United Reformed Church

Hornsea United Reformed Church, located at the eastern end of Newbegin in Hornsea, is a Grade II listed building designed by Samuel Musgrave of Hull and constructed between 1872 and 1874. Built with red and yellow brick and stone dressings, the church is more than a place of worship; it serves as a community hub for a variety of activities and social events. 

The church dates back over 200 years to 1798. The house of Mr Scaife was ‘licensed for preaching’ thanks to the efforts of Revd George Lambert. Back then it was known as the Congregational Church and the first Minister, Revd Henry Earls started in 1803. The Congregational Church moved, to Bethesda Church, which was built in Southgate, Hornsea and licensed in 1808. The church was later enlarged, and a burial ground behind it was acquired c1847.

A new church, designed by Samuel Musgrave of Hull and built of red and yellow brick with stone dressings, was erected in New Road in 1872–4. It was built by a local builder William Bennett Stevenson owner of Stephenson Builders. A fire in 1968 severely damaged the church and was subsequently re-modelled. In 1972 the Congregational Church became part of the United Reformed Church and has remained an active member ever since.

The church's mission is to address the needs of the community, viewing its building as a valuable asset to achieve this goal. Over the years, the church has undertaken several initiatives and structural modifications to better serve its community. In 2012, it partnered with the FLAG initiative to combat isolation in local fishing communities, leading to the creation of the Hornsea Local Market for local produce and the Living Well Project, which provides a Telephone Support Network for isolated individuals. To support these initiatives, the church installed a disabled toilet, baby changing facilities, and a kitchen for hot meals. By 2015, the increased use of the church hall necessitated using the worship area for a broader range of activities, prompting further improvements such as ceiling insulation, carpeting, and strategic blinds to create a more welcoming space. Recognising the challenges faced by visually impaired visitors, the church took additional steps in 2019, including painting doors, pillars, and steps in contrasting colours and installing AV screens and enhanced audio equipment, which became essential during the Covid-19 pandemic for online worship. 

Continuing its efforts to be inclusive, the church began renovations in August 2023 to make the building fully accessible, including adding disabled access at the front entrance, expanding the welcome area, and installing a lift to the Upper Room, now a focal point for evangelistic mission and ministry. The church also maintains a vibrant ministry for children and youth, with weekly Junior Church and Pilots groups.