The congregations at Cheshunt and Broxbourne amalgamated on 5 April 2026 and the last service was held at Cheshunt Free Church on Sunday 22^nd March.

There has been a place of worship in Cheshunt High Street since 1782. The present building was opened on 15th January 1890. It was originally known as Cheshunt Street Chapel.  In 1921 the name changed to Cheshunt Union Church when the church united with the Baptist Congregation who worshipped in Turners Hill.

In 1972 members voted to join the United Reformed Church. Cheshunt Free Church was linked with Broxbourne and Hertford United Reformed Churches and, in addition, seven Enfield United Reformed Churches.

Following a period of careful conversation, discernment, and consultation across both congregations, a Joint Church Meeting considered the future shape of worship, property, mission, and ministry. The meeting gave serious attention to the long-term realities facing the churches, including buildings, finance, maintenance, pastoral capacity, and the future sustainability of the united congregation. There was a clear recognition that the united church would need to focus its energy on worship, mission, pastoral life, and community witness, rather than carrying long-term responsibility for both the Cheshunt church building and the Cheshunt manse.

The Joint Church Meeting agreed to conclude regular worship within the Cheshunt church building. It also agreed that the Cheshunt church building should be placed on the market and that the Cheshunt manse should also be sold.

The final act of worship in the Cheshunt building took place on 22nd March with a Service of Thanksgiving. The service gave thanks for the life, witness, worship, fellowship, and service offered through the congregation across many years. It was very well attended and held deep emotional significance for many people connected with the church and wider community.

The new beginning for the united congregation was marked on Easter Sunday with a Welcome Service held at Broxbourne. The service reflected gratitude for the past and hope for the future as the churches continue to build a shared life and ministry together.

There has naturally been sadness and a sense of loss within this process. There has also been a strong sense of hope, cooperation, generosity, and mutual care across the congregations. The commitment shown by elders, members, office holders, Synod representatives, the Local Area Group, and friends from Hertford and beyond has helped carry the churches through a demanding season with dignity and grace.

There is a booklet on our church history written by Dr David Davies. This is displayed in the Upper Room at the URC Broxbourne.