Octagon Chapel, Norwich
The Octagon Chapel is a Unitarian Chapel located in Colegate in Norwich, Norfolk, England. It is home to a growing liberal religious community, welcoming people of all religious faiths and none. 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 and is perfectly octagonal. The architect was Thomas Ivory.[1] Theophilus Browne was appointed minister here in 1809, but was paid to leave the following year. William Taylor (scholar) and novelist and Lord Mayor R. H. Mottram worshipped here.
Community
Unitarians have no dogma or creed, and take inspiration from all religious teachings, as well as from science and the arts.[2] A sense of community is what the Octagon is all about and there are a variety of groups and activities.
- Bring and share lunches
- Women’s Group
- Men's Group
- Craft Group
- Social Responsibility Group
Life Events
The Octagon hosts special ceremonies to mark life's big transitions. Unitarians believe that everyone has the right to seek truth and meaning for themselves, so these ceremonies should be relevant and unique to the people at the centre of them. Services are not bound by tradition but are free to express the personal truths of the people concerned.
Octagon Concert Series
The Octagon is proud of its musical heritage. As well as a vibrant musical aspect to worship, the chapel hosts the very successful Octagon Concert Series, which is somewhat unique inasmuch that no performers receives a fee or expenses so that all money raised can be donated to charity or good cause both local and national.[3]
References
- ↑ Historic England. "Details from listed building database (228990)". Images of England.
- ↑ See http://www.unitarian.org.uk for more information on Unitarianism.
- ↑ http://www.octagonmusic.org.uk