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Miss E.J. Spencer
(Introduction by Miss E. Bushrod)
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The first Unitarian Church in Canal Walk Southampton -1851
Introduction
The beginnings of really organised Unitarianism in the South of England can be said to date from July 1801, when, at the ordination of the young Rev. Robert Aspland to the General Baptist congregation at Newport, Isle of Wight, he, the Rev. Russell Scott[1] of High Street Chapel, Portsmouth and the Rev. Thomas Dalton, Vicar of Carisbrooke formed a Unitarian Society for the South of England "for the promotion of religious knowledge and the practice of virtue by distribution of books." An Annual Meeting was to be held on every second Wednesday in July at a place appointed the preceding year at which a sermon would be preached.
There seems to have been six members at the first meeting, each paying at least half a guinea to the Book Fund and half a guinea as a subscription. Amongst these, besides those already mentioned, were the Rev. John Mills, Minister of the General Baptist Chapel in St. Thomas Street, Portsmouth, and one woman, Lydia Sturch of Newport.
The first books ordered show the strong influence of Price and Priestley on these men, and the still recent impact of the Birmingham Riots of 1791. Aspland seems to have been the prime mover until he moved to Hackney in 1804. The area covered stretched to Chichester and beyond to Horsham and Brighton in the east and westwards to Poole, but quite early a strong effort was made to stir up Unitarian possibilities in Southampton where the Annual meeting was held in 1814.
Nothing much developed at this stage, however, and even though the Rev. Michael Maurice[2] was resident in Southampton from 1825 to 1835 he refused to take any active part in promoting Unitarianism there, though accepting office in the Unitarian Society and preaching at1east at one of the Annual Meetings.
It was left to the Rev. Edmund Kell who became the Minister of the Newport church in 1823, to promote and continue a more persistent drive to create a Unitarian presence here. In this he was assisted by Philip Brannon who had been a member of his congregation in Newport before coming to live in 25, Carlton Place, Southampton.
In the Christian Reformer Vol.II for June 1846 there is a report that meetings for public worship had been held for the last two years in 'a member's' house in Southampton (Philip Brannon's) but that in May of that year services began to be held in a room in Tudor House. There was still no hope of appointing a permanent minister, but at the Annual Meeting of the Southern Unitarian Society at Newport in 1849 the Rev. Edmund Kell gave the toast "Prosperity to the Infant Church at Southampton".
In July 1851 the congregation was sufficiently well-established for Kell to buy the old Methodist Chapel in Canal Walk for its use, and the Rev. Hugh Hutton, an old friend of his youth in Birmingham, took charge as its minister until 1852. He was a man of considerable repute in the Unitarian ministry and had played an active part in the Parliamentary Reform movement when he was in Birmingham.
Emily Bushrod.
In the S.U.A. Chronicle of March 1936, Miss E.J. Spencer[3] of Southampton Church of the Saviour commenced a series of articles outlining the history of Unitarianism in Southampton. At the time she was the Treasurer of the S.U.A[4]., and this is what she wrote in 1936.
Unitarianism in Southampton
can boast of no ancient history. The first we know of it is that
a few friends let in a private house for regular worship in 1845.
This was in Bedford Place at the home of Mr. Philip
Brannon an architect, who afterwards designed the present church
in London Road. To quote from the first “Journal of the
Chapel in St. Michael’s Square”: “ These few from
what they know with regard to the state of religious feeling in
the town, being agreed that a more open manifestation of their
opinions would be expedient, Mr. E. Kell Secretary of the
Southern Unitarian Society, and E. Chapman Minister at the
Mead Row Chapel met these friends at the Temperance Hotel for the
purpose of discussing the fitness and probable success of the
undertaking, and from the statements made it was agreed that a
Chapel should be opened. The Rev. E. Chapman consented to
officiate for the space of six consecutive Sundays. The room
formerly occupied by the Philosophical Society was then applied
for, and after much delay (though not till two out of the six
Sundays had sped by), ultimately the room was obtained, and duly
registered in the Bishop of Winchester's Court.”
“The Society agreed to pay Minister’s expenses and the
rent for 12 months. Bills and posters were then distributed
announcing the Rev.E. Chapman's lectures on April 19th
, 26th , and May 3rd and 10th
1846.” These began the first public Unitarian services in
Southampton.
 Tudor House |
It is interesting to note that they were held in the old Tudor House in St. Michael’s Square, now a museum. This house is of historic interest, as Philip of Spain is supposed to have spent the night here before going to marry Queen Mary on July 25th, 1554. At the bottom of garden are the ruins of a Norman House locally known as King John' s Palace. 'There are very few remains of Norman Domestic architecture in the country and this is considered a good example, so the first home of Unitarianism in Southampton is well worth a visit.
In May 1846, Dr. Sadler, the Revs. Maxwell Davidson and Edmund Kell preached, and the Journal states that these Services were well attended and seemed to please. The first committee of management was formed this month, and those present were Mr. Philip Brannon, Treasurer, Mr. J.S. Sayer, Secretary, Messrs. R. Berry and H. Ballard, and the Rev. Edmund Kell from Newport. During the first year services were conducted by the Rev. Henry Hawkes of Portsmouth, Mr. Porter Orr of Ringwood, the Rev. M. Fullager of Chichester, and the Rev. Edmund Kell, who was indefatigable in his efforts to raise money for the struggling congregation. From the frequent entries for the cost of violin strings (10d and 6d.) we find that violins were used to lead the singing; however, in August, 1848, at a meeting of members (held monthly) , "It was decided to engage a Leader of Music, Mr. Andrews, at a salary of £5 a year. Also that it is highly desirable to have Seraphine or some other musical instrument, fiddle excepted.” This was much underlined, so evidently the congregation did not appreciate the violins. About this time gifts of elementary bocks and slates for use in the Sunday School remind us that formerly many children gained all the education they had in Unitarian Sunday Schools. While residing in Southampton, services were frequently taken by the Rev. Thomas Cooper, and the first Thursday Evening Service was held by him, “Numerously attended and followed by discussion, questions being put by Trinitarians and Unbelievers”.
These week evening services did not last very long; some members objected to the discussions. It was decided to have a chapel library, and books presented by John Cooke, Esq., Thomas Cooke, Esq., Revs. W. Hughes, E. Kell, E. Tagart, Dr. J. Bowring (author of "In the Cross of Christ I glory"), Mr. Pinnock, Mrs. Cooksey, Miss Kirkpatrick of Mount Pleasant, and Mr. Turner. This list of donors shows who were interested in the new chapel, and Jos. Hone, Esq., presented a silver sacramental cup. The British and Foreign Unitarian Association granted £25 and £3 worth of tracts, and the Southern Unitarian Fund Society was very generous in their help. When inviting candidates the Secretary stated that the stipend would be about £60 or £80 per annum, so it is not surprising that ministers did not remain very long. The Rev. W. Hall removed to Ireland in 1848; the Rev. Goodwin Barmby came in October 1848 and left in July 1849. His preaching was much appreciated. It is amusing to read that at a public tea, followed by a public meeting, a resolution was passed: “ That the congregation present their best thanks to those strangers who have this evening favoured them with their attendance.” About this time the Sunday School children were given a tea and magic-lantern entertainment.
The Rev.J. Cooper was invited in February 1850, at a stipend of £15 per quarter; he resigned in July, and was followed in August by the Rev. H. Harris, who also resigned in December. A Tea Meeting was held in January 1851, to welcome the Rev. McDowell of Stockton. In 1850 and 1851 the name of Mr Martineau appears on the committee, and ameeting was held at his house, so he was evidently a resident this name is an uncommon one and it would be interesting to know if this gentleman was a relative of Dr. Martineau[5]. There is an entry in the Journal July 1851, that the Rev. Hugh Hutton was Chairman at a Committee Meeting. The congregation met in St. Michael's Square from April 1846 till Michaelmas 1851, when the Tudor House, having been sold, the congregation had to find a new home. There was a list of forty three members at this date.
On Thursday 31st ---1851, the Rev. Edmund Kell informed the members that he had that evening purchased by public auction the chapel in Canal Walk, formerly belonging to the Methodists, for the sum of £430, and that transfer and repairs a further sum of £10 would probably be required. He recommended that the property should be transferred and vested in the Committee of the British and Foreign Unitarian Association, as trustees. Mr. William Duckworth of Beechwood, had promised £100 towards a new chapel, and he waswilling to give it for the purchase of this one.Mr. Kell used to tell an amusing story about this auction. He came over from Newport to attend the sale; the wind being rough and chilly he tied his bright red and yellow silk handkerchief round his neck, and quite forgot to take it off on leaving the steamer. He was wearing an Inverness cloak, so, as he said, he must have looked more like a jolly farmer than a minister: When the owners of the chapel found it was bought for Unitarian services they were indignant, and declared that Mr. Kell had gone disguised in order to buy it.
The chapel was opened on Thursday September 25th 1851, the following ministers taking part in the special services: The Revs. Hugh Hutton M.A., Henry Hawkes (Portsmouth), E. Kell, M.A., F.S.A. (Newport I.O.W.), Mark Rowntree (Poole), and E. Tagart (London). Richard Martineau Esq.,[6] of London presided over a dinner held in the town between the services. Admiral Giffard again presented books, and on December 1st, William Duckworth Esq., sent a beaker and two chalices and a plate for the use of the congregation (these are still used in 1936) also a handsomely bound Quarto Bible.
In 1851 the Rev. Hugh Hutton and his daughter began a Sunday School in Canal Walk, and in 1852, Admiral Giffard having presented the organ, formerly used in the chapel in Jersey, Miss Hutton kindly acted as organist. This year the name of Mr. Edward Dixon first appears as a member of committee and for over 20 years, until he and his family left Southampton, he was the chief supporter of Unitarianism in the town. Rev. Hugh Hutton left in March 1852, and was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Thomas in May (at a stipend of £100). This minister removed to Dublin in 1853. Visiting ministers were Mr. Briggs of Dover, Mr. Marshall of Warwick, Mr. Howse of Frenchay, and Mr. H. Hutton. on June 19th, 1853, the Rev. E. Kell preached, and was unanimously invited to become the minister. He accepted the call and for 20 years until his death, continued his ministry in Southampton. About this time Mr. William Sutton became hon. organist, and held this position for many years.
On August 31st 1856, it was decided to sell the chapel in Canal Walk and to erect a place of worship in a more suitable position; a subscription list was then opened and £405 were subscribed towards the new chapel.
 The new Church of the Saviour built in London Road (believed to be the last photograph taken before it was bombed in 1940) |
In July 1857 Mr. Dixon informed a meeting that a desirable piece of land was to be had at the corner of Bellevue Road, and in May 1858 this was bought at a cost of £312-10s. Mr. and Mrs. Kell and her sister (Miss Dunkin), Mr. and Mrs. Dixon, Capt. and Mrs. Sawyer, and Dr. Watson were generous donors to the Building Fund, and many friends in all parts of the country contributed. Mr. Philip Brannon was chosen to be the architect, and the new church was ready for occupation by March 1860.
The Rev. Edmund Kell felt that Unitarianism was the simple religion taught by Jesus, and that if all men lived according to the Golden Rule they would be saved from sin, so he was most anxious that the new church should be called "the Church of the Saviour" and it was unanimously decided by the members that this should be the name.
The opening service was held on Thursday March 22nd 1860. The Rev'd. R.B. Aspland preached, the Rev. E. Kell conducted the service, and eight other ministers were present, as well as many friends from a distance. After the service 90 guests dined together. Sir John Bowring, the Revs. R.B. Aspland and J. Panton Ham, and Messrs. A. Lawrence and F.N. Nettlefold came as a deputation from the B.and F.U.A. bringing a grant of £50. In the evening a very successful meeting was held, Sir John Bowring presiding and receiving donations. The speakers were Mr. Thomas Colfax (Bridport), Dr. Longstaff, and Mr. Blundell, who both promised £50 (both from Hull), the Rev. J. Panton Ham of London, who also gave £100 from a fund entrusted to him by a friend, and the Chairman, all of whom joined in wishing the congregation and Mr. and Mrs. Kell many years of happiness in their new church, and of good work together for the advancement of God's kingdom on earth.
For many years Good Friday services were held, followed by an evening meeting, when friends from Ringwood, Poole, Chichester, Portsmouth, Wareham and Newport I.O.W., came to the church, and some of our best known ministers preached inspiring sermons. In 1862, the Rev. Henry Howse presented his organ to the church "in appreciation of Mr Kell's good work in the town, and as a token of friendship and esteem for Mr & Mrs Kell." At the next annual meeting held on April 3rd 1863, the Rev. Edmund Kell congratulated the congregation on being entirely free from debt, and said he "prayed that every anniversary might be richer in faith, zeal, and love; and in every good word and work.”
