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We are the direct heirs of a congregation that can trace its origins back to the sixteenth century. Like our ancestors who built the chapel in 1752, we are liberal religious thinkers who value diversity of belief. Today we respect insights from Christianity and non-Christian religions. We view Jesus as a great teacher rather than a god. We see the Bible as an inspiring book but not the actual word of God. We offer individuals the freedom to develop their own spirituality.
Ours is a small but active congregation; members' individual interests and commitments include the Alzheimer's Disease Society, the Royal British Legion, Freemasonry, local amenity societies, Meals on Wheels, running a unique local history study centre, Wakefield Hospice, Second Chance, and the Stroke Club. Some sing in a number of choirs. Others research and write local history. The essential spiritual base is of liberal Christianity but its diversity is reflected in individual association with the Pagan Fellowship and the Sea of Faith.
Activities
- Services at 10.30am on the first Sunday of each month
otherwise Sundays at 3pm (Jan-May and Sept-Dec)
and 6pm (June-August)
- Celebrations
(arranged to reflect individuals' hopes and beliefs)
- Baptisms/Christenings/Child welcomings
- Marriages/Blessings of union
- Funerals/Memorial services/Thanksgivings
- The Westgate Forum
(10:30am, first Tuesday of each month)
- An informal discussion of moral and spiritual issues of the day.
- Occasional social events
- Coffee mornings
- Pea and pie suppers
- Annual dinner
- Heritage Open Days
- Occasional lectures
- Women's League representation
- Active participation in denominational affairs
History
The congregation adopted Unitarian thought in the eighteenth century. Its members have taken a leading part in the economic, social, educational, political and spiritual life of Wakefield and its vicinity. Amongst those interred in its catacombs perhaps the earliest in the country to be opened for public burials are industrialists, innovators, merchant princes, members of Parliament and political radicals.
The Chapel is a fine Georgian building listed Grade II* and possesses many fine features including its pulpit, first erected in an earlier chapel in 1737, an interesting organ, and a bell tower.
Contacts
Unitarian Chapel, Westgate (by Westgate Station), Wakefield.
For further information about Wakefield Unitarians contact:
Secretary:
Kate Taylor
19 Pinder's Grove, Wakefield, WF1 4AH.
Email:
Chairperson:
Christine Hudson
Unitarian links
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