Congregational Church, Stratford-upon-Avon

The United Reformed Church in Stratford-upon-Avon, originating from the Congregational Church tradition, traces its roots back to a pivotal moment in 1662. This was the year Alexander Beane, the Vicar of Holy Trinity Church in Stratford, faced ejectment for his refusal to sign the Act of Uniformity. This act initiated the presence of congregationalism in the town, following a period of silence regarding Presbyterian practices until 1689, when licensed religious meetings, known as conventicles, started in private homes in Stratford.

By 1698, the movement had gained enough momentum to ordain John Letherland, and by 1714, a dedicated Meeting House was established on Rother Street, signifying a permanent home for the congregation. This site was notably chosen again in 1880 for the construction of a new church building, reflecting the congregation's enduring presence and growth in Stratford. The building that stands today, a small Gothic-style structure, is not just a place of worship but a family chapel that has witnessed the ebb and flow of community life since its inception. Located prominently at the junction of Rother Street and Ely Street, it serves as a local landmark, steeped in centuries of congregational records that chronicle the life events of its members.

The narrative of the church took a significant turn in 1972 with the amalgamation of the Congregational Church and the English Presbyterian Church, birthing the United Reformed Church as it is known today. This merger symbolizes a coming together of traditions and communities, fostering a unified Protestant congregation in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon.