“Here there is only one orthodoxy namely a love of truth” This welcoming statement greets visitors to the Cambridge Unitarian Church. A modern progressive and free-thinking community resides within these walls. It’s a place where the pursuit of understanding shapes its identity. The Cambridge Unitarian Church stands proudly on Emmanuel Road. Its history is rich and surprisingly complex.
Built in 1928 the church is nearly 100 years old. It sits overlooking the green space of Christ’s Pieces. A short walk away lie Emmanuel College and the Drummer Street Bus Station. This beautiful structure wasn’t the first home for Unitarianism in Cambridge. The story begins much earlier.
Long before the current building existed Unitarian beliefs quietly took root in Cambridge. Influential figures such as John Milton and Sir Isaac Newton are sometimes associated with these beliefs. However their involvement is more complex than simple adherence. The Revd William Whiston a successor to Newton as Lucasian Professor of Mathematics suffered for his Unitarian views. He lost his university positions and became a Baptist.
The formal Unitarian presence in Cambridge didn’t solidify until much later. It wasn’t until 1875 or 1876 that a congregation began meeting. Their first gathering place was unexpected a billiard room on Green Street. This location held a significant history. The Green Street Meeting House a site of earlier nonconformist congregations stood nearby. These diverse groups including Presbyterians Congregationalists and Baptists all shaped the religious landscape of Cambridge.
The Green Street Meeting House endured struggles and transitions. Its ministers faced persecution and its very existence was repeatedly challenged. The building’s closure and reopening reflected the changing religious tides. Eventually two distinct branches emerged from its legacy. One eventually became the Eden Baptist Church. The other formed the basis of the present day Cambridge Unitarian Church.
The current church building designed by Ronald Potter Jones is a testament to its enduring legacy. Jones drew inspiration from Sir Christopher Wren’s Pembroke College chapel. The neoclassical design is both restrained and rich showcasing elegant woodwork. The building’s construction was funded by MGW Brown in memory of his daughter Millicent.
The Cambridge Unitarian Church is more than just a place of worship. It’s a hub for social justice LGBT+ equality and community work. It has hosted notable figures including Mahatma Gandhi who spoke there in 1931. Lord McNair a prominent figure in the church’s history served as its president. He was also a Professor of Law at Cambridge and a key figure in international courts. The church’s minister since 2000 is the Revd Andrew James Brown. He has a unique background trained initially as a musician before embracing theology.
The Cambridge Unitarian Church stands as a symbol of intellectual inquiry and social engagement. Its history mirrors the evolving religious landscape of Cambridge. It’s a place where tradition and modern values meet creating a vibrant and welcoming community. Its enduring legacy continues to shape its vibrant future.