Bohemia Village Voice

 

S. Peter’s Church,

ST LEONARDS-ON-SEA

AN HISTORICAL SKETCH

 

AN HISTORICAL ACCOUNT

OF

THE CHURCH OF S. PETER

ST LEONARDS-ON-SEA

 

By

ALFRED MORRIS

 

LONDON

JORDAN & SONS, LIMITED

 

FOREWORD.

 

A PAROCHIAL COUNCIL of S. Peter’s St Leonards-on Sea, met on April 6^th, 1921 ; and on opening the proceedings the Right Rev. Bishop Andrews, Vicar, stated that no continuous record of the parish existed. To prevent its history passing into oblivion he suggested that a record should be made, and mentioned the name of the writer as qualified for the task. The name was received with such an outburst of approval that refusal would be indeed ungracious. Hence the issue of this story of S. Peter’s.

 

AN HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF THE CHURCH OF S. PETER.

 

THE SITE.

Once upon a time the whole district, which now includes three parishes, was known as the parish of S. Mary Magdalen. It is not easy to account for this title as the Parish Church, whose site is now beneath the sea, was dedicated to S. Margaret, but a Religious House, dedicated to S. Mary Magdalen, stood where De Cham Avenue now is, and eventually its title came to be applied to the parish once dedicated to S. Margaret.

It is interesting to note that the census returns of 1821 show this area as having thirteen houses and a population of eighty-seven. Not so long ago the site of S. Peter’s Church and its surroundings were entirely rural. Cornfield Terrace was truly named, for a pathway separated its houses from cornfields that sloped to a picturesque valley, through which a little stream trickled beneath stately trees towards the sea. There were no buildings in London Road, and “Dudeney’s Wood” occupied the the site of Gensing Gardens. A hedge skirted Bohemia Road, ending at a five-barred gate where Chapel Park Road now begins. The spot afforded beautiful views of Beachy Head and Pevensey Bay and of “Tivoli Mill” standing as a sentinel amid the corn. Eventually roads were cut in all directions and building operations begun. Then it was that the worthy site for Church and Church Buildings was purchased from the Governors of the Magdalen Charity, that for the former being conveyed to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners in June 1883, and that for the latter as late as December 9^th 1892.

 

BULIDING ARRANGEMENTS

The present parish was originally part of that of S. Pauls’s, whose first Rector, the Rev. Henry Robinson, worked with untiring zeal, especially in the Bohemia district. By his instrumentality S. Paul’s Schools were built, one of them so that it could be converted into a Chapel for Sunday services conducted by the Rev. F. A. Macdona, who afterwards became Vicar of S. Clement’s Halton. It soon became evident this arrangement could not serve the increasing needs of the district. Then it was that Miss Blanche E. Elliot placed in the hands of the Rev. Forbes E. Winslow, second Rector of S. Paul’s the sum of £11,000 for building the church, stipulating that it should be for ever free and unappropriated. This provision accords with the saintly Herbert’s line, “All equal are within the Church’s gate.” All that makes for distinction in God’s house is contrary to His will (Jas. ii, 1-4).

A second stipulation was that there should be no evening celebrations of the Holy Communion. Concerning this, it may be stated, such services are of recent date, ignore the universal rule of fasting Communion and are contrary to the custom of the whole Church.

The third stipulation was that the Church should be used as occasion offered for daily and saint’s day services. This accords with the Prayer Book direction: “The Curate that ministereth in every Parish Church or Chapel, being at home, and not being otherwise reasonably hindered shall say the same (i.e. Morning and Evening Prayer) in the parish church or chapel, where he ministereth, and shall cause a bell to be tolled thereunto a convenient time before he begins, that the people may come to hear God’s Word and to pray with him.”

As to the TITLE of the proposed Church, not much consideration was needed. In days of old June 29^th was known as the Feast of S. Peter and S. Paul, and many ancient churches are so dedicated. Thus the original parish would in a sense be under the patronage of S. Peter and S. Paul by the new parish formed from it having S. Peter for its Patron Saint, and accordingly the building came to be S. Peter’s Church.

