Genealogy Chat

Thank You OC - I have loads of records to look through yet 0 as you say it is facinating - My ancestor was a trustee of the new church which held meetings in houses and barns until their new church was completed in just a few months. As you say - I guess for some reason the subscibers just did not like him ! Alice

Alice The Independent Churches were a law unto themselves and could - and did - make up any sort of rules. Maybe a condition of Trusteeship was that he remained unmarried. Or maybe they didnt like his choice of bride - not of their faith perhaps. Subscribers refers to those members of the church who paid a regular amount, to defray the expenses of the church and pay the wages of their officials. Shareholders would be a good description and would give you some idea of their powers. I have an Independent church where the congregation split in half and formed a breakaway church. There were dark hints about the Pastor's behaviour and it took me ages to find out what he did wrong. Bit of a disappointment to discover that some members of the Chapel considered he was, shock horror, a Unitarian!!! Personally, I love the Independent churches - there was always something interesting going on, which was always fully recorded, providing endless entertainment for me, if for no-one else. OC

The Old Independent folded because the 'Subscribers' forced the pastor to resign because he had entered into a 'matrimonial engagement' . Basically the members supported him and a new church was formed . 2 questions: Who were subscribers? Why would there be such a row over the Pastor of an Independent church getting married? A fascinating story unfolded - but I can't say I understand it all yet!

I have just discovered my 5x Grt Grandfather was a Trustee of The New Independent Church In Stansted founded in 1820. Been to record office today and I have questions I need answering... see below.