United Reformed Church, Portland

[1] The United Reformed Church was founded in 1825 when the people of Chiswell, the oldest settlement on the island, banded together to convert a barn and stable into a place of worship.

The next pastor, Rev C Cannon, died in office in 1854, whilst in those years the building had become too small for the growing congregation.

Rev James Cheney, described in the church records as "a remarkable, resourceful and skilful man", was the guiding light for the building that stands in Chiswell today, which was opened by 21 October 1858.

Seven local people decided to team together in an attempt to the keep the church open by dealing with administration and fund raising.

Despite various attempts by the congregation to save it, the church's final service was held on 27 September 2009, conducted by the Rev Bob Damer.