Genealogy Chat

Hi ,
can anyone tell me if they know anything about the New Jersusalembir church is was first in New Hall St and then Summer Lane ,Birmingham .
Does it come under another name as i cannot find it in the Parish records at the library . Hope someone can help please :-)

Spelling?
This comes from a google search
John MEREDITH was born on 15 April 1800.1,2 He was christened on 24 April 1800 at Birmingham, Swedenborgian New Jerusalem Church, Summer Lane formerly New Hall Street.1
and others also showing similar records for baptisms.

1791
Great Britain. Birmingham, June 19.--Dedication of the newly built Temple of the New Church in Birmingham, the first New Church house of worship ever erected in this world.

The services are conducted by the Rev. James Hindmarsh, of London, and the Rev. Joseph Proud, the local pastor, both robed in representative garments; worship is held three times during the day before crowded audiences. Among the visitors is the celebrated Unitarian preacher, Dr. Priestley, who on the same day converses with Robert Hindmarsh on the subject of the New Church.

The Temple (which was situated in Newhall street and afterwards became known as Zion Chapel) had been erected at the sole expense of Mr. Samuel Hands, who remains as the owner; the building, the dedication, and the beginning of the New Church in Birmingham, are described in R. P. 128; M. K. II:234; I. 1826:349; 1835:450; N. C. A. 1844:157; M. n. s. XVI:543; M. L. 1889:181. ?

Look to see if the library has any non-conformist records as I doubt this church is in parish records as they are only for Church of England churches.

Kath. x

Looks as though it is a Unitarian church so definitely won't be in parish records. Quite a lot on google about it so you may be able to get in touch with them directly. Regards. Cx

Had a look as interested in all things Brummie! Never heard of this.

This seems a pretty comprehansive site -

http://www.newchurchhistory.org/articles/ejs2007/ejs2007.php

Jan

Thanks to all who replied to my thread i will look into it and hopefully will find what i am looking for . Once again thank you all.

Patchem
The spelling is correct it just comes up a different spelling on different sites very confusing . Thanks for your reply .

The New Church (or Swedenborgianism) is the name for a New religious movement developed from the writings of the Swedish scientist and theologian Emanuel Swedenborg (1688–1772). Swedenborg claimed to have received a new revelation from Jesus Christ through continuous heavenly visions which he experienced over a period of at least twenty-five years. In his writings, he predicted that the Lord would establish a "New Church" following the Church of traditional Christianity, which worships God in one person, Jesus Christ. The New Church doctrine is that each person must actively cooperate in repentance, reformation and regeneration of one's life.[1] The movement was founded on the belief that God explained the spiritual meaning of the Scriptures to Swedenborg as a means of revealing the truth of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Followers believe that Swedenborg witnessed the Last Judgment in the spiritual world, along with the inauguration of the New Church.

The New Church is seen by members of New Church organizations as something which the Lord is establishing with all those who believe that the Lord, Jesus Christ, is the one God of heaven and Earth and that obeying his commandments is necessary for salvation. Therefore, it is thought that any Christian holding these beliefs is part of this New Church movement. New Church organizations also acknowledge the universal nature of the Lord's church: all who do good from the truth of their religion will be accepted by the Lord into heaven, as God is goodness itself, and doing good conjoins oneself to God.[2] Adherents believe that the doctrine of the New Church, which is derived from scripture, provides the benefit of further enlightenment concerning the truth, and this leads to less doubt, a recognition of personal faults, and thus a more directed and happier life.[3]

Other names for the movement include Swedenborgian, New Christians, Neo-Christians, Church of the New Jerusalem and The Lord's New Church. Those outside of the church may refer to the movement as Swedenborgianism; however, some adherents seek to distance themselves from this title, since it implies a following of Swedenborg rather than Jesus Christ. Swedenborg published his works anonymously, and his writings promoted one Church based on love and charity, rather than multiple churches named after their founders based on belief or doctrine.[4]

etc, etc........................

Thank you Flick for the info