Its ARCHITECT was an eminent F.R.I.B.A., the late Mr. James Brook. Some of the finest churches in London were built by him, among them being: S. Saviour’s, Hoxton; S. Columba’s, Haggerston; S. Michael’s, Shoreditch; The Ascension, Lavender Hill; S. John the Baptist’s, Holland Park; and Hornsey Parish Church.

He, imagining the sum advanced would be augmented from other sources, produced a design, which, among other things, included a central spire, transept and pinnacles. As this did not happen, his magnificent plans had to be modified to accord with the sum advanced, but, for all that, the internal grandeur of the original design was retained, the church manifesting the dignity and impressiveness which characterise the Architect’s other buildings.

The FOUNDATION STONE was laid by Mrs., afterwards Lady, Brassey, on August 4^th 1883. Great interest was manifested in the growth of the structure, and grateful hearts rejoiced in the completion of this House of God, to stand as His witness, the spiritual home of His people, and the means of consecrating the homes around it.

It may be recorded here that at a Vestry Meeting held April 18^th, 1900, the Vicar announced that the Foundress had given a sum of £3,300, to which the Ecclesiastical Commissioners added £700, as an ENDOWMENT, the income derived to be paid in perpetuity to the Vicar.

 

THE FABRIC

The structure is mainly Early English, but the west window of the nave, and the east windows of the chapels are in the style of the Decorated period. A commodious porch is at the south-west. Receding from the north aisle is the BAPTISTRY. This was given by Miss Ellis, and is “Dedicated to the Honour and Glory of God, and in affectionate remembrance of one who has entered into rest.” The Font, the gift of Misses Jones, of Stockleigh House, is formed of one block of black marble, and the Ewer was given by Miss Elliott, of Addlestone.

The NAVE is distinguished by its large clerestory windows. The chancel steps are of Sussex fossilated marble. A dwarf screen of marble separates the chancel from the nave, brass gates giving an entrance. An “ambo” is formed at each end of the screen. In the earliest times churches had probably only one of these, but later one was placed on each side, that to the north being reserved for the Holy Gospel, and that on the south for the Epistle. By analogy, the First Lesson came to be read from the latter, and the Second Lesson from that on the north. The north ambo, used as a pulpit, was given by Sir Charles A. Elliot, K.C.S.I.

The depth and width of the CHANCEL, special points in all the Architect’s buildings, accord with, and intensify, the dignity of the rest of the building.

The SANCTUARY, with its east wall of marble, is rendered especially beautiful by its inspiring REREDOS, the work of “Hems of Exeter.” It was given by the Foundress and the Rev. A. B. Cotton. A special Vestry Meeting was held May 7^th 1894, to express approval of, and authorize the petition for a Faculty for its erection. The thanks of the meeting were cordially given to the donors. From a description of the gift written by Mr. Cotton the following is quoted:- “In its main feature it is a reproduction of probably the most ancient existing representation in scripture of Our Lord on the Cross, namely, that at Lucca, which tradition assigns to Nicodemus as author. The Figure of Our Lord is draped in the priestly robe and ‘girt about the paps with a golden girdle,’ as described in the Book of Revelation ; the Head is crowned, not with thorns, but a royal diadem. On each side and in canopy work above are representatives of the heavenly host who stand about the Throne, and at the foot of the Cross are two angels holding between them a chalice signifying the gifts to mankind and the fruits of the Incarnation.” The whole accords with an early reading of Ps. xcvi, 10: “Tell it out among the heathen that the Lord reigneth from the Tree.”

According to the plans, there are two CHAPELS. That to the north, notwithstanding the protests of the Architect, has become a vestry. The Lady Chapel on the south is an additional enrichment of the building, which throughout makes for solemnity, raising the spirit of reverence and impressing on each who enters the truth that “God is more here than thou.”

