Dales United Reformed Church

The Dales United Reformed Church stands on Parkdale Road in Bakersfield, Nottingham. It began in 1930 as Parkdale Congregational Church, one of three planned by the Nottinghamshire Congregational Churches Extension Committee. The other two were Sherwood and Lenton Abbey, built for new housing estates around the city. In the 1970s it joined the United Reformed Church, like most Congregational churches of the time. In 1986 it merged with Albion Congregational Church on Sneinton Dale and took its present name. The church is worth the journey for its place in Nottingham’s 20th-century growth. It was designed to serve Bakersfield as the city expanded. The Nottinghamshire Congregational Churches Extension Committee planned three churches to meet demand from new estates. The merger with Albion Congregational Church in 1986 created a larger congregation. Its history reflects changes in local church organisation during the 20th century. Visitors find a modest brick building on Parkdale Road. Inside, the simple worship space remains in use for services and community events. The surroundings include residential streets built in the same period. The church’s name reflects its location near The Dales area of Nottingham. Its exterior shows the plain style common to 1930s Congregational buildings.