Egerton United Reformed Church

A Gothic chapel of the 1870s on Blackburn Road, whose congregation traces its descent from what is claimed to be the oldest Independent congregation in Lancashire.

Ejection and survival

The story begins at Walmsley Chapel, where the Rev. Michael Briscow was leading the congregation in 1648 and defended Independent principles until his ejection in 1662 under the Act of Uniformity. By 1704 the congregation had obtained a licence for services in the kitchen of Mr Dewhurst's farmhouse, and around 1713 built a chapel of their own.

In 1745 a mob from Tonge Fold came to burn the chapel down; the congregation, who had come armed, saw them off.

Division and rebuilding

Doctrinal differences eventually split the congregation. The Independents worshipped in barns and mills before putting up a chapel in one of Dewhurst's fields in the early 1800s. The present Gothic building followed: John Hayworth laid the foundation stone in July 1873, the total cost was £3,500, and the opening services were held in August 1874 with Dr Dale among the preachers. It seats nearly 600.

Sources: Egerton United Reformed Church — history.