Our History
In 1917, the two local chapels in Union Street – the Baptist and Congregational – had the inspired vision to come together to form one United Church. For over 100 years Wells United Church has continued to unite people in faith, hope & love, irrespective of denomination, tradition, creed and background. We are a family that seeks to be a living and relevant expression of the love of God in our city today and where everyone is warmly welcome.
This is a painting of Elizabeth Tudway painted by Gainsborough in 1793. She was a major patron of our church though not a member. When she married, she was given a dowry of £6000 which was invested at her request into developing our church. Without this support the church could not have been built.
Harold Rowley was the first minister after the joining of the 2 churches. It was his first job as a minister. His beliefs, which he called a practical creed, remain our core beliefs today.
During World War 2 evacuees from the Isle of Dogs near London were sent to Wells. This photo shows a Sunday school coach outing for the evacuee children.
Fellowship has always been a major part of United church. This photo shows the junior and senior tennis players from our church, meeting after playing at the then organists house just after the war.
In the gap awaiting a new full time minister in 1951, a Miss Olive Carrick became our student pastor. A female pastor was a complete rarity in those days.
The evangelical Wells High Street “Walk of Witness” held annually on Good Friday has become the major inter church event of the year. This photograph taken in 2007 shows several prominent United Church members leading the march.