Fascinating isn’t it how Stepney Meeting House United Reformed Church started with such rebellious roots? This church boasts a history dating back to 1644. It began as an independent congregation in East London.
Stepney Meeting House’s story involves religious dissent and strong convictions. Henry Barton and his wife founded it. Key figures like William Parker, John Odinsell, William Greenhill, and John Pococke were also involved. Reverend Henry Burton a vicar whose ears were once cropped for his beliefs was present at the founding.
William Greenhill served as the first minister. He led the church from its start until his death in 1671. Greenhill’s story is quite interesting. He refused to read The Book of Sports. This book listed permitted Sunday recreations. Bishop Matthew Wren was not pleased. Greenhill’s defiance led him to London. He became an afternoon preacher in Stepney.
During the English Civil War Greenhill preached before the House of Commons. His sermon “The Axe at the Root” was published. After King Charles I’s execution Greenhill tutored the king’s children. Oliver Cromwell later appointed Greenhill. He became a commissioner for approving public preachers.
After Greenhill’s death Matthew Mead took over in 1671. Mead’s congregation became the largest in London. He even instituted a May Day sermon for the young. In 1674 a meeting house was built for him near Saint Dunstan’s Church. The roof was supported by pine pillars gifted by the States of Holland. A hidden attic provided refuge during troubled times.
The authorities weren’t always kind. Sir William Smith once broke into the meeting house. He tore down the pulpit and broke the benches. Mead faced accusations related to the Rye House Plot and Monmouth’s Rebellion. This led him to flee to the Netherlands temporarily.
Stepney Meeting House has moved and rebuilt several times. The original meeting house was demolished in 1863. A new one was built nearby. World War II caused significant damage. The remains were removed in 1950. A third meeting house opened in 1960. In 1972 Stepney Meeting House joined with John Knox Presbyterian Church. They formed the United Reformed Church. The congregation chose to retain the Stepney Meeting House name.
Stepney Meeting House has records dating back centuries. These records include church books baptism registers and marriage records. There are records of church meetings and committee activities too. These documents offer a glimpse into the church’s rich past. They are now held by Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives.
Today Stepney Meeting House United Reformed Church stands as a testament to faith resilience and community. It’s a place with a past. A place shaped by dissenters preachers and determined congregations. It’s a place continuing to evolve and serve its community.