was inaugurated on August 9, 1869, when
Messrs. Bogg, Moore, Hall, Cook, Austin, and Bellamy, met at the house of
Mr. E. J. Moore, 19, Queen Street; Mr. Moore being appointed Secretary
and Treasurer, Mr. Bogg and Mr. Hall Trustees, and Mr. Bogg nominated as
first Leader. Mr. Cook offered the use of a room in his house, rent
free, and the first service was held on the following day, Sunday, the
10th of the same month.

As Mr. Bogg resided at Benniworth, nine miles from Horncastle, he could
not undertake a service every Sunday; and, at first there was only an
evening meeting, weather permitting.

[Picture: The New Jerusalem Church]

There was a good deal of opposition for a time, especially from the
Congregationalists, under their minister, Mr. J. E. Whitehead; this,
however, served rather to increase the general interest in the new
movement, and the evening congregations grew in numbers. The first tea
meeting (which ultimately became an established monthly institution) was
held March 14, 1870, in a room in the alley named "Tinker's Entry," there
being then 14 members on the roll; when addresses were given by Mr. J. S.
Bogg, Chairman; and by Messrs. Cook, Moore, T. Wemyss Bogg, and others.

In May of the same year Mr. Richard Gunton, of the Lincolnshire New
Church Association, visited them, followed by Rev. John Hyde in October,
Mr. Gunton coming again in December of the same year. We may here
observe that this connection with Mr. Richard Gunton became, as will be
hereafter shewn, a most valuable asset in the Society's favour, in more
ways than one. He took up his residence in London, first in Oseney
Crescent, Camden Road, N.W., and afterwards in Tufnell Park Road, N., but
he never lost his interest in the Horncastle branch; visiting the town
year after year, to preach or give lectures, in the Corn Exchange, on
behalf of the Society. His last visit was in October, 1896; his death
occurring on the 5th of the December following, after (as was fitly
stated) "40 years of faithful service as Superintendent Missionary," as
well as having been Treasurer of the New Church Conference.

In 1871 Mr. Moore left Horncastle, the room in Tinker's Entry was given
up, and the meetings were held in the house of Mr. W. Hall, where a
library was also opened for the members. Subsequently, with a view to
the erection of a suitable place of worship, Mr. Hall bought a piece of
land in Croft Street and presented it to