LANCASTER-ROAD CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, NOTTING-HILL.
The foundation-stone of this chapel was laid by Samuel Morley, Esq., M.P., in July, 1865, when, although so recent, the whole of that part of North Kensington in which it is situated was open field, with here and there a dotting of new buildings commenced, and new streets laid out. At the present time the occupied suburbs extend quite a mile beyond it either North or West. The congregation worshipping here first assembled in smaller numbers in Westbourne-hall, where they kept together for between two and three years, always with a view to a separate building as opportunity offered. The present freehold site was ultimately obtained for 1,350l., and the cost of the building raised upon it, including the schoolrooms, was 3,500l. It is a substantial structure with a Gothic expression, although totally devoid of ornament. It was, however, originally designed, and is yet intended to have a spire, which certainly will be a vast improvement to the exterior. The interior is light and pleasant, without galleries, with a plain pulpit and pewing, affording accommodation for 500 persons, 100 of the sittings being free, all the remainder let at prices ranging from 5s. to 1l. 1s. per annum. The chapel was opened in January, 1866, by inauguratory services conducted by the Hon. and Rev. Baptist Noel and the Rev. Samuel Martin, of Westminster. From the first the stated minister has been the Rev. Jas. Stuart Russell, whose ministry is highly appreciated as pious, scriptural, able, and earnest. During its continuance there has been gradual prosperity, the church now numbering about 120 communicants, and the congregation reaching an average of between three and four hundred. There is a large Sunday-school, with, including infants, 250 scholars, attended by a goodly staff of teachers: morning and afternoon, under the superintendence of Mr. S. Hicks. The form of service is what is understood as Congregational, and the Congregational Hymn-book is used. An organ well suited to the dimensions of the building is efficiently employed by Mr. Charles Wetton, Jun., in aid of the devotional singing, which seems to lose nothing of its congregational life and character by the presence of the instrument. Divine Service is held on the Sabbath at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., and in the schoolroom during the week, on Monday and Wednesday evenings, at 7.30. A Communion service on the first Sunday in every month. There are at present four deacons, Messrs. Hicks, Ellerton, W. Knowles, and Wetton, Sen. The locality of this chapel is one which furnishes ample scope for Christian labour and extension on every side. The district in the heart of which it stands, that of All Saints’, has a population of 20,747, according to the figures of the recent census, and it is the only Congregational place of worship within the bounds.