About Chowbent Unitarian Chapel
The present chapel is much as it was when first built using local oak (from the nearby Hulton Estate) and local labour. It is built of hand made brick with stone detailing, round arched windows in two storeys. Date of 1722 on top course of bricks north side, Cupola and bell. The box pews areoriginal though a few have been removed to allow needed space to the front of the distinctive three-decker pulpit.
In 1722, reflecting the Puritan element in dissenting chapel architecture, the walls would have been simply whitewashed and the windows (many now worked in stained glass) diamond paned in lead. The roof would have been open to the solid oak rafters and trusses. Music then would not have been entertained (the chanting of Psalms was allowed) but the first organ was installed in 1806. The present organ is a fine instrument installed in 1901 by Young this required an extension to the south aspect of the chapel, allowing for the creation also of an entrance area and two vestibules.
The story of Chowbent chapel, written in 1921 by the then Minister, Reverend J.J. Wright was reprinted in 1990: copies are available from the chapel at £6.00, proceeds going to the restoration fund. The chapel burial and baptism records are also available in CD format (please contact David Shallcross). David is also happy to talk about the chapel and its history to groups who would like to arrange a visit.
The congregation celebrated its 350th Anniversary in 1995.To mark this visitors will note the modern-style stained glass window in the east vestibule and the beautiful hand-made Communion Table Cloth. These items were crafted by chapel members, Jan Swierczynski and June Yates respectively. Now fully refurbished internally and externally, the chapel is truly magnificent the grounds have also had major landscaping work done.
The congregation was formed in 1645, the present chapel was built in 1721 it has a fascinating history which is available through a book and c-d contact David Shallcross for details and price. chowbenter@googlemail.com