Totness, Devon, Independents

Totness, Devon, Independents. The following account is taken from Edward Windeatt, A Sketch of Early Congregationalism in Totnes (Totnes, 1883).

Edward Windeatt writes that in 1791, “in consequence of Mr Baynham’s adopting Unitarian views” [the pastor at the Congregational church in Totness at that time], a large number seceded and formed a new congregation.  The former congregational dwindled and soon died out.  The group that seceded met initially in the house of Samuel Windeatt, one of the members from the former church, in Bridgetown, and he, along with his son, Samuel, Jr., and his son, T. W. Windeatt, and other members of their family were instrumental in acquiring the site for a new chapel, where William Chaplin [who later pastored Flower at Bishop Stortford] came as their first pastor from 1793-97.  After the second pastor left in 1803, Thomas White Windeatt would often read sermons and by request preached his first sermon there on 3 July 1803 (9).