PLYMOUTH |
The Encyclopaedia of Plymouth History |
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PLYMOUTH DOCK UNITARIAN CHAPEL
The Plymouth congregation of Unitarians founded a chapel in what was then known as Plymouth Dock in 1790. Their Chapel in George Street, on the corner with Ker Street and Duke Street, was opened in 1791. [1]
This was at the time of the French Revolution and the Commissioner of Plymouth Dockyard, Mr Fanshawe, took exception to the fact that the Unitarians supported the Revolution and made it known to the workmen in the Dockyard that if they attended the new chapel they would be dismissed as being disloyal subjects. As a result the congregation dwindled away and in 1801 the Chapel was sold. It became the Old Chapel Wine and Spirit Stores of Messrs A & C Barnes. [1] [2] It is thought that meetings continued to be held in Dock until the congregation re-established itself in 1820. No doubt spurred by the new name of Devonport, the construction of a new Town Hall, and the erection of the Devonport Column, the Unitarians opened a new chapel in Granby Street. [1] The first service was held at 10.30am on Sunday June 21st 1829, when the Reverend Acton, of Exeter, read the sermon. [3] After the Christ Church Unitarian Chapel was opened in 1864 the Granby Street Chapel was taken over by the Primitive Methodists. [1] Sources:
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