Welcome to Underbank Chapel 
Underbank is a Unitarian Chapel set is glorious surroundings overlooking the Loxley Valley near Sheffield. It was founded in 1652 and the current building was constructed in 1743. The Present minister is Rev June Pettitt.
THE Underbank Congregation has its origins in the 17th Century, with land and property left by one Richard Spoone for the maintenance of a "preaching minister" in 1652, during the period of the Commonwealth. A barn was converted for the purpose of religious worship, and functioned as a "Chapel-of-ease" (i.e. of accessibility ) to Bradfield Parish Church. The form of appointment of the minister appears to have been more in the Presbyterian tradition than the Episcopalian, however, and by 1700 the congregation seems to have been Dissenting. The final and definite break with the established church came with the building of the new Chapel, the present building, on a site adjoining the original converted barn, in 1742-3.
During the 18th Century, not without controversy, the congregation came to adopt a Unitarian stance, affirming the unity of God and the humanity of Jesus in contrast to orthodox Trinitarian belief, which was held to be unscriptural. They did not impose an alternative Unitarian orthodoxy, however, but continued in the radical dissenting tradition of individual liberty in matters of faith. Architecturally the Chapel is widely regarded as being a distinctive and interesting example of its type as a "Dissenters' Meeting House of the 18th Century.
It features on the front cover of The Unitarian Heritage (1986), the first major architectural survey of places of worship in the Unitarian tradition in the British Isles.
The chapel has traditional fixed pews, and seats approximately 110 downstairs. There is also a gallery upstairs which can be used, making seating up to about 160 to 180 in total.
Our minister is June Pettitt.
Dear Friends
I would like to thank all those who helped make our Harvest Festival (both the Harvest Service and the Harvest Supper) such a joyful event. Thank you to both the children and the Art Group for helping us with the display of pictures, and to Joseph Helliwell and Joel Knowles for their contributions in the ‘Items from the Young People’ part of the service.
In the service I mentioned the importance of clean water as something that is vital for people the world over. We will be sending a cheque for £54 to the Charity WaterAid. We have also raised money for the chapel. Thank you everyone.
The Harvest service was an intergenerational service; it was good to see the children there. Our next intergenerational service will be on December 7th and will be a Toy Service in preparation for Christmas. Themes will be ‘Gifts’ and ‘Giving’.
November 2nd A Discussion: Music at Underbank Chapel
On November 2nd we will be having a discussion about music at Underbank Chapel. The discussion will take place after the service, which will be shorter than usual to allow some time to share our views. We appreciate the music we have; we may have some ideas for the future.
I will also be handing out a sheet for people to complete about their favourite hymns, in order to plan a Favourite Hymns Service.
Service starts 10.45am as usual
Some Unitarian History: November 3rd 1808 the death of Theophilus Lindsey
June
Please look at our Photo Gallery for photos of June's Induction. Many thanks to Ernest Baker for supplying them
