Trinity United Reformed Church in Norwich is set to close its doors for the final time on September 22 due to falling congregation numbers and the retirement of its minister. The church, built by Bernard Feilden in 1956, was on the former site of the Unthank Road Baptist Church. It originally started as the Trinity Presbyterian Church in 1867 and was later combined with parts of the Congregational movement in 1972 to create the United Reformed Church. The church has been well maintained and used by various community groups over the years, but declining attendance and member health issues led to the difficult decision to close.
The Moderator of the United Reformed Church Eastern Synod, Rev Lythan Nevard, expressed gratitude for all that Trinity URC has contributed to the community and its impact on shaping faith. The congregation worked hard to maintain the beautiful building, but discussions about its future led to the realization that closing was the best option. Despite the closure, there is hope that the building may become a new place of worship in the future. The worship of God and the building of God’s kingdom will continue, even if the worshipping life of Trinity URC comes to an end.
The church’s history dates back to its establishment as the Trinity Presbyterian Church in 1867, with a church built in the Byzantine style on Theatre Street in 1875. Unfortunately, like much of the St Stephen’s area, it was destroyed during the Norwich Blitz in April 1942. The decision to close Trinity URC was made with sadness, but the members are thankful for the impact the building and traditions of the church have had on the faith community and the surrounding area. A service of thanksgiving and closure will take place on September 22, 2024, marking the end of an era for the church.
Despite the closure of Trinity URC, the legacy of the church and its contributions to the community will continue to be remembered. The hope that the building may once again become a place of worship in the future reflects the enduring spirit of faith and community that has been fostered within its walls. As the congregation prepares to say goodbye to this iconic post-war church, they hold on to the belief that the worship of God and the work of building God’s kingdom will persist, even as the physical space of Trinity URC closes its doors for the final time.
