The oldest non-conformist chapel in Leeds still being used for worship is in Hunslet and it’s opening its doors to show off its recent refurbishment.
Hunslet Baptist Church nestles between the Carphone Warehouse and McDonalds on Low Road – the busy A61. It will be open as part of Heritage Open Days on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th September between 10am and 4pm. There will also be a performance by the White Rose Male Voice Praise Choir on Saturday 14th at 2pm. Cream teas and refreshments will be available.
This Grade II listed building was built in 1837 at the height of the industrial revolution. Leeds had seen its population expand from 30,000 at the end of the eighteenth century to 150,000 by 1840.
The church has played its part in the history of the area helping to found The Hunslet Club. Another minister, Jabez Tunnicliffe founded the Band of Hope which taught children about the dangers of alcohol, it’s still around today as Hope UK, still working with children on drugs education.
Heritage Open Days is an annual event that celebrates England’s fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to places that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission. There will be 76 events in Leeds this year including a guided walk around industrial Holbeck and various city centre buildings such as the City Varieties and the Town Hall.