 

THE CONSECRATION

On S. Peter’s Day, June 29^th, 1885, the Church was solemnly set apart for holy worship. It was consecrated by Bishop Durnford, the ninety-third occupant of the see. Though he was then eighty-four, yet he was full of vigour, mental and physical. He died ten years later, greatly beloved. Consecration Services have been liturgically improved since that date. On this occasion the service consisted of the Dedication of the Church, full Mattins, and the Service of Holy Communion. At Mattins, the First Lesson was read by the Rev. H. Robinson, and the Second by Canon Cross, D.C.L., the first Vicar of Holy Trinity, Hastings. The Bishop celebrated, “standing at the north side of the Communion Table,” as the Form of Service directed. Dr. Cross read the Epistle, Eph. ii, 13, and Prebendary Clarke, Rector of Bexhill, the Holy Gospel, John ii, 13-18. At Evening at 7.30, the Rev. H. Robinson preached on Acts iv, 13. During the Octave the preachers were: The Rev. Von Essen Scott, Rev. Canon Whelpton, Rev. Prebendary H. D. Jones, Rev. F. A. Macdona, Rev. C. L. Vaughn.

 

THE PARISH

“The law’s delay” has certainly been perplexing since Shakespeare’s days, and it was certainly so in connection with S. Peter’s. Though consecrated in 1885, the necessary legalities by which its Parish was established were not finished till the autumn of 1890. The Church in the meantime was merely a Chapel of S. Paul’s with Mr. Pritchard and Mr. John Bray acting as quasi Churchwardens. The Parish being formed, the Priest appointed became its Vicar. The title implies, doing duty on behalf of another. The Rector of S. Paul’s had been the spiritual head of the whole district, hence the Priest appointed to S. Peter’s took over the duties the Rector has previously performed in that part of the original parish, acting for him, that is, vicariously, and thus becoming Vicar.

The first Vestry Meeting was held on October 30^th, 1890, when Messrs. Randell and Bray were elected Churchwardens, and the documents and books relating to the newly formed parish were handed to them.

 

THE CHURCH HALL

To the north of the Church stands the excellent Church Hall, a centre of continuous activities. The parish will always be grateful to the Rev. A. B. Cotton for his generous help in its first years. The Hall was built at his expense, and will always stand as his memorial.

It was dedicated, December 19^th, 1891. In the service these prayers were used:-

“Almighty and Merciful God, graciously bow down Thine ear to the petitions of Thy humble servants, hallow with the might of Thy blessing this Parish House, and grant that when it shall be used for the instruction of Thy children, the gift of Thy grace may be vouchsafed to all who come to learn within it, that they may grow up in Thy faith and fear, and obtain remission of all their sins, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

“O God the Holy Ghost, pour down, we pray Thee, Thy mercy upon this place, that it may be blest and hallowed by Thy Presence ; that nothing may be said or done therein that shall be displeasing to Thee, but that all who come here, for what purpose soever, may seek to do all things to Thy honour and glory, and that all our works may be begun, continued and ended in Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

 

THE VICARAGE.

As soon as S. Peter’s was formed into a separate Parish, steps were taken for building a Vicarage, and immediately generous offerings were made for the purpose. These included £500 from Miss Mirrlees, £500 from “A Parishioner” (the Rev. A. B. Cotton), and £100 from Sir C. A. Elliot. Thus, with other gifts, the sum of £1,431 was raised. While the Parish Hall was being built a committee was formed to raise the £569 to make up the £2,000 required. The Bishop and Canon H. D. Jones were among the subscribers. The Vicarage was built, and the three edifices, Church, Church Hall, and Vicarage stand as symbols of spiritual, social and domestic life.

 

THE LYCH GATE

To the south of the church is the Lych Gate – the “gate of the dead.” It is so called because it is the place where the dead and the mourners await the coming of “the priests and the clerks” to head the funeral procession to the Church.

It was appropriately dedicated on All Souls’ Day, 1891, by Archdeacon Mount. The Statue of S. Peter over the porch was dedicated at the same time. Trestles for funerals have been given lately. They are inscribed: “To the Glory of God and in memory of 21 years in connection with the Church of S. Peter. Presented by F. T. Kilby, Sidesman, June, 1920.”

 

THE WINDOWS

The Church lends itself admirably to the glories of stained glass, and it is not difficult to imagine its increased magnificence should the time come when its west and clerestory windows depict some of those “who through faith wrought righteously.” The great EAST WINDOW at once attracts attention. Its cost of nearly £1,000 was raised by subscriptions, the Foundress again making a generous contribution.

