“Closed permanently.” You might read those words about Eltham United Reformed Church with a tinge of sadness. But its story is far from over. Let’s delve into the history of this now-closed church.
Eltham United Reformed Church’s roots go way back. They stretch to a time of great upheaval in England. We are talking about the 17th century. Puritanism gained traction in Eltham during the English Commonwealth of 1649 to 1660.
The minister of St John the Baptist was replaced by William Owen. He was a Puritan. The church’s interior became simpler reflecting Puritan values. John Lilburne, a Puritan political reformer lived in Eltham at this time. He passed away in 1657.
The monarchy was restored in 1660. Ministers who didn’t conform to the Book of Common Prayer were ousted in 1662. This event is known as the Great Ejection. Around 2500 ministers lost their positions. Puritans had to organize outside the Church of England. They became known as Congregationalists, Presbyterians and Baptists. Eltham United Reformed Church descended from these ejected Christians.
Eltham United Reformed Church was formerly known as Congregational. The current building was completed in 1937. It is located on 1 Court Road in Eltham.
The United Reformed Church formed in 1972. It was a union of the Presbyterian Church of England and the Congregational Church in England and Wales. In 1981 the Reformed Association of Churches of Christ joined. The Congregational Union of Scotland followed in 2000.
Though Eltham United Reformed Church is closed its history remains. The archives are still available. The legacy of those early Puritans and Congregationalists lives on in the records of this church.