Church History

Photo of the original church, a small residential house in Hornsea.
The Congregational Church in Hornsea started in 1798 in the house of Mr Scaife. Photo from the Church.
Photo of the second home of the church in Hornsea, on Southgate.
In 1808 the church moved to new premises on Southgate. Photo from the Church.

The Hornsea United Reformed Church dates back over 200 years to 1798.

The house of Mr Scaife was ‘licensed for preaching’ thanks to the efforts of Rev. George Lambert.

Back then it was known as the Congregational Church and the first Minister, Rev. Henry Earls started in 1803.

The Congregational Church moved, to Bethesda Church, which was built in Southgate, Hornsea and licensed in 1808.

The church was later enlarged, and a burial ground behind it was acquired c. 1847.

 

The current church was built 1982-1984 by Samuel Musgrage of Hull.
The current church was built 1982-1984 by Samuel Musgrave of Hull.

A new church, designed by Samuel Musgrave of Hull and built of red and yellow brick with stone dressings, was erected in New Road in 1872–4

It was built by a local builder William Bennett Stevenson owner of Stephenson Builders.

A fire in 1968 severely damaged the church (more information below) and was subsequently re-modelled.

In 1972 the Congregational Church became part of the United Reformed Church and has remained an active member ever since.

Some information from http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/yorks/east/vol7/pp273-295.

Church Fire

Photo showing the aftermath of a fire which destroyed a large part of the roof
The church roof was badly damaged in a fire in 1968. Photo by Frank Barrett and supplied to the Hornsea Civic Society by Barbara Barret. Used with permission of the Hornsea Civic Society
Photo showing the aftermath of a fire which destroyed a large part of the roof.
Alternative view of The church roof was badly damaged in a fire in 1968. Photo by Frank Hobson, supplied to the Hornsea Civic Society and used with their permission.

Hornsea Civic Society recently posted the story of a fire which ripped through the church roof in 1968.

The church central heating boiler had been converted from coal gas to use natural gas which burns at a higher temperature; this had not been taken fully into account and the boiler overheated.

The photos supplied by Frank Barrett and Frank Hobson to the civic society show the extent of the damage.

If you know any further details about the church’s history then please contact the webmaster using the Contact page.