It is a “Te Deum” window. Our Lord appears as “The King of Glory” amid celestial worshippers. In the central light is S. Michael, armed as the Defender of the Holy Catholic Church (Rev. xii, 7). In the left light is S. Gabriel, the Angel of the Presence of God and of the Incarnation of Him Who is “the Head of the Body, the Church” (Col. i, 18). Opposite on the right, is S. Raphael, the Angel of Guidance and Healing, bearing his symbol, the fish, by which he restored sight to Tobit (Tobit vi, 38, xi, 13). Beneath S. Gabriel, “The Goodly Fellowship of the Prophets” is represented by Moses, Isaiah, Daniel, Ezekiel and Jeremiah. To the right of those comes “The Glorious Company of the Apostles,” represented by S. Peter, S. John, S. Matthew, S. Andrew and S. James. The group of “The Noble Army of Martyrs” is to the right of the central light, and includes S. Catherine, S. Paul, S. Alban, S. Agatha and S. Stephen. To the right of these, as representing “The Holy Church throughout all the World,” are S. Gregory, S. Ambrose, S. Paulinus, S. Augustine of Hippo and the Venerable Bede. Beneath the figure of S. Michael are two angels bearing emblems of the Passion, and testifying of Him Who has “overcome the sharpness of death.”

The LADY CHAPEL WINDOWS were given by the Foundress. That to the east shows in its upper parts adoring cherubs, the central light the Worship of the Magi, left of it the Annunciation, and to the right, the Presentation in the Temple. The five lights  of the south side commemorate those associated with the Holy Mother, namely, S. Elizabeth, her cousin; S. John “who took her to his own home” ; S. Joseph, her spouse; S. Anne, her mother; and S. Joachim, her Father.

The BAPTISTRY WINDOWS are thus arranged:-

Left. The Spirit moving upon the Waters. The Flood. Moses bringing Water from the Rock. Crossing Jordan.

Centre. Naaman Healed. The Circumcision. Our Lord’s Baptism. Christ blessing little Children.

Right. The Eunuch Baptised. S. Paul Baptised. Lydia’s Household Baptised. Philippian Jailer’s Household Baptised.

The west window of the NORTH AISLE commemorates the Reign of Queen Victoria. Its fanciful figures of Peace and Victory do not entirely accord with the other windows. Passing up the aisle, a window given by the Sunday School Children presents Our Lord as the Good Shepherd, and as blessing the children. The two lights of the next window show Our Lord as The Vine and The Bread of Life. It is inscribed: “To the Glory of God, and in Loving Memory of Emily Edwards, Widow of Colonel Blanchard. Died Jan. 23^rd, 1904, aged 85.”

A pathetic story is connected with the next window, given by the first Vicar, whose family it concerns. It shows our Lord declaring to Martha, “I am the Resurrection and the Life.” Its inscription is: “To the Glory of God and in Grateful Memory of Margaret Hallett, who was drowned trying to save a child’s life, June 2^nd, 1909.”

Coming down the SOUTH AISLE, the first window shows S. George, the Patron Saint of England, and S. Alban, the Proto-Martyr of England. It is inscribed: “A.M.D.G., and in Mem. of Phyllis Beatrice Drury. Ob. Oct. 8,1905. Lux æterna luceat et.” In the next window one light shows S. Columba, Abbot of Iona, died 597. One of its monks, S. Aidan, was largely instrumental in the conversion of the north of England. The glass was inserted in memory of Surgeon-Major MacMunn, R.A., who died in 1908. The other light depicts S. Augustine, first Archbishop of Canterbury, and is in memory of twenty-four worshippers at S. Peter’s, now called to higher life, and whose names appear on a brass below. The next window represents S. Wilfred, the Apostle of Sussex, and its first Bishop, who died in 709; and S. Hilda, the famous Abbess of Whitby, who died in 680. The window is inscribed: “To the Glory of God, in Loving Memory of Jane Colbeck. Obit. April 9, 1907.”

A small window over the west door pictures our Lord giving the charge to the Patron Saint: “Feed My Sheep.”

The windows of the porch are designed to represent the Theological Virtues; only two, Charity and Hope, are filled in.

It may be noted here that both Alters have painted panels. The central panel of the High Altar shows our Lord vested as a priest in alb and crossed stole, the left panels have S. Peter and S. John, and the right S. Paul and S. Andrew. The other altar very beautifully depicts the Virgin and Child, with adoring angels offering incense.

