Styal Unitarians

styal

norcliffe chapel

Norcliffe Chapel will be reopening following the COVID lockdown, beginning 2nd May with our Sunday service. Masks and social distancing is still in place for all worship gatherings until all restrictions are lifted at the end of June. For more information, please get in touch.

welcome to

Certainly, Styal Unitarians welcome all who wish to worship with an open and enquiring mind. Our chapel’s tradition is rooted in liberal Christianity but we do not insist that everyone should have exactly the same beliefs. Today, our search for spiritual, ethical or religious “truth” may also draw on wisdom other religions, as well as philosophies and approaches to life. Our focus is on how we live our lives (deeds) rather than beliefs (creeds).

Member of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches. Additionally, we are also a member of Churches Together In Wilmslow.

about us

services

Overall, Styal Unitarians services of worship can be seen as a celebration of our deepest values. For example, we see our beliefs as relevant to all aspects of life; this also includes the wider community.

We try to be welcoming and friendly, accordingly, anyone who wishes to join us at the chapel is encouraged to do so. All visitors and enquirers are made most welcome and are also invited to join us for coffee and a chat after the service.

Of course, feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.

blessings
weddings
baptisms
funerals

we proudly provide same-sex marriages!

We proudly provide same-sex marriages at Norcliffe Chapel! Get in touch with us today for more information.

notes from norcliffe

the chapel

In 1784 Samuel Greg founded Quarry Bank Mill, a cotton mill, at Styal. The mill was a success, but in such a rural location Greg found it necessary to provide housing for his workers, and as a result, the village grew considerably. Subsequently, institutions were established to meet the educational, social and religious needs of the villagers.

Samuel Greg funded the entirety of the new Chapel, at a cost of £307 18s. On 22 August 1822, everyone was invited to lay a brick for the foundation of the new Chapel, before it officially opened in early 1823. Thus, Styal Unitarians was born!

The Chapel has existed since 1823, while the original Trust Deed states it is for: “The worship of God; and the furtherance of Christian life; while free from the fetters of any written and unwritten; declaration of doctrine”.

our minister

Styal Unitarians minister, Reverend Alex Bradley MA, has now retired, having been at Norcliffe since 2005. There is currently no minister in place, however we will have the following people hosting our services on the second Sunday of the month:

October – Francis Elliot Wright
November – Rev. Andrew Parker
December – Rev. Ant Howe
January and February – Garry Hammond – Lay person

Please reach out to us for more information.