WHY WE DO IT
We believe everyone needs somewhere they can belong.
Through Flavel and Flavour we want to help people connect, form community and create a sense of belonging.
And while you don't need to be a Christian to be part of our community, we hope that through the relationships we build, people can discover something of God's love.
MORE THAN JUST A CHURCH
OUR
HISTORY
Get to Know Us
Flavel Church takes its name from John Flavel, a prominent 17th-century Puritan minister whose life and ministry were deeply connected with Dartmouth and the South West.
In 1656, during the rule of Oliver Cromwell, John Flavel was appointed Vicar of Townstal. However, following the restoration of Charles II to the throne, the religious landscape changed dramatically. In 1662, Flavel was one of around 2,000 clergy who refused to conform to the practices of the restored Anglican Church. As a result, he was ejected from his living under the Act of Uniformity.
Despite this, Flavel continued to preach and minister throughout the South West for the next three decades. With non-conformist worship heavily restricted, he often preached at secret gatherings of his supporters, living under the constant threat of arrest and punishment. His courage, conviction and commitment to his faith left a lasting mark on the Christian community in Dartmouth.
Flavel’s influence continued long after his death. His life and legacy became an important part of Dartmouth’s non-conformist heritage, eventually inspiring the building of Flavel Memorial Congregational Church, which opened in 1896.
Nearly eighty years later, in 1974, the church became part of the United Reformed Church, continuing a tradition of Christian worship and community that stretches back centuries.
Today, Flavel Church carries John Flavel’s name and legacy forward - seeking to be a place where people can discover faith, find community and encounter God in the heart of Dartmouth.
US
In 2013, Deb and Karl took over at Flavel, beginning a new chapter for the church and its place in the local community.
That vision grew into the addition of the Flavour Coffee Lounge in 2017, a not-for-profit project of Flavel Church.
Flavour was created to be a relaxed place where people could meet, enjoy good coffee and food, make friends and feel at home. We like to think of Flavour as God's front room.
A place for everyone, whatever your age, background or beliefs. A place for parents and children, families and friends, and for anyone who simply wants somewhere to sit, chat and connect.
Today
Flavel is a growing community of people following Jesus and serving Dartmouth.
We gather on Sundays, run Flavour throughout the week, and look for new ways to connect with and serve locally through our groups and community events.
Our doors are open, our coffee is on, and everyone is welcome.
We'd love you to be part of our story.