United Reformed Church History Society

The Journal of the Society is published twice a year – subscription details from the Administrator. Back copies are usually available.

Appointments to visit may usually be made on any day other than Wednesday, between 09.30 and 15.30. Photocopying is charged at cost (5p per A4 sheet)

The Library is particularly rich in Presbyterian history and theology, and includes an extensive collection of Civil War sermons and pamphlets. (Author index).

Archival material from the Presbyterian Church of England national committees may be examined, plus biographical information on ministers who served that church 1843-1972. A limited amount of biographical information on Congregational ministers is also available.

Please note that material from individual congregations will have been sent to the appropriate County Record Office and includes all registers which may be listed by the International Genealogical Index as being in the Society’s possession.

Missionary related material from the Presbyterian and Congregational strands of the United Reformed Church has been deposited at the Library of the School of Oriental and African Studies in the University of London (SOAS, Thornaugh Street, Russell Square, London WC1H 0XG)

The Congregational Library at Dr Williams’s Library, 14 Gordon Square, London WC1H 0AG holds national Congregational records.

Those from the Churches of Christ may be consulted by contacting the Library of the University of Birmingham.

The United Reformed Church Scottish Synod Office, PO Box 189, 240 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 2BX can advise on Scottish Congregationalism.

Records of the United Reformed Church, which came into existence in 1972, are not yet available for consultation.

The Society requests an initial search fee of £5, payable to URCHS.

Sister Churches

“Sister” churches in the British Isles include:

Congregational Federation, The Congregational Centre, 2 Castle Gate, Nottingham NG1 7AS

Church of Scotland, 121 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4YN
Presbyterian Church of Ireland, Church House, Fisherwick Place, Belfast BT1 6DW

Presbyterian Church of Wales, 53 Richmond Road, Cardiff CF2 3UP

Union of Welsh Independents, Tr John Penry, 11 St Helen’s Road, Swansea SA1 4AL

A local congregation is at liberty to refuse access to its records, when these remain within the church building, but not after deposit, subject to the agreements entered into with the archive concerned. Again, charges for a search would not normally be made by a minister or secretary, but family historians in particular are reminded that they should not expect a reply by return of post, and a donation as a gesture of good will would be appreciated!

The United Reformed Church History Society is based at
Westminster College
Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0AA                                                      
Administrator: Mrs M Thompson
Tel: 01223 741300                                                                                   
e-mail: mt212@cam.ac.uk