Restoration 2

 

Friends of St Mary's Church, Cricklade, Wiltshire, U.K.

 

Chairman: Hugh Dudley, 4 Pleydells, Cricklade, SWINDON, SN6 6NG

Secretary: Gerry Dudley, 4 Pleydells, Cricklade, SWINDON, SN6 6NG

Treasurer: Tony Barratt, 13 Boundary Close, Stratton, SWINDON, SN2 7TF

 

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The Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard 3 Jan 1863

 

RESTORATION OF THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST. MARY. --- It gives us great pleasure to learn from a circular which we have received, that the work of restoring this ancient church has now almost reached completion, and that it is proposed to re-open it, on Wednesday next, the 7th of January. The morning service will commence at a quarter before eleven o'clock, and the sermon will be preached by the Rev. Charles Kemble, rector of Bath; after which the Holy Communion will be administered. The evening service will commence at half-past six o'clock; the sermon will be preached by the Rev. H. G. Baily, Vicar of Swindon. Collections will be made after the morning and evening service, and also at the offertory, towards liquidating the debt incurred by repairing and restoring the church. We have just inspected the church for the first time for several months, and have been unusually gratified by the successful result of the labour which has been expended upon, the work. Everything has been done in accordance with the most perfect taste; all relics of "Churchwardens' Gothic " have been destroyed, and what was a year ago a 'mass of mouldering woodwork, and crumbling stone, of ricketty galleries and irregular pews, now presents the most finished specimen of what a country church should ever be. The sentiment which was expressed many years ago by a dignitary of the church, still surviving, who is abundantly qualified to form, an opinion, has been fully verified, that with money, care, and taste this little church "might be made a perfect gem." We have no hesitation in declaring that in our opinion it has been made a "perfect gem," and that; it reflects the highest credit upon the taste and skill of the architect, Mr. Galpin, of Oxford, a pupil of the celebrated Pugin; and upon the builder, Mr. Smith, of Highworth. We understand that the expense has been very great, and we earnestly trust that those or our readers who are unable to be present on the occasion of the opening, and to give their donations in person, will not fail to forward the same to the rector, in aid of this well-executed work. We are glad to state that the result of our former appeal in behalf of this church was satisfactory, and we trust that our present appeal may meet with a cordial response. The time for the re-opening has been well selected for the commencement of the new year, as such a season is peculiarly adapted to call forth the liberality of all, as thank-offerings for being spared to enjoy another "happy new year".

 

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