The world around us has changed out of all recognition from even fifty years ago. Our chapel has changed very little physically but its surroundings are a different matter. Our expectations of life and our technological capacities have been utterly transformed. The world of the internet (whose inventor, Tim Berners-Lee, is a Unitarian) makes it possible to send messages round the globe almost instantaneously.
And yet, the words of Ecclesiastes ring true: There is nothing new under the sun. Human nature is the same as ever it was, capable of great good or great evil. The 17th century saw wars and persecution, the 20th century has had more of the same and the 21st century shows no immediate sign of change. Meanwhile, the ordinary life of people goes on from day to day much as it has always done.
Today, we face threats to our future from environmental damage, war, and religious and political intolerance. No political philosophy or religious tradition has a monopoly on truth. Truth belongs to God alone, who is greater than anything we may imagine. The words of the novelist, Morris West ring true in this regard:. “A confession of faith is a confession of not knowing…I am still a questioner because I regard the Christian life as a search and not an arrival". That questioning, searching spirit inspired the people of this chapel who called themselves Presbyterians or Unitarians or Free Christians at various times in their history. They believed passionately in education. They read in order understand, not just the Bible, but the world all around us. Joseph Priestley, scientist and Unitarian minister and discoverer of oxygen, believed that religion and science went together in our efforts to understand the world. The impulse of the Christian ‘social gospel’, with its efforts to help the poorest members of society was carried on by Unitarians such as Elizabeth and William Gaskell, Florence Nightingale and Charles Dickens.
We value the past and look to the future. James Martineau, a Unitarian Minister, said: “ I cannot rest contentedly on the past; I cannot take a step towards the future without its support”.
Brook Street Chapel is a creedless church. We agree to differ while remaining united in friendship, fellowship and faith. Many of us are liberal Trinitarians, a large number are traditional Unitarians, and a few refuse any label. We believe that there are many different ways to God.
As a community of friends, we welcome friends and visitors alike in these words: "In the love of truth and in the spirit of Jesus Christ, we unite for the worship of God and the service of humanity. We invite you to worship with us."
Jean Bradley
Minister
Brook Street Chapel
Knutsford, Cheshire
Great News Brook Street Heritage Site is Open
Brook Street Heritage Site includes the beautiful Grade 1 listed chapel which is the oldest place of worship in Knutsford; the graveyard where Elizabeth Gaskell and other notable people are buried; the tranquil gardens; the hall and the new Elizabeth Gaskell Exhibition where the panels designed by Joan Leach are on loan from Tatton Park with the kind permission of Cheshire East Council.
The exhibition looks at Gaskell’s early life in Knutsford and the close links that she and her strong Unitarian family had with the Chapel. The attractive and informative panels show all the families and places within Cheshire that influenced Gaskell and eventually her writing. The exhibition is in the new room where an intimate early Victorian atmosphere has been created. There is a large Doll’s house, which is similar to “Heathwait,” her Knutsford home where she lived with her Aunt Lumb, and members of the chapel will be furnishing the interior in the style of the late 18th century. There are examples of Gaskell’s novels and also books about Knutsford and the Chapel written by past ministers. There are also some very old books that belonged to Aunt Lumb about the “Slave Trade” – Unitarians were in the forefront of its abolition. The exhibition is “on-going” and will be further developed, but already there is lots to see!
Address :- Adams Hill, Knutsford WA16 8DY
Opening Times
Tuesdays and Fridays 10am-12 noon and 2pm-4
Sundays 12-1am
Winter Opening Times (October-Easter)
Tuesday and Fridays 10am-12noon Sunday 12noon-1pm
Other days and times by appointment phone 01565 632673 or 651808 or 634229
Individuals, groups and school parties are all welcome.
An hour long Elizabeth Gaskell walk around Knutsford can be arranged on request.
Tea, coffee and biscuits are available in the hall along with a warm welcome.
Admission is free but a voluntary donation would be appreciated.
The site has access for the disabled (a lift and level paths).
