About Us

Bolton's First Non-Conformist Chapel

Bank Street Chapel was founded in 1672 and there has been a chapel on the present site for three hundred years.

Those who meet here are part of a tradition which believes that everyone should be free to hold and develop their own spiritual beliefs without any imposition of dogmas or creeds.

Although based on Christian teachings, we also read and learn from the sacred scriptures of all the worlds faiths.   In the Junior Church, our children are encouraged to become aware of the truths and teachings that are needed to create a world at peace, where every human has the right to exist with food and dignity.   There is no age limit for the Junior Church.

The Fellowship groups and social activities at this Chapel are open to all; please feel free to contact us to find out what goes on.

Marriages, Blessings, Christenings and Naming Ceremonies are all conducted at the Chapel - contact the minister

Visiting Us

Visitors are always welcome at our Sunday services and at any other events we run at the chapel.

What to expect on a Sunday morning

On Sunday morning two members of the congregation will be at the front door to welcome you to the chapel and hand you anything you might need for the service like an order of service sheet or a hymnbook. You can then enter the chapel and sit anywhere you like in our worship space.

There is no need to dress in any particular way for worship. Some dress formally, others informally. Come in whatever you are comfortable in.

Our services, usually led by our Minister Stephen Lingwood, consist of prayers, hymns songs, readings, periods of silence, the lighting of candles and a reflection or sermon. Everything is explained in the order of service and by the worship leader through the service. We are a friendly and laid back community, so don’t there’s no need to worry about getting anything wrong.

Readings may come from the Hebrew Bible, Christian Scriptures, other religious scriptures, poetry, or any other kind of writing. Our worship is designed to create a space for people to connect with the Holy (however you understand this) and to give you something to think about in your spiritual journey. The Divine is addressed using many different words including God, Father, Mother, Lord, and Sprit of Life.

An offering or collection is taken in the service to support the chapel, people can put in whatever amount they wish to.

Children

On the first Sunday of the month the service is designed for all ages, so children are encouraged to stay in for the service and join in.

On the third Sunday of the month children are welcome to go out after story and news time to our Junior Church program, with our Junior Church leader Alison Mancini.

All services include a story that is meant to appeal to children, and is often interactive. Parents with children or babies are welcome to stay in the service or go out to our Junior Church area with their own children and use our facilities.

After the service

Visitors are welcome to go through to the hall after the service for tea, coffee, biscuits and occasionally other activities. Modern toilet facilities are available. Please introduce yourself to the Minister or any other member of the chapel and don’t be afraid to ask any questions. There are many leaflets about Unitarianism available and you are welcome to take any of these.

Accessibility

Our chapel is fully accessible, through the side entrance on the right of the chapel, where a lift is available for entrance into the worship space. An accessible toilet is also available. If you have accessibility needs then it might be helpful to call ahead to see if there is anyway we can make sure we cater for your needs.  

UNITARIANISM  IS A FREE RELIGIOUS FAITH