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The
Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard 3 Jan 1863
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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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