Chapel’s virtual heritage highlighted impact of Mansfield and East Midland rebels here and overseas

Mansfield’s Old Meeting House Unitarian Chapel held its National Heritage Open Days activity entitled “Religious rebels looking for freedom from the Old World to the New World,” from September 18-20.

The 18th century building on Stockwell Gate is the oldest Non-Conformist place of worship in Nottinghamshire.

Due to Covid 19 safety measures, the historical event was largely held online and included a link up with Mansfield, Massachusetts, in the USA.

The historical event was opened by Mansfield’s elected Mayor, Andy Abrahams on Friday, and speakers included members of the Old Meeting House, who explored the ‘Non-Conformist History of Mansfield and the East-Midlands.

The event also reflected on the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower Pilgrims, and the history of the town of Mansfield, in Massachusetts, USA. It ended on Sunday with a “Hands across the Ocean” joint service.

The service was a collaboration between the Old Meeting House and the Orthodox Congregational Church of Mansfield, Massachusetts, with a musical premier by composer Alan Williams.

Reverend Pap said: “The pandemic situation and concern for the safety of members and visitors made it impossible to physically open the chapel, but it allowed a virtual opening, way beyond the confines of the community and the town, as Mayor Andy Abrahams commented when opening our event.

"The weekend was an exciting opportunity to learn about the history and impact of East-Midland rebels both here and across the ocean.”

See the talks featured online at:

https://www.facebook.com/MansfieldOldMeetingHouse

https://www.ukunitarians.org.uk/mansfield/