History of Our Chapel

A brief history

The first reference to Unitarianism in Hastings goes back to 1819-20 when Mr. Richard Wright, on behalf of the London Unitarian Christian Fund Society made a tour of Sussex. The first service of worship took place in 1860.

The church in South Terrace was built in 1867/8, in the Roman Doric Style. Sir John Bowring KB LLD FRS laid the foundation stone and presided at the official opening.

During this period Hastings and St Leonards were popular seaside resorts and the church welcomed distinguished visitors such as the Martineau family; Dr Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman medical doctor; Professor Roger de Goey, classical scholar and writer; and Jane Ashby, poet.

In 1930 the church brought the organ from our Westgate Church, Lewes. It was made by John Snetzler (1710-85) and purchased for Norton Chapel Derbyshire. In 1843 it was moved to our Banbury Church and in 1853 to Lewes. Over the last year the organ has been rebuilt by Matthew Copley Organ Design and we spent a long weekend in September 2010 celebrating its return. A fully illustrated book The Hastings Snetzler is available from the church.

During the years 1999-2001 we were presented with some beautiful stained glass windows by Peter Quaife of Valley Forge.