Where is the church situated?
The church is situated off the A52 road which runs between Derby and Nottingham and is about 3 miles from junction 25 of the M1. It is surrounded by green fields and beautiful countryside, on a hill with views stretching over 15 miles on a clear day.

The history of the congregation.
In 1739 an Ockbrook man, Isaac Frearson, in Nottingham for business, stopped at the Market Cross to listen to a preacher, Jacob Rogers. Isaac Frearson was so impressed by what he heard that he invited Rogers to Ockbrook to speak to a group of people who had begun to meet on “The Hill.” This group was mainly made up of people from the Anglican Church. The Moravian Church was invited to come and take care of the group. John Tolschig came from Yorkshire in 1740.

The congregation was settled on September 24th 1750. Land was bought from Isaac Frearson and on July 3rd 1751 the foundation stone was laid for the building of the present church. Some of the local people did not like the idea of a new church in their village and pulled down several layers of bricks and caused considerable damage. It is believed that the bricks used in the building were fired locally.

The Burial Ground was consecrated by Bishop Peter Bohler in 1792. The Brethren’s House was built in 1757 and the Sister’s House was built two years later. The minister’s house was built in 1812. The people who lived on The Settlement worked in shoe making, worsted weaving, stocking making, cabinet making, embroidery and muslin work. The Brethren built a malting house and inn at the bottom of the Settlement.

A Girls’ school was opened in 1799 and this remains today as an Independent Private school. The Lecture Hall or Sunday School was opened in 1831. During the first World War this was used as an Auxilliary hospital by the Red Cross and many soldiers came here for recuperation. It is now used by groups from the Community as well as by the congregation itself.

How to find Ockbrook.
To find Ockbrook from Derby take the A52 [known as Brian Clough Way] towards Nottingham. From the A52 take a left exit sign posted Ockbrook, Borrowash and Elvaston Castle. At the T junction turn left along Victoria Avenue. Take a left turn immediately after the Queen’s Head pub into Bakehouse Lane. Follow the road into The Settlement.

From Nottingham or the M1, take the A52 towards Derby, turn left off the A52 signed Borrowash, Spondon and Ockbrook. At the T junction turn left and go over the bridge over the A52. This is then Victoria Avenue so follow the instructions above.

Services and Activities.
Services are held each Sunday at 11am. Holy Communion is celebrated as part of the service on the first Sunday in the month. Lovefeast and Holy Communion are celebrated as part of the service on the first Sunday of the month in January, April, July and October. All ages are welcome at the morning service. A Evening Service is held at 6.30pm on the second Sunday in the month.

Special services are held during the year. Church Anniversary is held on the first Sunday in July, Harvest in September and Christingle service at 6-30p.m. on Christmas Eve. If attending the Christingle service it is advisable to arrive early as the church is usually full.

You can be sure of a very warm welcome from all the members here.