 

MEMORIALS

On the north side of the sanctuary a brass is inscribed: “Ad Majoram Dei Gloria et in Memoriam Raymond Percy Pelly, A. M. Sacerdos. Obit. Oct. 16, 1911. Aet. 70. R.I.P.” And also one other, with the inscription; “Ad Majoram Dei Gloria, et in Piam Memoriam Samuel Stead. A.M. Inter Indos olim Archdeaconi. Kal. Jul. Anno Salutis MCMXII et suo 84. Via, Veritas, Vita.”

On the west wall is a brass “To the Memory of George Randell, for many years a Warden of this Church, and Head Master of S. Paul’s School. He fell asleep, Jan. 22, 1907.”

By the west entrance is one more memorial, inscribed: “To the Glory of God and in ever Loving Memory of Mable Anney Clark, whose earthly life ended July 3, 1915, the Bell of this Church is dedicated. O Praise God in His Sanctuary.”

Violet Frontals for the Altars were given, while Mr. Streatfeild was Vicar, in memory of a sister, the Lady Chapel Lectern is inscribed: “A.M.D.G. et P.M. W. et G. Anderson, 1909.”

The Pulpit Crucifix is in memory of Mr. Alexander, and the hangings in the Lady Chapel are memorials to his widow.

The Altar Book is inscribed: “To the Glory of God and in Memory of Jesse Smith of S. John the Baptist Watch. S.W.W. Presented by Friends, Jan 1911, to S. Peter’s Church, S. Leonards-on-Sea.”

The sets of richly worked Stoles in use were given in memory of Canon Pelly, already referred to, who, on his retirement from Malvern, gave ready help in the services, as did also Archdeacon Stead.

The beautiful silk Vestments are memorials of Mr. A. C. Milton, for seven years Warden of the Church. His family thus perpetuate his memory, and many hold him in affectionate remembrance. He was a generous benefactor, and an earnest Churchman. He passed to his rest, Dec. 2nd, 1918.

The Book-case in the Lady Chapel is in memory of Frederick Crockford, a popular member of the Men’s Club. It is the work of its members.

The Processional Crucifix of silver-bronze is a sister’s gift in memory of her brother.

 

Further particulars of the Church may now be given in connection with its VICARS.

 

REV. F. G. HUGHES

The Foundress nominated the Rev. F. G. Hughes, M.A., of DownCollege, Cambridge and Senior Curate of S. Paul’s, to be the first Incumbent. Later she made over the right of presentation to the Lord Bishop of the Diocese, who is thus Patron of the Living.

A ten days’ Mission made the autumn of 1891 memorable. All the Churches of the two towns had a part in it, and each day from Nov. 14^th to Nov. 24^th large congregations were gathered for the services at S. Peter’s. The Missioner was the Rev. H. T. Valentine, and his earnest teaching and wonderful influence did much for the spiritual uplifting of the people.

On Nov. 2^nd, 1900, a Branch of the Church of England Men’s Society was formed. This did good work in its time. It held on languidly during the Great War, when other local branches died out. After the War, new rules, increased fees, no federation, and lack of interest, combined to make its continuance impossible, and it ended January 5^th, 1921. Its Hon. Secretaries had been the Rev. H. S. Dudding, the Rev. H. J. Ludwig, Mr. Cornwall S. Bailey and Mr. Alfred Morris.

The costly Screen, of oak, iron and glass, enclosing the North Chapel for a Vestry, was erected in the earlier period of Mr. Hughes’ ministry.

The Assistant Clergy working with him were the Revs. B. Lethbridge, H. S. Dudding, E. P. Hood and H. J. Ludwig, who died soon after the induction of the second Vicar.

In 1902 the Bishop appointed Mr. Hughes to the Rectory of Slinfold, and he went from this Parish with universal expressions of regard. He is still affectionately remembered. All who came in contact with him were the better for it, and his genial manner, unfailing kindliness, unostentatious goodness and devotion to duty, endeared him to all.

