Seventy faces turned toward Rectory Road United Reformed Church as the Olympic torch passed. This is more than just a church. It is a testament to community resilience. It is also a beacon of multiculturalism. Welcome to Rectory Road United Reformed Church.
The story of Rectory Road United Reformed Church began in 1871. A railway line opened up the area. Mass housing replaced village gardens. Largely white middle class folk settled here. Church life flourished with thriving youth programs. All was well until a fateful night in September 1940.
German bombs badly damaged the church during the Blitz. The nearby Parish Church was affected too. This could have been the end. Many churches closed after similar damage. But the Congregationalists decided to rebuild. They opted for a temporary building.
This unpretentious structure became beloved. Rev Lance Stone noted its down to earth appeal. Activities continued especially for young people. One notable minister was Miss Kathleen Mitchell in the 1950s. She was an early Congregationalist woman minister.
The 1960s brought the Windrush generation. People from the Caribbean settled nearby. New people joined the church. The ministerial team was forward thinking. The church was part of Hackney church groups. Rev Cyril Lucraft welcomed black faces. He selected them for leadership roles. Cyril enabled people to offer their potential. Rectory Road Church encouraged future ministers. Some had not been welcomed elsewhere. Obstacles were challenged and overcome. Membership numbers were modest in the 1960s and 70s. But the church made a significant contribution. The strong youth work continued. In 1971 there were 30 members. 63 children and 6 teachers also attended. Social life thrived with outings and fellowship. The community used the baptismal and marriage registers. People admired the well kept garden. It brought beauty and peace to the area.
A joyful time came with a Hackney team ministry. Rev Lance Stone led from 1984. The church bought a community house for him. It became the center of many activities. Church numbers increased. Some described it as a creative kind of chaos. The Spirit moved within the church. New people took on leadership roles. Changes made Sunday worship more interactive. The first 20 minutes were led by lay people. This increased confidence. It continues today as opening prayer and praise. People shared testimonies and news. Lively songs filled the air. Some found it difficult. Those desiring quieter worship went elsewhere. But it welcomed many others. Cell groups met in homes. This increased the sense of community.
The church started a monthly community meal called Manna Café. It continues today. It attracts people beyond the church. Rice and peas and curried goat are favorites. A Fairtrade stall was added. The church became an official Fairtrade church. The congregation is mostly black. From the 1990s more people from African backgrounds joined. This added another dimension. After services people compared airport services. They also talked about menus and plans for importing goods. The power of personal invitation was important. Many people gave the church a try.
Lance Stone stayed for 12 years. He led a new build project. The old building declined. Money was raised to replace it. They partnered with a housing association. A new building emerged. A new minister came in 1999. He stayed for five and a half years. Numbers increased with the new minister.
The church focuses on pastoral life. It values the leadership of a minister. Almost 20 years later one third of Lance’s congregation remains. Many have moved on. Inner city life brings rapid turnover. People move to outer boroughs. Some return to Rectory Road. Others drift away.
The area around the church has changed. There are fewer white people. More people are of Turkish or Kurdish background. The Orthodox Jewish community is nearby. Older members say the Jewish community employed Caribbean people. They knew what it was like to migrate. One member has a Caribbean Jewish grandfather. There is understanding between faiths. Brazilians have moved into the area. They desire Pentecostal churches. Rectory Road hosts other churches already.
Rectory Road United Reformed Church remains a vibrant community. It adapts to the changing world around it. Its history is a testament to faith and resilience. It is a welcoming place for all.