An appeal has been launched to raise £350,000 to support a place of peace and refuge at the heart of Bridport in its 350th year.
The Unitarian Chapel in the Garden in East Street welcomes people from all faiths or none to 'explore the common ground and create a new spirituality for Bridport'.
To ensure the chapel can continue its mission in the future it is launching an anniversary appeal to raise £350,000 to help safeguard the site, a Grade 2* listed building. It is raising funds to address structural and building issues as well as substantial maintenance and decorative matters.
In 1672, Dissenters in Bridport held their first legal meeting on the May 1 led by the preacher Richard Downe. On Sunday, May 1 2022 it will be commemorating the 350 years since the first Dissenting religious service in Bridport was held.
Sir Philip Colfox, Trustee of the Chapel, said: “The founding families of the current chapel, built in 1798, include many of the leading business families of the town - Gundry, Hounsell and Colfox. A great many other local families were involved, with 400 seats provided in the chapel and a thriving school which lasted for over 100 years. So, we hope this support, shown by the town in the establishment of our Chapel will be reflected again by the townsfolk, newcomers as well as old established families, in their recognition of the important role the Chapel played in our history, and is still offering a spiritual and social sanctuary to all.”
Everyone is warmly invited to the service of celebration on May 1 in the Chapel at 11am, led by the Reverend Elizabeth Harley, the chapel’s minister, which will be followed by a shared lunch.
There will be an opportunity to view an exhibition about the story of the Chapel and at 2pm a short talk about the Unitarian faith and the Chapel itself will be given by the minister. This is an opportunity to learn more of the history and celebrate its role in the community, affirming their belief in 'Faith in Action'.
The Chapel in the Garden holds a weekly service on Sundays at 11am, and welcomes everyone whatever their beliefs to this service. On Fridays at 6pm it offers half an hour of sanctuary with music poetry and prayer.
The Chapel is known for its outreach work, from the Bridport Community Fridge that offers surplus food from supermarkets to all, to a friendly Chapel Café on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with delicious homemade cakes. You will often see tired shoppers, the homeless and families enjoying the welcoming garden for a moment’s respite from the bustle of shopping.
Margie Barbour from the Chapel in the Grrden said: "We are aiming to raise £350,000 over the next two years to help this work in the neighbourhood grow and are asking for donations of variables of 350. £350 (plus gift aid where appropriate). Possibly £3,500 - but £35 or £3.50 or threepence halfpenny, whatever can be afforded would be gratefully received!
"The money will be held in a Special Reserve for building work. The Chapel Trustees have set aside £10,000 of reserves to start the fund off and will allocate more if surplus monies become available."
If wished, donations can be made anonymously by contacting David Willis - davidw.citg@btinternet.com
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