Christ Church URC history (part 2): Ministers of Zion and Chase Side Chapels

In the days before cars many walked long distances to church, although the more wealthy would come by carriage and a horse drawn chaise was provided for the minister. The first minister, Mr Whitefoot, was ordained in 1781. His successor John Ryland had difficulty walking and one Sunday when his coach failed to appear and his servant was unable to catch his pony, the minister ended up being pushed through Enfield Town to church in a wheel barrow. In 1791 a proposal to appoint a Mr Chalmers caused a split in the congregation as some thought he was a bigamist! This was later discovered to be true, but not before Chase Side Chapel (otherwise known as The Independent Chapel, Chase Side) had been built on the adjoining site (where the car park is now). However, following the discovery of structural problems Chase Side Chapel had to be rebuilt in 1830.

Gaps in the ministry at Zion Chapel were provided by visiting preachers including students from Cheshunt College. It was one of these, John Stribling, who became minister in 1832. However by 1871 his health was failing and the two churches voted to unite under the leadership of Rev Storer Toms, who had been minister of Chase Side Chapel since 1865. Zion Chapel was demolished and the present Christ Church opened on its site in 1875.


Chase Side and Zion Chapels in the mid 19th Century

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