 

THE REV. W. C. STREATFEILD

The Bishop appointed as second Vicar the Rev. W.C. Streatfeild, M.A., of Pembroke College, Cambridge, and Vicar of Amberley. He was instituted on Trinity Sunday, May 25^th, 1902. His energy was untiring, and manifested itself in many directions, both in the Parish and in local affairs, especially in educational matters. He was a great organizer, formed clubs for men and boys and strengthened the branches of the C.E.M.S., G.F.S. and C.E.T.S.

His preaching was widely popular, while it was clear and decided in the enunciation of Church truth. He was great also in social doings. By his efforts the district adjoining S. Paul’s Road was brought into the Parish, thus making its boundary more regular. The trust deeds prevented the schools becoming nominally those of the parish, but the S. Peter’s Clergy, as well as those of S. Paul’s, share in the religious instruction of the children, while the Vicar of S. Peter’s is the Chairman of the Managers. During Mr. Streatfeild’s incumbency the last member of the Brisco family died, and bequeathed £1,000 for the benefit of the poor of the parish. By the management of Mr. John Bray, and the legal help of Mr. C. P. Baily, the sum was advantageously invested, giving continued help to the Sick and Poor Fund. Through the Vicar’s instrumentality the great east window, already described, was filled with coloured glass. A large sum was also raised for the building of vestries, Mr Churchwarden Milton being a munificent subscriber. Plans on somewhat elaborate lines were accepted, involving the removal of the present vestry screens and the making of an entrance where the top window of the north aisle now is – an alteration that might, perhaps, have detracted from the symmetrical beauty of the Church. As subscriptions came in they were invested, but so serious a depression of stock followed, that realization would mean substantial loss. Thus the vestries await erection. Probably when the history of S. Peter’s is taken up again, the record of their building on less ambitious lines will be made.

Mr. Streatfeild had so endeared himself to the people that the whole parish rang out with regret when it was known that the Bishop had chosen him to be Vicar of Eastbourne, though warm congratulations were offered on his accepting so important a post, which carries with it the patronage of three Eastbourne Churches, and they were further extended when he became a Prebendary of Chichester. He has returned to his old parish to preach occasionally. His genial temperament and ready help in all cases needing it still keep him in grateful remembrance.

The clergy assisting in his work, besides the Rev. H. J. Ludwig, were the Revs. A. T. S. Talbot, E. P. Ferris, and A. T. Wordsworth.

 

THE REV. C. A. STURGES-JONES.

The succeeding Vicar was the Rev. C. A. Sturges-Jones, M.A., of KebleCollege, Oxford, and WellsTheologicalCollege, Rector of Brightling. He was instituted and inducted Feb. 20^th, 1911. The ten years of his ministry were indeed eventful both for Church and nation.

In the first place Bishop Ridgeway arranged to hold a General Diocesan Synod, so called. According to instructions, the communicants of S. Peter’s assembled to elect four representatives, their choice falling on Messrs. Egglestone, Mantle, Morris and Stapley, and these duly attended at Brighton on May 12^th and 13^th, 1914. The following year the Synod was held in sections, that for this part of the diocese meeting at the Public Hall on October 3^rd.

On August 4^th, 1914, our country entered into the GREAT WAR, which brought in a period of over four years full of stress, anxiety and sorrow. The Church had to be heavily insured against air raids, the glory of its windows was diminished, and the darkness of night made journeys to evening services difficult.

For months the men in training filled the town, and our Church Hall was offered them as a social club, many of the congregation giving willing help in connection with it.

Later on the military authorities took over the Hall, with the result that the various organisations of the parish could not carry on ; but the Sunday School held on, S. Paul’s Schools being lent for the purpose. All through the weary years not a day passed without special intercessions being made at 12.30 for the King, the Empire, and the Forces.

In the second year of the War, a Communicants’ Roll was drawn up, meetings and services being held from time to time for strengthening the spiritual life of its members. At one of these, Mr. Alfred Morris, gave the first lay address in the Church, May 30^th, 1916. He also gave two addresses in preparation for the National Mission, and a course on the Wednesday evenings of Lent, 1920.

