Congregation Leaving New Jerusalem Church in Accrington (1902)

An Edwardian congregation emerges after Sunday service in Accrington, Lancashire.

By including the church steps in the framing, this film becomes an Edwardian fashion parade as members of the congregation, clad in Sunday best, walk from the top to the bottom of the screen before taking a side exit. As with Mitchell and Kenyon's similar 'factory gate' films, the mischievous small boys hanging around outside seem more aware of the camera's presence than do most of the adults.

Since 1801, there have been three New Jerusalem Churches in Accrington in roughly the same location (Abbey Street/Birtwistle Street). This was the second (1849-1985), since replaced by a smaller modern building.