Centenary Reflections: The Day Croydon Spiritualist Church Joined the Union

March 14, 2026, marks the profound centennial of Croydon Spiritualist Church’s affiliation with the Spiritualists’ National Union. A century ago today, our founding members, led by the President Herbert Adams, Vice-President William Burrell, Secretary Stanley Glanville and Treasurer George Tozer gathered for the very first service as an official SNU body, meeting at the New Gallery on Park Lane. On that morning attendees would have approached a building steeped in Croydon’s artistic soul. The New Gallery was not a traditional church with steeples and pews, but a space of “refinement and culture,” its walls having previously displayed the works of the great Pre-Raphaelites. Reports indicate the service was held to a “crowded audience”. The pioneering members—many of whom had likely lost loved ones in the Great War just eight years prior—sat in a venue that symbolized the “modern” Croydon. A massive revival was sweeping across the nation as people sought spiritual comfort that traditional creeds of the era often failed to provide. Our founding objectives remain unchanged since those early days: to advance the religion and religious philosophy of Spiritualism on the basis of the Seven Principles.

The national landscape of 1926 was one of unrest. While radio was the high-tech marvel of the era, the country was teetering on the edge of the historic General Strike, which would bring Britain to a standstill just weeks later in May. Amidst this social change, the Spiritualist movement was flourishing with energy and purpose. Famous figures like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle were traversing the country to support the growing network of what has become 340 societies and churches that now compose the Union. It was into this vibrant, searching world that we officially opened our doors, joining a movement that remains dedicated to proving the continuous existence of the human soul.

We were exceptionally honored that our first platform was held by Estelle Stead, one of the most respected figures of that generation. As the daughter of the renowned investigative journalist W.T. Stead, who tragically perished on the S.S. Titanic, Estelle dedicated her life to demonstrating the reality of the spirit world. She is remembered for publishing The Blue Island in 1922, which she presented as her father’s own channeled account of his transition beyond the veil. A professional actress and manager of her own Shakespearean touring company, she brought a unique grace and poise to the platform. Her leadership of Julia’s Bureau in London made her a central figure for those seeking evidence of survival, a mission we continue to uphold through our primary activities.

As we look forward to our celebration in June, we reflect on how far we have come while remaining rooted in the same enduring philosophy. This month also leads us to the celebration of Hydesville Day on March 31st, commemorating the rappings in New York that marked the birth of modern Spiritualism. We invite all our members and the local community to join us as we honor the century of service that Estelle Stead helped inaugurate.

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