Mansfield historic events reveals town's rebellious past

The Old Meeting House in Mansfield is a Unitarian chapel and the oldest non-conformist place of worship in Nottinghamshire.

The 18th century chapel on Stockwell Gate is hosting its Heritage Open Days Hands Across the Ocean - Religious Rebels looking for freedom from the Old World to the New World event, from September, 18 until 20.

Reverend Maria Pap said: “We will explore the Non-Conformist History of our town and reflect on the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower Pilgrims through the History of Mansfield, MA, US, in collaboration with the Historical Society Mansfield, MA.

"Our events include talks, film, a virtual tour of the Old Meeting House, a joint Sunday Service with the Orthodox Congregational Church of Mansfield, MA, with a musical premier by composer Alan Williams.

A virtual tour of the 1702 chapel, is on Friday and Saturday, and on Sunday, a socially distanced service and tour, is on from 3pm until 5pm. The Friday and Saturday virtual events are 2pm until 6pm.

Rev Pap added: "This area has a strong tradition for religious rebels. One of the talks by our former minister Derek Smith, will reveal why it was such a hot bed of rebellion. There will also be a talk from Mansfield, in the USA, about the history of their city, Mansfield.”

After the Act of Uniformity in 1662, eight dissenting ministers were ejected from their livings, and came to Mansfield.

“They relied on the good will of Anglican ministers. Porter House, in Mansfield was a home to Non Conformist minister Robert Porter, and it was the first gathering place for Non-Conformist community. It is now known as the Unitarian Parsonage, and one of the oldest houses in Mansfield.

A collage will features an image of Porter House, a quilt, made in Nottinghamshire symbolising pilgrims, the orthodox congregational church, in Mansfield USA, a museum, in Mansfield, USA, plus a religious freedom image from Transylvania, 1568.

The programme is:

- Friday, September 18: 2:45 pm– HOD event opening and welcome by Mayor Andy Abrahams, 3pm, Religious Rebels in East-Midlands during the 16th and 17th centuries. Speaker: Rev Derek Smith, 4pm, tour and short Hhstory of the Old Meeting House Unitarian Chapel Mansfield with Paul Frost, Chair, 5pm – The Early Days of the Quakers. Speaker: Adrian Gray, MA (Cantab)

- Saturday, September 19: at 3 pm - Mansfield, the safe haven for Non-Conformists in the 17th century. Speakers: Kath and Peter Faulkner, 4pm, tour and short history of the Old Meeting House Unitarian Chapel Mansfield with Paul Frost, Chair, 4.45 pm, “The First Thanksgiving” – Film with introduction by Rev Derek Smith, 5pm – Church and State: Life in Early Mansfield, MA, USA, speakers: Andrew Todesco, Kevin McNatt (Mansfield, MA Historical Society)

- Sunday, September 20: at 3.30pm - tour and short history of the Old Meeting House Unitarian Chapel Mansfield with Paul Frost, Chair, 4pm– Hands across the Ocean - Sunday Service: Orthodox Congregational Church Mansfield, Massachusetts, USA and Old Meeting House Unitarian Chapel Mansfield, UK with premier music recital by composer Alan Williams (UK).

Join events on zoom - meeting ID: 873 3726 9081, Passcode: OMH or watch on Facebook: MansfieldOldMeetingHouse.