MEETING AGAIN - THE DISSENTING DEPUTIES 2023 at Free Church House 16th May, 6pm

This is a warm invitation to members of your church to join us here at Tavistock Square on 16th May 2023 at 6pm, when our distinguished speaker will be Sir Les Ebdon CBE, Chairman of the Governors of Spurgeon’s College and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire and former Director of Fair Access to Higher Education.

He will speak on “The Importance of being a Free Church today”, exploring the relevance of the principles our forebears held dear, especially the freedoms they fought to obtain and their continuing importance. It should be an evening of exceptional interest.

The “Dissenting Deputies” were established as elected lay people, working with the body of Ministers, in 1732 to fight for the removal of restrictions which excluded the churches and people we now call in the “Free Church” tradition from many areas of public life. We maintain this annual society to honour their work. Free speech can never be taken for granted. The body also keeps alive our historic right of direct approach to the Monarch. Today, the Free Churches Group carries out the Deputies’ functions relating to government, as we will hear during our very brief formal proceedings.

It would be really helpful to know, in advance, something of the numbers attending. Please return the attached form by post or email. Respecting our historical structure, it would be appropriate formally to nominate two “Deputies”, but all are welcome. Please display the poster. Our income is limited, and a contribution would be very welcome to help cover our meeting costs.

We know that Sir Les will give us a stimulating evening. Do come.

Yours faithfully,

Paul Rochester Keith Salway

An invitation letter is available to download here.

A poster is available to download here.

The Dissenter form is available to download here.

500 years since the Protestant Reformation - learn more here!

Are you interested in learning more about the Protestant Reformation?

The Dr Williams' Library in Gordon Square, London has a unique and extensive range of books and documents which offer insights into the history and ministerial education of religious dissent in Britain. 

There are portraits of ministers and others, collections of letters and inspiring sermons, rare books and other interesting records. There is a portrait of the great writer, Isaac Watts, who wrote the hymn, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, inspired by a passage from scripture (Galatians 6:14). 

A summary of the aims of the Library Trust - "The purpose of the Trust is to assist in the provision of an educated Protestant Dissenting Ministry in the United Kingdom and to maintain and give support to Dr. Williams's Library. The Trustees look to develop the Library in ways which will enable it to make a significant contribution to the understanding of Protestant dissent."

To join the library, visit or to find out further information about the remarkable collection, contact the library. 

Painting is The Portrait of the Reformers - for further information about the subject, please see HERE. Image from collection at the Library. 

“LUTHER’S REVOLUTION – THEN AND NOW”

It’s almost here!  We look forward to seeing you at what promises to be an informative and enjoyable evening!  All are welcome!

All are invited to the Annual Lecture of the General Body of Protestant Dissenting Ministers & the Deputies of the Three Denominations

 (PRESBYTERIAN, INDEPENDENT & BAPTIST)

IN AND WITHIN 12 MILES OF LONDON(FOUNDED 1732)

Date: Monday 6 November 2017

Time: 18:00

Venue: Free Churches House, 27 Tavistock square, London, WC1H 9HH

Speaker: Rev Dr John Bradbury

(Minister of Emmanuel URC Cambridge and Former Vice Principal of Westminster College)

A WARM INVITATION TO OUR 2017 MEETING OF THE DEPUTIES

 We hope that members of your congregation will join us at 6.00 pm at 27 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9HH on Monday 6th November when the Rev. Dr John Bradbury, Minister of Emmanuel URC Cambridge and former Vice Principal of Westminster College will speak on “Luther’s Revolution – then and now”.

 The “Deputies” were established as elected lay people, working with a body of Ministers, in 1732 to fight for the removal of restrictions which excluded the churches and people we now call in the “Free Church” tradition from many areas of public life. London based, they argued on behalf of churches across the country. The Deputies have a long history of achievement. We maintain this somewhat quaint sounding body as an annual society to honour their memory and work. Free speech should never be taken for granted since it enables us to sustain our life, worship and witness. The body also keeps alive our historic right of direct approach to the Monarch.

 Today, the Free Churches Group carries out the Deputies’ functions relating to government, as we will hear during our very brief formal proceedings.

 This is an open invitation to your members and Minister. It would be most helpful to know in advance of the numbers attending. Please return the attached form by post or email. Respecting our historical structure, it would be appropriate to nominate two “Deputies”, but all are welcome. Please display the poster. A small contribution to our meeting costs would be much appreciated from all churches.

 We know that it will be very much worth the journey to hear John Bradbury and we hope very much you will come.

Please RSVP to Sabina Williams at 02036518334 or email:    Sabina.williams@freechurches.org.uk   

Churches Secretaries are requested to return the completed registration form as soon as possible, please. 

Luther's Revolution - Then and Now poster is available to download here.

This invitation Letter is available to download here.

 

“LUTHER’S REVOLUTION – THEN AND NOW”

All are invited to the Annual Lecture of the General Body of Protestant Dissenting Ministers & the Deputies of the Three Denominations

(PRESBYTERIAN, INDEPENDENT & BAPTIST)

IN AND WITHIN 12 MILES OF LONDON(FOUNDED 1732)

Date: Monday 6 November 2017

Time: 18:00

Venue: Free Churches House, 27 Tavistock square, London, WC1H 9HH

Speaker: Rev Dr John Bradbury

(Minister of Emmanuel URC Cambridge and Former Vice Principal of Westminster College)

A WARM INVITATION TO OUR 2017 MEETING OF THE DEPUTIES

 We hope that members of your congregation will join us at 6.00 pm at 27 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9HH on Monday 6th November when the Rev. Dr John Bradbury, Minister of Emmanuel URC Cambridge and former Vice Principal of Westminster College will speak on “Luther’s Revolution – then and now”.

 The “Deputies” were established as elected lay people, working with a body of Ministers, in 1732 to fight for the removal of restrictions which excluded the churches and people we now call in the “Free Church” tradition from many areas of public life. London based, they argued on behalf of churches across the country. The Deputies have a long history of achievement. We maintain this somewhat quaint sounding body as an annual society to honour their memory and work. Free speech should never be taken for granted since it enables us to sustain our life, worship and witness. The body also keeps alive our historic right of direct approach to the Monarch.

 Today, the Free Churches Group carries out the Deputies’ functions relating to government, as we will hear during our very brief formal proceedings.

 This is an open invitation to your members and Minister. It would be most helpful to know in advance of the numbers attending. Please return the attached form by post or email. Respecting our historical structure, it would be appropriate to nominate two “Deputies”, but all are welcome. Please display the poster. A small contribution to our meeting costs would be much appreciated from all churches.

 We know that it will be very much worth the journey to hear John Bradbury and we hope very much you will come.

Please RSVP to Sabina Williams at 02036518334 or email:    Sabina.williams@freechurches.org.uk   

Churches Secretaries are requested to return the completed registration form as soon as possible, please. 

Luther's Revolution - Then and Now poster is available to download here.

This invitation Letter is available to download here.