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	Welcome to Christ Church . . . a potted history "What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying." (Matthew 18:12)

If you live in Chelmsford or the surrounding area you have probably seen us whilst travelling down New London Road, perhaps you have even wondered about the Church built in the bomb crater — well here is a potted history . . .
Christ Church is the result of the unification of two former congregational churches in Chelmsford, one on Baddow Road which is now the site of the Odeon Roundabout on Parkway and the other on the London Road site now occupied by the Co-op Quadrant store.
"These churches endow Christ Church with a history going back to 1672 when the Baddow Road church was founded, though there is evidence of protestant meetings on the site of the church in the previous century.
At that time the only other worshipping community in the town and neighbourhood was the parish church of St. Mary, now the Cathedral. So Christ Church has a direct link with the birth of non-conformity in Chelmsford.
In 1714 a rift in the congregation led to the formation of the 'new chapel' in new London Road. Although the two congregations were reunited a few years later, it was only for five years. They then separated again until 1970, but relations between them were generally cordial." (Ref: Christ Church United Reformed Church Chelmsford — A short Guide.)
The churches were reunited in 1970 with the first service held on May 3rd, although the new church building was not opened and dedicated until 11th December 1971.

"The new church building stands on part of the site once occupied by the home of the former mayor of Chelmsford, Alderman J.O. Thompson. The house, Brierley Place, was a substantial one with extensive grounds and it stood where the British Legion hall is now. It was destroyed by a German bomb in October, 1940, which, sadly, also killed Alderman Thompson and most of his family. The site was left to the British Legion by Alderman Thompson and part of it was purchased for the new church in 1967. The Thompson family is commemorated in a stone set in the south wall of the entrance foyer in 1979. It records that Alderman Thompson was a mayor of Chelmsford seven times . . ." (Ref: Christ Church United Reformed Church Chelmsford — A short Guide.)

Copyright: Michael Bagnall

The church continues to thrive to this day. It is base to a number of organisations for young and old alike, and often plays host to concerts and other events from the surrounding community. Details of upcoming events can be found on our calendar and in our current events section.
Church services begin at 10.30 am and 6.30 pm every Sunday and visitors are always welcome to join us. Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of every month in the morning and the third Sunday of every month in the evening.
If you would like further information about the church or any of our events or services please do contact us.