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The Non-conformist church maintained a strong presence in Berkshire at the start of World War One with Broad Street Congregational Church in the heart of Reading Town Centre.

The Minister, Reverend Morton Rawlinson was outspoken in his condemnation of war, like many other leading Nonconformists. The Broad Street church passed a resolution against war two days before it started, however Rev Rawlinson reviewed that decision once war was declared, as he explained in his monthly notes for the Broad Street Congregational magazine.

During the war, the church actively supported the troops, providing garments and entertainment for soldiers billeted in Reading as well as assistance for the town鈥檚 Belgian refugees.

The Congregationalist and Presbyterian churches in England merged to become the United Reformed Church in 1972, and the last service was held at Broad Street Chapel in 1984. The listed building has since been turned into a bookshop.

Location: Broad Street Independent Chapel, Broad Street, Reading RG1 2AP
Image shows the entrance to the former chapel
Use of extracts from Broad Street Congregational Magazine courtesy of Berkshire Record Office
"Abide with Me" courtesy of John Keys
Presented by 大象传媒 Reporter, Janice Hunter. Extracts from the church magazine read by Rev Robert Barthram, Minister of St Andrew's URC, Reading

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