Octagon Chapel, Norwich
The Octagon Chapel is a Unitarian Chapel located in Colegate in Norwich, Norfolk, England. The congregation is a member of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches.
History
The chapel is a grade II* listed building. Completed in 1756 by the architect Thomas Ivory, it is perfectly octagonal, and a fine example of English Neo-Palladian architecture.
Originally built as a Presbyterian Chapel, the building now serves the Unitarian Community.[1] Theophilus Browne was appointed minister in 1809, but was paid to leave the following year. William Taylor and novelist, Lord Mayor R. H. Mottram, John Harriet Martineau and Susannah Taylor, and Peter Finch Martineau are all associated with the Chapel.[2] Composer Edward Taylor was organist for a while, and in 1812 published a collection of Psalm and Hymn Tunes for the chapel.
Community
Unitarians have no dogma or creed, and take inspiration from all religious teachings, as well as from science and the arts.[3]
- Bring and share lunches
- Craft Group
- LGBTQ+ Coffee and cake
- Engagement groups
Life Events
The Octagon hosts ceremonies to mark life's big transitions. Unitarians believe that everyone has the right to seek meaning. Services are not bound by tradition and all are free to express their personal truth.
Octagon Concert Series
The Octagon has a long musical heritage. It hosts the Octagon Concert Series, which, because no performer receives a fee or expenses, all money raised is donated to charity.[4]
References
- Historic England. "Details from listed building database (1280186)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 7 October 2008.
- Charlotte Fell-Smith, ‘Taylor, John (1750–1826)’, rev. M. Clare Loughlin-Chow, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 accessed 9 May 2015
- "Unitarians". www.unitarian.org.uk.
- "Octagon Music". www.octagonmusic.org.uk.
External links
Media related to Octagon Unitarian Chapel, Norwich at Wikimedia Commons