Minister: John Bentham 2009
Members: 33
Children: 0
Adherents: 10
Times of services: 10:30am
Secretary: Mrs. D. B. Hoegger, Flat 3, The Sycamores, 4 North Avenue, Leicester LE2 1TL (0116) 2704071
d.hoegger@sky.comCF Ltd Trustees: Yes
Listed Building: Yes
Conservation Area: Yes
Disabled Facilities: Yes
Keep Safe Policy: No
The church was built in 1886 by James Tait with a seating capacity of 650 and only 27 members were on the first membership roll. Its first minister was the renowned theologian Rev P.T.Forsyth who during his lifetime wrote many theological books.
A ministry of 25 years from 1955 to1980 by the Rev R.W.Cleaves made sure that Clarendon Park remained Congregational when the proposed formation of the United Reformed Church was put forward and he was instrumental in the formation of The Congregational Federation in 1972.. Mrs Jean Young with her organising ability par excellence arranged the Annual May Assemblies as well as working for the federation for 35 years. Jean retired in 2007 and is still an active member of the church.
Recently we had talks with our near neighbours Stoneygate Baptist Church with a view to forming a new United Church. However at the end of 2008 we decided that the legalities were getting us nowhere so we amicably decided to go our separate ways.
COMMUNITY LUNCHEON CLUBThis has been successfully run every Wednesday except Christmas Week and the odd occasions when it has snowed , by volunteer members of the church for 25 years. Guests have to live on their own, be over 60 and be able to get to Brice Hall where the lunch is held. Currently we have seven members over 90. They are provided with a home cooked two course meal and coffee or tea for £2
CAMEO (Come And Meet Each Other) was formed in the 1990’s when Rev Raymond Clarke was Minister. It was originally an afternoon of relaxation for both sexes and several ladies started making cross stitch cards. There is still a small group who meet every Thursday afternoon under the leadership of Veronica Chappell and the sale of their cross stitch cards raise over £300 each year which is divided between Diabetic UK, the MS Society and Church Funds.
Knitting for Rwanda
Maureen Ashdown after a visit to Rwanda inspired us to knit babies hats, cardigans etc (not in white!) and to date we have sent 716 cardigans and jumpers: 40 baby hats; 12 blankets and numerous scarves, mittens and bootees. Many neighbours have heard of the project and have contributed.