The church has a beautiful organ, rebuilt in 1991
A memorial window to former Minister Matthew Caffyn
Unitarian Church: 65
in Horsham gaol for unauthorised preaching. He is commemorated with a window in the church, although he is buried in Itchingfield. Over three centuries, there have been many alterations, with a porch added in 1727 and a Baptistery built in 1771. By the 1870s, the name of the General Baptists was dropped and the congregation became Unitarians. An organ was installed in 1850, although the present one arrived in 1914. It required a costly but necessary rebuild in 1991. Patrick Wynne-Jones, a member of the Church, said: “We still have a total immersion baptismal tank, with a well hidden under the floor of the kitchen, although it hasn’t been used since 1840. “The church has many interesting features, including a Parliament Clock, and dedications and memorials to the early ‘dissenters’ who were often imprisoned under the Blasphemy Act. “The building has Listed status and is therefore costly to maintain, with features like a Horsham stone roof. “But it’s always had a role to play in the community. The Horsham Museum Society was founded by members here in 1890 and exhibits. In the 19th century, Minister Robert Ashdowne established the Horsham Free Christian Church Public Lending Library. We still have some of those books here today. “Even now, the hall is used by a number of local clubs and societies, from barbershop singing quartets to discussion groups. Just last month, the Unity Players hosted a very popular Edwardian Extravaganza. “We also host special services and community get-togethers, including a special service in memory of Joe Cox MP, which was attended by Horsham MP Jeremy Quin.”
7KH *URXS
Unattached? Aged 50+
T The h G Gr Gro Grou Group is not a dating agency. It is a great opportunity to meet new friends of both sexes in a welcoming atmosphere. Walks, lunches and dinners, theatre trips, pub evenings, golf, sports and holidays. We have a great time. So come on! Push open that door, come in and join us. You’ll be very welcome!