Providence Chapel Peppard as it was formally known, is probably unique in that although it is a nonconformist establishment, it was built at his own expense by a practising Churchman - Peter French of Reading.
Just over two centuries ago, the Hon. & Rev. Mr. Cadogan, Vicar of St. Giles' Reading, was preaching with such conviction, that he was instrumental in securing many converts to the Lord, one of whom was Peter French. A number of these converts turned their attention to the surrounding Reading villages and one of the places visited was Peppard, where they held open-air services on the common, and later used a house and instituted regular services.

Peter French, a prosperous Reading tradesman, was among these missionaries and he resolved on his own initiative to build a Chapel at Peppard. In due course the chapel was erected and placed in trust for the use of Protestant dissenters. The people attending the chapel were mostly poor and Mr. French pledged himself to contribute the sum of £50 a year for thirty years towards a Pastor's support.

The first Pastor of the Chapel was the Rev. Joseph Walker, who was appointed in 1797. In 1798 he drew up rules and articles for the conduct of the Chapel and its members. In the same year Rev. Walker founded a Sunday School. He was also responsible for developing the Whitsuntide anniversary services. Another noteworthy innovation during Rev. Walker's pastorate was the founding of a day school in 1806. This school was then over a long period, sustained by the generous support of Miss Furnell, whose good works extended beyond education, but to also clothing many of the children. The success of her efforts may be judged by the fact that in 1856 there was a school register of 60 scholars.

Through successive ministries the chapel continued steadily in its work. Which was extended in 1908 by the erection of the Sonning Common Hall.

The second World War overshadowed the period just before the 150th Anniversary, and deferred long laid plans for extensive restoration. During this period the church provided a welcome to numerous people from the evacuation areas, and through them links were formed with other fellowships, which continued for many years. During these years a regular consignment of toys brought by Peppard's children to the annual Toy Service were sent to Lewisham Congregational Church for distribution by the Crossways Mission in London. Another wartime connection was with the evacuees who came to Peppard on the day war broke out. Most of them were Jews and they were very concerned about their worship on the Sabbath. The Church was offered to them to worship on Saturday afternoons and for several months, with permission from the Chief Rabbi and following their religious service, the Rev. Thomas Wilson became a temporary Rabbi. He even conducted their Day of Atonement service.

After the war, plans for the restoration were again made, and a Restoration Fund was started following the 150th Anniversary. This occasion was made even more of a celebration due to the fact that the war in Europe had ended only weeks before. The restoration consisted of the old church Kitchen a one time classroom in the day school, and the Manse outhouse being demolished, and a more up-to-date kitchen and garage erected, with a covered way to the Church and Manse. Following this, extensive improvements were carried out in the Burial Ground. Trees were removed, and a new plot laid out. The main approach to the ground was widened, old dilapidated buildings removed and a new fence erected.

In 1959 the old pipe organ was replaced by a two-manual electronic organ at a cost of £620.

In 1963 main drainage became available and with the help from the Trustees, the properties were connected, which included the Church and Manse, Froyle Cottage and Woodside Cottage.

In 1970 a meeting of the Trustees and Church members was held to discuss the future of Sonning Common Hall. This building was used for a Sunday evening service and the Sunday School on a Sunday afternoon, and various local bodies used it during the week. It was beginning to deteriorate rapidly and needed a lot of money to be spent on it to modernise it. The Church did not have the funds available, so it was decided to sell it and use the money to improve the Church buildings. The old tortoise stoves in the Church and the Schoolroom were taken out and overhead electric heating installed and the necessary redecoration carried out.

Sadly after 42 years of service to the Lord the Rev. Thomas Wilson passed away peacefully on the 14th August 1976.

During the next nine years a new Minister was sought. The last three years of this period the Church was led by Mr. Jim Brewer of Caversham assisted by his wife.

In 1985 Rev. Michael Collins accepted the Pastorate and he and his wife Hazel took up residence in the Manse. In November 1990 Rev. Michael Collins had a call to a Church in Staffordshire and he and Hazel said farewell in January 1991 after six happy years in the service of the Lord at Peppard.

In the Summer of 1991 the Rev. Philip Cheale accepted the Pastorate. He had been a missionary in Sierra Leone and Liberia for 20 years. He and his family moved into the Manse in October 1991

Philip has revitalised the Church. Congregations have increased and new members have been welcomed. The Manse is once again a truly family home. A lot of work has been completed on the premises including an extension to the house, new kitchen facilities, toilets, Sunday School room and a Church office.

We thank God for his guidance over the life of this Church.