Our History
Bulwell United Reformed Church has a rich and meaningful heritage that traces its roots back to the Churches of Christ. The first local congregation was established in 1841, and as the church community grew, a new congregation was planted in the Highbury Vale area. This bold step, described in the records as a decision “to shoot off from the mother branch,” led to the founding of Broomhill Road Church of Christ in March 1911, with an initial membership of 103.
For much of the 20th century, the church flourished with a high level of attendance and involvement. Average attendance at morning worship hovered around 50%, a pattern that continues to this day, even as the concept of church membership evolves. Currently, our official membership stands at 74, but our growing number of adherents is prompting a fresh reflection on what it means to be a church in the modern context.
Over the years, our premises have been thoughtfully improved. A new church hall was opened in 1961, and the sanctuary underwent significant refurbishment in 1988, ensuring that our spaces remain welcoming and functional for all.
Our church has long upheld the principle of the ‘priesthood of all believers,’ meaning that ministry is not reserved for the ordained alone. In fact, we had no paid ministry until 1957, relying instead on the dedicated service of Evangelists and Home Missions sisters. This tradition of shared leadership continues, with strong local congregational leadership guiding us forward.
We are now preparing to welcome our seventh minister, following a legacy of long and dedicated service by previous ministers. Our most recent minister shared his pastorate with Sutton-in-Ashfield URC, continuing the tradition of collaborative ministry.
Historically, membership in the Churches of Christ required believers’ baptism, but over time, our approach has softened, allowing us to welcome people from other fellowships into significant leadership roles. The inclusion of guest membership and communion in the mid-1960s helped to break down earlier barriers, and the gifts and talents of those who joined from other denominations were soon recognised. By the mid-1970s, women began taking on significant roles in worship, including preaching and presiding over communion, marking a positive shift towards gender equality in church leadership.
In 1976, our first woman elder was ordained, and in 1969, when the Coventry Road Church was subject to compulsory purchase, the members of Bulwell's two Churches of Christ came together to form the Bulwell Church of Christ. In 1981, we proudly became part of the United Reformed Church, and many of our elders became non-stipendiary ministers, serving faithfully in these roles.
We have continually adapted to meet the needs of our community while holding firm to our core belief that Jesus is Lord. This has included the introduction of infant baptism for families who prefer it, alongside the traditional services of thanksgiving and dedication.
Our tradition of weekly communion remains a vital aspect of our worship. In 2000, we were blessed when seven members of the local Methodist Church joined us after its closure, enriching our fellowship.
In 2019, we were entrusted with a new responsibility—to take on the leadership of what it means to be the Resource Church within the North Notts Area Church Partnership. Working together with leaders from churches across the area, we are exploring how best to serve our collective mission.
Throughout our journey, we have been committed to staying relevant in a changing world without compromising our faith. We are not a church that simply reacts to change—we strive to be the change, remaining a meaningful, spiritual, and practical presence at the heart of our community.
As we move forward with faithful optimism, we continue to witness to the love and lordship of Jesus through our worship, outreach, and daily living. Our mission statement is not just words—it’s a reflection of who we are and what we live by.