The historical record of this church dates back to 1815 when a body of people known as Independents worshipped regularly in a barn belonging to Dickason’s Farm in Malting Lane. In 1833 Mr Thomas Grey gave a piece of land, and a building was erected on the present site. It was a low thatched building, but in 1841 the roof was carried higher and slated. On Sunday the 23rd of November 1862 during afternoon school, fire broke out, completely destroying the building.
A meeting was held in the Primitive Methodist Chapel, Royston Road, on 8th January 1863 to consider rebuilding. A committee was formed and the work carried out at a cost of £242.18.0d. The reopening service was held on 22nd October 1863, conducted by the Rev Joshua Harrison of London. The gallery was later added to accommodate the congregation. In 1884 the Schoolroom was added.
In May 1867 it was decided to adopt the principles of the Congregationalists. The entry in the church book dated 17th May 1867 states: “Having for some years been accustomed to worship regularly in the Independent Chapel, Litlington, and being members of Christian Churches from constant communion with which they are cut off by distance, the under mentioned have agreed, after prayerful deliberation, to unite together as a separate Independent Christian Church. The affairs of the Church are to be conducted upon the principles of the Congregational Dissenters in accordance with the terms of the trust deed of the Chapel. They unite in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, professing faith in him, and desiring to promote each other's spiritual welfare and that of those around them. They take this step with the consent of the Churches with whom they have been united, and of the Pastors of other Churches around, with whom this night celebrate the Lord's Supper. It has been arranged that for the present the public ministrations of the Church shall be entrusted to the students of New College, London.”
This arrangement continued until 1889 when a Mr Shipley came to take the oversight of the work, with New College students continuing to help, and also the Royston Lay Preachers Association. From 1895 the local lay preachers, under the guidance of Mr JJ Dodds, living in Royston, supplied the pulpit.
In 1935 extensive alterations to the building took place, at the time when the Rev F Cranham was Pastor. New seating was brought from the John Street Chapel in Royston. Electric lighting was installed and the new clock presented by Mr. J Course. The interior was redecorated, and the rededication service took place on 10th October 1935.
The church had a resident minister from 1914 to 1954, after which there was a grouping arrangement with Bassingbourn, the minister residing there.
On 1st October 1968 Litlington Congregational Church joined eight other local churches to form the Western District Group of Congregational Churches under the joint ministry of the Rev Constance Payne, Rev John Palmer and Rev Keith Antrobus. This very happy association continued until October 1972 when, following long discussions and much heart searching, the members here felt unable to become part of the new United Reformed Church which was born out of a uniting of Congregational and Presbyterian churches.
The pastor, Mr Neil Ansell, was called, accepted, and the Induction took place on 5th October 1972.
It was the vision of the then Church Treasurer, Mr Reg Allen, which led to the further reconstruction work inside the Church. He spent many hours, with loyal support, in beautifying the Sanctuary. The new platform was built, the main part of the gallery made into a Primary Schoolroom. The seating and walls were made lighter, with a new style pulpit installed.
Over 1100 hours were spent on this work, and on 20th July 1974 a rededication service was held.
After that date the church was blessed with other benefits. New oil heating replaced the solid fuel stove in the main schoolroom. The extension of the premises has given us a new kitchen, toilets and vestry, with the old kitchen being adapted to form the “Russill Room”.
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Since 1999 a further programme of refurbishment has been undertaken. This included the Church windows, the organ, the sound system, the electrical system, redecoration and a replacement heating system.
The work and witness of Litlington Congregational Church has continued for over 200 years.
To God be the glory - great things he hath done.