On Sunday May 1st the approach to the Chapel was full of the scent of the flowers in the gardens cared for by Stan, Caroline and Roger, the beautiful gardens which give the Chapel is much loved name. The flowers, the banner at the gate and the bunting were part of the welcome to the many visitors to the special service which was to launch their 350 Anniversary Appeal. It was commemorating the Dissenters who in 1672 held their first legal Dissenting religious service, led by the preacher, Richard Downe. A painting of Richard Downe hangs in the Chapel, which was a powerful reminder during the service of the living history encapsulated by the Chapel.
Our Minister Reverend Elizabeth Harley led the service which was attended by the Mayor Ian Bark and his wife Ann, and Councillors Martin and Maggie Ray as well as most of the regular congregation and visitors from other Unitarian Chapels. The service started with the lighting of the Chalice and was followed by an affirmation of the wide welcome to all faiths that the Chapel in the Garden extends.It was a very celebratory occasion with songs, stories, dancing as well as moments of silence and prayer. It was followed by a wonderful feast (AKA a shared lunch organised by Jill and Glenda) followed by an opportunity to buy one of the tea-towels that Angie had designed, and to see the super exhibition of our history that Glenda had laid out in the Reading room. Lizzie then gave a short but fascinating talk about the history of the Chapel, illustrated by the paintings and memorial plaques. It left many wanting to know more about the people we are connected to through our shared place of worship.
