About us

We are a family church of over 25 nationalities. We appreciate, value and support each other.

The front of the church, with its timber cross and panels of coloured glass.

A welcome from our minister

The Revd John Macaulay in a pinstriped suit and clerical collar, standing with his hands together.

While the building is new, our vision remains the same in this post-modern, globalised and transnational era. We seek to develop spiritual giants to serve the present age, as outlined in our mission statement:

  • Proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom
  • Teach, baptise and nurture new believers
  • Respond to human need by loving service
  • Seeking to transform unjust structures in our society
  • Striving to safeguard the integrity of creation, to sustain and renew the life of the earth

We are a family church, comprising over 25 nationalities. We appreciate, value and support each other. As you navigate our website, you will come across our different inspiring ministries that will bless you. We hope you pay our church a visit and experience our lively, inspirational worship and sermon. We also believe in church growth, Bible study, divine healing and a vibrant prayer life.

Once again, we welcome you to our fellowship. Come and sing, dance, laugh and cry, learn and love the Lord with us.

Abundant blessings,
The Revd John B Macaulay

Our history

The former Upper Clapton church building, a brick church with a tall tree beside it.

The church building that stood here before 2017.

See photographs of our new church

  1. 1812

    A small group of locals discusses holding services in Clapton. One of them, Mr Rumbal, opens his house for services on Sunday evenings and during the week.

  2. 1816

    As membership grows, a chapel is built, known as the Independent Chapel at Clapton.

  3. 1841

    The first of many renovations and repairs, made over the following century as the congregation grows and after damage during the Second World War.

  4. 1956

    A new church building is dedicated on Saturday 14 July, 1956.

  5. 2003

    Despite many alterations, the building is no longer big enough for the growing church.

  6. 2012

    After extensive consultation, plans are approved for a new church with more space and modern facilities.

  7. 2017

    Construction of the new church building and community centre begins.

  8. 2019

    In October our new church opens its doors, ready to serve God's kingdom for at least another 200 years.

The Elders of the church standing together in a group.

Meet the Elders

As Elders we are called to be examples, so we will endeavour to serve the congregation with fresh commitment and spiritual vigour according to our individual calling and gifting in the Lord.

About the United Reformed Church

We are a family of Christians, worshipping in the name of Jesus in local churches from Orkney to Cornwall.

  • Reformed means that we delight in the Bible, we do not fear change, and we try to run our churches in ways that take everyone's insight and contribution seriously.
  • United is an important part of our story. We started when English Presbyterians merged with English and Welsh Congregationalists in 1972. Churches of Christ joined in 1981 and Scottish Congregationalists in 2000.
  • Church: we are one Church, and we aim to grow by supporting one another and taking decisions together.

All our tasks and posts are open to women as fully as to men. We are an intercultural church, where people with varied ethnic roots enrich each other's Christian living.

Visit the United Reformed Church website