Non-Conformism in Minshull goes back at least to Cromwell's’ Commonwealth. During that period two Presbyterian Ministers and one Independent Minister were in charge at Church Minshull until the restoration of Charles II.

The Church was founded by the Jackson brothers of Minshull Hill House in 1806. By 1808 there were eleven members. Our Congregational Chapel was opened in 1810.

 Cross Lanes in those days must have been literally that. A footpath at the side of Chapel Farm cottage still leads to Warmingham forming a cross roads. The Chapel was in a very strategic position, because within a very short time the Sunday School had between 80 to 100 pupils. Not surprising, as there were no state schools. Sunday’s must have been very hectic around Cross Lanes with all those children and their parents, the latter probably catching up with local gossip and the progress of the Napoleonic wars. Not a lot changes, only the name of the wars.

 1884 was an important year. We had new pews of Pitch Pine (still there), the interior was beautified, block flooring was put down, new windows, new heating, a new organ replaced the old harmonium and a new schoolroom was built. The total cost was £469- 18s-7d which included £6I, the price of the new American organ. The sum of £l20 was donated by “Friends” outside the Congregation (we still have lots of those as demonstrated by our “Special Services”) and the remainder by the Congregation itself, a monumental amount in those days.

 We still have the Pledge Book of the Minshull and District Temperance Soc. Formed at Cross Lanes in November 1891. 1906 was our Centenary year. Extensive renovation work was carried out and the Chapel re-opened with 400 people sitting down for tea in a marquee in an adjoining field. Many would have traveled long distances, probably by horse power. The original stables are still there with chains to tether the horses and a saddle hook on the walls.

 Minshull Vernon W. I. (now gone unfortunately) started at Cross Lanes in 1938 moving to St. Peters’ in the 70’s. We are now part of a three Church Pastorate, Minshull, Middlewich and Alsager. We perform Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals.

 Over the past few years we have been very busy raising money both towards maintaining the fabric of our Church and to continue our Christian Mission. God willing, we Will continue to worship here for many years to come. 2006 will mark our Bi-centenary.

 Contact numbers

 Minister Rev. David Spence.      01606 832661

 Secretary. Mrs. Joyce Holland.  01270 509039

 History. Mr. Bame Ryder.          01270 585739

September Newsletter

Minshull United Reformed Church

Sends a warm welcome to you to join us at our Harvest Festival Celebration

On Sunday 21^st September with Services at 3pm & 5.30pm.

We always put on a Harvest buffet between the services for all to enjoy.

A warm welcome awaits friends old and new.

God Bless.

 Historic Cheshire Churches Preservation Trust.

 A sponsored Walk Saturday 13^th September @ 10am.

Once again a sponsored walk on behalf of the above trust and a church of your choice has been organized by Minshull United Reformed Church.

If you would like to be involved please contact Barrie Tel 01270 585739 for a sponsorship  form. The walk is local and a maximum of 6 miles, easy walking no up hill struggles.

The format is that half the money you raise goes to the above Trust and the other half goes to the church of choice.

Minshull United Reformed church will be open on that day between 10am & 2pm for folks to drop in for refreshments. We will be pleased to see you.