Building record MDR13487 - United Reformed Church, Rose Hill, Chesterfield

There is "1822, Independent Chapel" inscribed on a round stone plaque above door. It is a 2 storey building of coursed sandstone with band and parapet raised up in centre with piers, panels and capping. Central stone doorcase with Tuscan columns and entablature. 8 panelled door with archivolt and impost bands and a plain semi-circular fanlight above. Casement windows with mullions and engraved lintels. Side facade to Soresby Street has 6 windows, the 3rd and 6th round arched under gables and with keystones. 6th bay slightly advanced, door on ground floor with moulded architrave with floral medallions and cornice. (1) According to White's Directory, the Independent Chapel, Soresby street, a handsome stone building, 60ft. by 42ft., erected in 1822, is surrounded by a burial ground, convenient school rooms, and vestry adjoins, and galleries were added in 1834, at an expense of £310. It will seat about 700 persons; the Rev. Robt. W Selbie, was the pastor. (2) According to Bulmer's Directory, the Congregational Chapel, in Soresby Street, was built by the Independents in 1823, and enlarged in 1834 and 1860. It is a substantial edifice of stone, but without any pretention to architectural beauty. The ground floor is seated for 300 persons, and the gallery, which is carried round three sides, provides 250 additional seats. The chapel is adorned by a handsome organ erected by Brindley & Foster, of Sheffield, at a cost of £900. A mural tablet on the south wall is inscribed, "Chas. Shaw's charity, £100, 4% preference stock, Midland Railway, 1881. Dividends to be given to four poor people of this congregation half yearly. Dryhurst, Tapton, 1885." The adjoining burial ground is now closed. (3) According to Kelly's Directory, the Congregational Chapel, in Soresby street, was first founded in 1788; the present building, built in 1822, will seat 800. (4)