The National Mission was held in the week beginning Nov. 19^th, 1916. It was conducted by the Rev. R. H. Dominichetti (now Markham), Vicar of S. Thomas’s, Hove. One outcome of the mission, both here and elsewhere, was to make the Holy Eucharist the chief service on Sunday, in accordance with the mind of the Church of England and, in fact, with that of the whole Church from the very beginning . The spirit of worship was raised by this change. For the first time the Patronal Festival of 1920 was marked by a Solemn Celebration at 11.

From the first the Vicar fully set forth the Faith, and early in his ministry the Eucharistic Vestments were adopted, and many gifts, some already mentioned, added to the glory of the Church, providing the requirements of “the Ornaments’ Rubric.” Mr. H. W. Southgate, who had been a reverent Sacristan, on removing from the town gave the six alter candlesticks now in use, thus adding to those the Rev. A. B. Cotton supplied when the Church was opened. The generous donor of the violet frontals gave the beautiful banner of S. Peter, the Chancel carpet, and the screen separating the Choir from the Lady Chapel. A member of the choir gave the brocaded silk cope, and white and red frontals for the High Altar. A white frontal had been presented previously for the Lady Chapel Altar, which was then arranged according to the Old English style. Its dorsal was worked and given by Mrs. Kenneth Lott. The curtains for the High Altar and the standard lights before it are wonderful improvements.

The Great War ended November 11^th, 1918, and at once steps were taken to arrange for a Memorial of those connected with the parish who had made the supreme sacrifice to secure our freedom. Funds readily came in, and as a result the beautiful Churchyard Crucifix stands to tell of the love of Him Who, for our Salvation, endured the Cross and overcame Death.

“ Victor He rose ; victorious too shall rise, They who have drunk His cup of sacrifice.”

An arresting Tablet on the wall of the south aisle records the seventy-nine names of those who, from our midst, passed “through battle-flame” to their reward. The Memorial was dedicated by the Ven. B. G. Hoskyns, then Archdeacon of Hastings, on November 22^nd, 1919, in a service of deep solemnity.

A Chaplain being required for the School of the Sisters of the Holy Family, it was arranged that he should hold the office in conjunction with a curacy at S. Peter’s. Thus the parish had two Assistant-Priests, the Rev. C. A. Weeks and the Rev. G. H. Hackett, each doing much in the furtherance of true religion. Unfortunately the exigencies of war allowed but one Assistant-Priest, and Mr. Hackett’s departure was a very great loss.

The ENABLING BILL was passed in 1919, and S. Peter’s Electoral Roll was drawn up. Its members met on April 4^th, 1920, to elect the first Parochial Council and representatives for the first Diocesan Conference. Mr. Alfred Morris and Mr. E. A. Stapley were elected for the Conference, the former stipulating to hold the office only for the year. The Conference was held at Brighton, October 13^th, 1920. The first Parochial Council met, September 30^th, 1920, when Mr. Young was appointed Vice-Chairman and Mr. Garland Hon. Sec. It was at this meeting that the Vicar announced his acceptance of the offer of the living of S. John the Baptist, Garboldisham, Norfolk. No parish priest could be more devoted and self-sacrificing than he, and it was hard to part with a friend so real and well-tried as he had been. He preached his last sermon as Vicar, November 14^th, 1920. The assistant clergy of his time were the Revs. A. T. Wordsworth, G. F. Helm (who while serving as Chaplain was wounded. He is now Vicar of S. Anne’s, Lambeth), G. P. A. Acworth, G. H. Hackett, and C. A. Weeks (now Vicar of Hooe).

 

THE RIGHT REV. BISHOP ANDREWS.

The Diocesan, Dr. Burrows, appointed as fourth Vicar the Right Rev. Walter Andrews, D.D. of S. John’s College, Cambridge. For some forty years he had been a devoted missionary in Japan, and on S. Andrew’s Day, 1909, was consecrated in Westminster Abbey Bishop of Hokkaido. On resigning he was for a short time Vicar of S. Bartholomew’s, Chichester. He was instituted and inducted at S. Peter’s, Dec. 14^th, 1920. His first meeting of the Parochial Council, already alluded to, was held on April 6^th, 1921, when Mr. Staply and Mr. Weatherseed were elected for the Diocesan Conference. The new Vicar’s Episcopal rank at once added to the dignity of the services, especially in pontificating and in processions. An extension of ceremonial on Old English lines manifested itself in the eastward position for the Glorias, and by the use of Gospel and Processional lights. A Sanctus bell has been brought into use ; a red lamp before the Lady Chapel Altar adds to solemnity ; and the Blessed Sacrament is reserved – “The Lord is in His Holy Temple ; let all the earth keep silence before Him” (Hab. ii, 20).

