Central United Reformed Church, Sheffield

The Central United Reformed Church in Sheffield has a rich history dating back to the 17th century. Its origins trace back to 1660 when a group of congregants, led by Reverend James Fisher, broke away from the Sheffield Parish Church (now Sheffield Anglican Cathedral) to form the beginnings of Congregationalism. Initially, the congregation met in various locations, including rooms associated with a workhouse and a building known as New Hall on Bridge Street.

By 1700, the congregation had moved to a rented site on Norfolk Street called the New Chapel, but disagreements within the congregation led to a split. In 1714, a plot of land was purchased in the garden of John Tooker, a Master Cutler, where a new chapel was constructed, known as Nether Chapel. This site was set back from what is now Norfolk Street, along what became Chapel Walk.

In 1828, a new Nether Chapel was built on the same site, with additional land purchased from Dr. Thomas Young. This expansion facilitated the growth of three more congregations in Burngreave, Wicker, and Queen Street. These congregations eventually rejoined to form a new church on the Nether Chapel site, which opened in 1971 as Central Congregational Church.

With the formation of the United Reformed Church in 1972, combining Congregational and Presbyterian denominations, the church became known as Central United Reformed Church. The current building, constructed in the late 20th century, is situated in the center of Sheffield. It features a distinctive light green roof that complements its windows, creating a striking appearance, especially when illuminated by sunlight.