For the next 12 years both Mr. and Mrs. Kell spent their lives in the service of the town as well as the church. Mrs. Kell died on February 8th, 1872, aged 69 years. This year the congregation presented Mr. Kell with a purse containing £33. 19s. 6d., as a small token of affection and esteem, and in August 1873, his congregation and friends again gave a purse containing £220 2s. 9d., to commemorate the 50th year of his ministry. The Rev. Edmund Kell died on the eve of his 75th birthday, January 17th 1874, mourned by many of the towns-people who had been helped by his kind instruction in the "Junto" Society and greatly missed by his congregation.
On March 5th 1872 the Rev. Edmund Kell had informed the committee that he intended to give £500 towards the erection of a School at the back of the church, and a sub-committee was appointed to consider plans for the proposed School. The members were the Rev. Edmund Kell as chairman, Mr. B.K. Spencer, Messrs. J.Borman, G.Tapscott, and R. Duncan. Mr. Kell wished the School to be built in the same style of architecture as the church, and plans were finally chosen in August 1872. In the following December Mr. Kell promised to provide a second donation of £500, and it was decided to use the £100 left to the church in 1867 by the late James Silver Esq., of Kensington. The Rev. E. Kell, who was then in failing health, had arranged to drive to the bank with Mrs. Spencer on January 17th to draw a further sum of money due to the builder, but when she arrived at his house she found he had been taken suddenly very ill, and she sent at once for a doctor, who said there was no hope of recovery. Mr. Kell (who was quite conscious) heard this with perfect calmness, and simply quoted the words: "In my Father's house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you, that where I am, there ye may be also." He passed peacefully away towards evening. Knowing that Mr. Kell intended the School to be a memorial to her sister, Mrs. Kell, and that he would have paid the balance due, Miss Joanna Dunkin generously did so herself, and so saved the church from being burdened with a debt.
In July 1874, the Rev. Iden Payne of Northampton, was invited to become minister for one year, but could not come until October, and the services were conducted during this interval by visiting ministers and two lay-men, Messrs Haddon and B.K.Spencer. Among the ministers were the Revs. Jeffery Worthington, A. Lunn, and Dr. Robert Laird Collier of Chicago. At this time Mr. Spencer was elected Chairman of Committee and Treasurer of the church. During the Rev. Iden Payne's ministry, Field Marshal Sir Neville Chamberlain began to attend the church, but soon after doing so he had to return to India. Mr. Payne was an eloquent preacher, and his special evening discourses attracted good congregations, but financial difficulties caused him to resign at Christmas 1876.
Again services were conducted by laymen until the church was free of debt in March 1878, when the Rev. D. Amos became minister. On his suggestion a Literary and Philosophical Society was founded, and some very good lectures resulted. Dr. Martineau' s hymn book was adopted, and the organ removed to the gallery at a cost of £114. In 1880 the committee were again troubled with financial difficulties, but a special collection cleared off the debt. In January 1882, the Rev. D. Amos was invited to Scarborough at a higher stipend, and resigned his ministry here. When doing so he thanked all from whom he had received so many kindnesses, and said he left Southampton with regret.
Dr. Longstaff, one of the trustees of the church, urged the desirability of inviting a minister of known character and culture, and the Rev. H. Shaen Solly, M.A. was invited in August 1882, but could not come before October 8th. In the meantime laymen again took the services. Mr. Solly was an interesting preacher and a true pastor. He introduced the harvest festivals, a monthly calendar, quarterly communion service (which had been discontinued for some time) and Dr. Martineau's ten services. He worked well in the Sunday-School and the Band of Hope till we had 150 children being trained to become sober citizens, and in this good work he was greatly helped by his wife. Mr. Solly's lectures were much appreciated by the Southampton Literary and Philosophical Society, as well as his own congregation and he was an active member of the local Parliamentary Debating Society.
In 1883 Capt. Piffard, one of our best supporters, went to reside abroad, and his removal was a great loss to the church. On returning from India in 1884, Field Marshal Sir Neville Chamberlain resumed his membership and attended the services when at home, as long as he lived. This year Mr. B.K. Spencer who had been both Treasurer and Hon. Secretary for 10 years, wished to have these offices divided and Mr. Lanham was elected Treasurer. In 1885 Miss Joanna Dunkin presented a stained glass window in memory of her parents, sister (Mrs. Kell) and the Rev. Edmund Kell, and was gratefully thanked by the congregation.
