield URC puts on another musical in King Edward Hall for two nights. This time a story showing how Peter might have felt in the early days of Christ's ministry. Such was the success, that the show played Clair Hall for a further two nights later on that year.

Rev Richard Tucker ends his time at Lindfield, and moves to Sevenoaks

Thirty years after we sold Ryecroft, the church took the wonderful opportunity to purchase the original manse again! With thoughts of a new minister coming and possible expansion of church premises in the future.

Rev Norman Smith moved to Lindfield to take up the pastorate of the church, from Tonbridge.
(photo shown of Norman more recently!)

The church organises their first 'conference' over a weekend at Ashburnham Place, near Battle. Seen as a way of drawing the fellowship closer together – these conferences involved Bible teaching as well as practical advice and having fun together. They were popular and the idea was repeated for a number of years.

January. The church made a leap of faith, as we believed it right to improve the churches facilities. Larger sanctuary, an entirely new suite of rooms and vastly better kitchen. The dramatic change to the building would cost over £400,000. Little did we know at the time, that it would all have been paid for in just two years, thanks to the the Spirit prompting many to give or lend generously.

October. A week-long Children's holiday club was organised and run by members of Lindfield URC on our premises. The success of this venture, meant it was to become an annual event.

April. The church launched a new identity across all stationery. The old drawing which previously adorned letterheads was out of date since the extension had been completed.

June. We start an 'experimental' period of having two morning services on a Sunday – 9.30 and 11am. One specifically aimed at a younger, more family based, worshipper – informal and led by a Worship Group. The latter a traditional service, with formal structure and just Organist or Piano accompaniment.

Easter-time. We welcomed Mike Lee, appointed as the church Youth & Children's Pastor, working full-time on all matters of our Youthwork. This was the result of many months of advertising and searching for someone to lead and develop the many groups within the church working with young people.