Horsley Village Church

The Horsley Village Church has a remarkable history, under various guises, dating as far back as the 17th Century. More recently though, the church has entered a covenant relationship with the churches of the Wylam area and enjoys a diverse congregation from all denominations, worshipping and serving God in Horsley village. The church was also instrumental in the founding of the Hearth project, bringing together local artists and the community. The Church building is open to the public and everyone is welcome to join the congregation each Sunday.

Regular Church Events

Sunday:
11.00am
Weekly worship service.
Holy Communion celebrated on the fourth Sunday each month.
6.00pm
Church prayer meeting on the first Sunday each month.

Monday:
2.30pm
Ladies Guild meet monthly on the second Monday.

Wednesday:
6.00 - 7.00pm
Ye Olde Rock Solid Club for 15+
7.30pm
Home Group

See the What's On section for more information on activities at the church.

History of the Church

Our first record of Chrstian worship here is in 1662, when the adjoining house was used as a meeting place for those who no longer wanted to be a part of the established church. In that year 2000 clergy were ejected from their churches for not following the Act of Uniformity which dictated the style of religious services.

Thomas Trewent, the vicar in Ovingham, left his parish to preach at his house in Harlow Hill and at a friend's house in Horsley. In 1664 such meetings were outlawed so secret services were held in the attic of this house. Members travelled from far afield, and once everyone was present the ladder to the attic was lifted and the trapdoor locked. It was a difficult time, as discovery would have lead to heavy fines and imprisonment.

The first chapel was built on the site in the late 1660's after the Act of Toleration allowed freedom of worship, and was replaced by the present building in 1900.

The church was initially established as a Congregationalist church, until in 1972 it became part of the United Reformed Church (Northern Synod). Today the Horsley Village Church welcomes all people and values members from all the major denominations participating together.