Additional candlesticks have been given and two copes, one for penitential services, and a red one used at the Patronal Festival of 1921. A violet mitre was given by one of the servers, who was also instrumental in providing a Banner of the Incarnation.

On Good Friday, 1921, a large congregation gathered at the Memorial Crucifix, and, after devotions, a procession, led by Cross-bearer, Choir, and Clergy, advanced from it through the streets of the parish, singing hymns and litanies. Seven stations were made, the Bishop giving four of the addresses, and the Rev. C. A. Weeks the remainder.

That year a new departure was made with regard to the Patronal Festival, which was held in connection with the missionary work of the Church. On certain days of the Octave, clergy of the neighbourhood gave addresses on the particular districts in which each had worked as a missionary. They were: the Rev. W. McLean, Vicar of S. John’s, Hollington, on India ; the Rev. H. B. Cole, Rector of S. Clement’s, on South Africa ; the Rev. C. Frewer, Rector of Brede, on Zanzibar ; and the Bishop, on Japan.

 

MUSIC.

The first Organist was Mr. Bertram Bray, his choir being transferred from the School Chapel. The second was Mr. White, in whose time Miss Cuthbert, A.R.C.M., L.R.A.M., voluntarily gave her services as Choir trainer, bringing the boys to a very high degree of excellence. Under her direction various gentlemen presided at the organ, among them being Mr. H. Robinson and Mr. Elvy Cope, A.R.C.O. Miss Cuthbert became Organist on Mr. Cope’s retirement. The services were of the Cathederal type, the “Ely Confession” was used, there were no liturgical processions, but a choral march in and out marked the festivals. There was a Choral Eucharist once a month, Stainer’s perversion of Merbecke being used. Under the Rev. G. P. A. Acworth the choir made a great musical advance. He was a skilled musician, and, as Precentor, created the traditions which have been followed ever since. Miss Cuthbert retired, and her many years of self-sacrificing work are gratefully remembered. Mr. L. E. Batts, whom she had trained as deputy, succeeded. The Choral Eucharist, sung to Merbecke as originally written, has become so familiarised that the people take their proper share in the service. In fact, at all the services the singing has become eminently congregational.

During the time of the first two Vicars, S. Peter’s had its Orchestral Society initiated by the Rev. B. Lethbridge. Mr. F. W. Maggs, who occasionally presided at the organ, and is now Hon. Organist of ChristChurch, Blacklands, eventually became its conductor.

Mr. H. V. Batts, F.R.C.O., Organist of S. Mary Magdalen’s, and also his brother, the Organist of S. Peter’s, were solo boys under the training of Miss Cuthbert.

 

CHURCHWARDENS.

MR. G. RANDELL .. ..         1890-1906

MR. ALDERMAN BRAY .. 1890-1904

MR. W. G. CARPENTER ..  1904-1907

MR. A .C. MILTON ..           1906-1913

MR. H. B. STEPHENSON .. 1908-1909

MR. T. W. JONES ..              1909

MR. M. A. HORNIDGE ..     1913-1915

MR. E. A. STAPLEY ..         1915

 

CONCLUSION.

A pleasant task is done, and our story ends as the Church passes into its thirty-seventh year. Some day, no doubt, another scribe will continue its records from this date.

“ To the Honour and Glory of God this Church is offered by one of His children in humble thankfulness for many mercies. S. Peter’s Day, 1885.”

So runs the commemoration plate on the west wall, and surely in the years that have followed, God had been glorified in His Holy House, and many hearts have been uplifted in thankfulness for mercies afforded in it.

“ Walk about Sion, and go round about her, and tell the towers thereof ” (Ps. xlvii, 12). S. Peter’s is one of these, and its history is here written to “tell them that come after.”

S. Swithin, 1921.   A.M.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RELATED STORIES

St Peter’s Church Jubilee Patronal Festival, 1935  (includes ten photographs)