A Confirmation Class was held in 1886 by the Rev. H. S. Solly attended by 29 young people, and on the Thursday before Good Friday, the Rev. Dr. Drummond (Principal of the Manchester New College, London) conducted a communion service when 22 of these young people were received into the church. on June 20th, the minister being away on holiday, Mr. B.K. Spencer took both services, and he died quite suddenly on Monday afternoon, June 21st 1886, aged 64.
About this time the organ was brought down from the gallery. There were 75 subscribing members and the average attendance was 36 in the morning and 69 in the evening; on special occasions many more were present. Unfortunately Mr. Solly found that this was a very fluctuating congregation and most of the members who could subscribe generously had died or left the town; others who had joined the church were not able to contribute much; the British and Foreign Unitarian Association several times reduced their grant and Mr. Solly had most kindly accepted £50 per annum less, but at length he felt obliged to resign much to his regret, and he accepted an invitation to Bridport after five and a half years of successful ministry here.
His loss was much regretted, both by the congregation and a number of influential people in Southampton. He left in May 1888, and that same year Miss Joanna Dunkin died aged 88 years. Her executors, Mr. Edmund Kell Blythe and Major Cook, had a stained glass window put into the east end of the church to her memory, and intended to allocate £1300 to the church, but, owing to litigation, only £800 was received in 1892. Mrs. Sutton left £200 to found a “Sutton Organ Memorial Fund” in 1895 in memory of her husband who for many years was Hon. Organist.
Field Marshal Sir Neville Chamberlain died on February 18th 1902, aged 82, and he left £1,000, the interest of which was to be used for a minister's stipend, and £250 to enlarge and rebuild the organ. This was done the same year. A Jubilee Fund was raised in 1910 and over £400 was spent on restoring the exterior and redecorating the interior of the church. In 1911 the large water-colour drawing of the church by Mr. P.Brannon, the architect which now hangs in the hall and formerly belonged to the Rev. Edmund Kell, was presented to the church by Mrs. Edmund Kell Blyth.
Miss Fanny J. Foster, for many years in the service of Mrs. Kell and Miss Dunkin died in January 1928, and left the residue of her estate (£250) to be used by her executrix as she deemed best in memory of the Rev. Edmund Kell. Miss E.J. Spencer expended this sum on redecorating the Kell Memorial Hall, buying a new piano and repairing the church organ. For nearly half a century the "Faithful Few" have endeavoured to keep this Unitarian Christian Church open in spite of many financial difficulties, and much gratitude is due to the Rev. H.M.Livens, who, during part of the great War, and for seven years, cycled in every week from the New Forest to conduct the services accepting only a small honorarium.
During this period the following ministers have occupied the pulpit : The Rev. William Stephens, June 1888 to March 1892; Rev. David Davis, July 1892 to September 1897; supplies and lay preachers, Messrs. Isted, Lanham and Bushrod till September 1898; Rev. E.C.Bennett Sept. 1895 to June 1903; lay preachers Messrs. Isted, Tarrant and Bushrod, and ministerial supplies till January 1906; Rev. T.R. Skemp January 1906, died May 10th 1910; Rev. A.R.Andreae M.A. 1910- 1914 (resigned through ill-health); Rev. Victor Moody 1915- 1918; Rev. H.M.Livens 1918 to 1925; Lay Pastor J.R.Todd 1925, died Oct.6th 1927; R.H. Williamson, Lay Pastor 1928-31; Lay Worker 1931-1934; supplies and lay preacher Mr. G Austin to Sept. 1935; Rev. J.Walter Cock, September 1935- June 1936. The Rev. J. G. Davies began his ministry here in July 1936 and we all pray that God's blessing may rest upon him and his work in the church.
Miss E.J. Spencer. January 1937.
[1] Ancestor of C. P. Scott of The Manchester Guardian.
[2] Father of Rev. F. Denison Maurice and former Unitarian minister at Frenchay Chapel, Bristol.
[3] Miss Spencer knew the Rev. Edmund Kell and it was her mother who was with him on the day he died. Miss Spencer lived until 1939 and in her old age became a friend of Emily Bushrod who was then a young student, so that our past is linked personally to our present.
[4] Southern Unitarian Association.
[5] Edward Martineau, Merchant 13 Orchard Terrace, Southampton. (Southampton Directory 1851) probably cousin of James and Harriet Martineau. (Son of Peter Finch Martineau, elder brother of Thomas Martineau, father of James and Harriett).
[6] Richard Martineau was probably the chief brewer at Whitbread’s and cousin of James and Harriet.
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