From Dissenters to Fire Engines, by Maria Staal

From Dissenters to Fire Engines, the story of Non conformist Architecture is the intriguing title of a new book that will come out on 12th September. It is written by Maria Staal, author of the popular Romans, Vikings, Churches and Chocolate and member of St Columba’s United Reformed Church. The book looks at the more recent history of Nonconformist churches and chapels in York’s city centre, and includes a preface by the Venerable Richard Seed, Archdeacon of York.

The churches and chapels mentioned in the book were built over the last 200 years, at a time when being a member of a church didn’t automatically meant the Church of England. These Dissenters used new, modern building styles to erect their chapels, which made them blend into the streetscape, making them almost invisible. Over the years many of these chapels have stopped being places of worship and now have a secular use, or were demolished.

In her book Maria brings these chapels back to life. Looking not only at the history of each chapel in turn, but also at the story of Nonconformism in York. It reveals the surprising, and sometimes moving, stories of each of the chapels that for many people were, and still are, places of worship that they cherished.
This book is destined to have an important and valued place in the long story of Christianity in York.

From Dissenters to Fire Engines, 88 pages, 100 colour photographs. Published by FTK Publishing, ISBN 978-0-9557344-1-0.
The book costs £6.99 and is now available to order at tel: 01904 632073 or mariastaal@ftkpublishing.co.uk
Also available for group orders, please ask the Church Secretary for the details.
More information on www.ftkpublishing.co.uk