Churches - Bevendean History Project
Newspaper Articles for St Andrews Church 1928
GARDEN FETE AT MOULSECOMBE
A
large and enthusiastic meeting was held in the Moulsecombe Church Hall
on Tuesday to make preparations for a garden fete, which is to be held
on July 28.The fete promised is to be an outstanding event in the varied though short history of Moulsecombe. The Corporation of granted the use of the grounds of Moulsecombe Place, and the Mayor and Mayoress of Brighton (Alderman and Mrs Charles Kingston, have kindly promised to open the Fete.
Councillors Manton and Weller have thrown themselves with full vigour into the work. Various committees were formed, of which the chairman is the Rev. W. H. Carpenter; Mr B. W. Bachelor is honorary secretary, and Mr P. B. Abson treasurer.
It is hoped that the fete will make a substantial addition to St Andrew’s Church Building Fund.
Brighton & Hove Herald – 23 June 1928
CAMPAIGN OF CHURCH BUILDING
Provision for New and Growing Areas
Bishop and Prayer Book Situation
The
main event at this week’s meetings of the Chichester Diocesan
Council, held at the Dome on Tuesday and Wednesday, was the
inauguration of a great church building campaign in Sussex.Provision for New and Growing Areas
Bishop and Prayer Book Situation
Primarily the campaign is directed towards providing for the needs of new and growing districts in Sussex, and the Bishop of Chichester (Dr. Winfrid Burrows) has been requested to issue an appeal for £90,000. It is probable that this appeal will be issued, early next year.
During the discussion on the matter on Tuesday, the Bishop received two anonymous offers - one to give £50 a year for five years, and another to give £1.000 spread over five years.
Church music, increased education for the church electorate, and Diocesan finance were among the subjects discussed by the Council, and the Bishop made some important announcement in regard to the Prayer Book situation.
A shadow was cast over the meetings of the Council by the death of the Bishop of Lewes (Dr. T. W. Cook), to which reference made elsewhere. The late Bishop was greatly beloved by both clergy and laity, and on Wednesday morning the members met with a sense of deep personal loss.
Fifteen New Churches Needed
Reporting
on the results of the Commissions which have been considering new
church buildings in the diocese, the Bishop of Chichester said that the
inquiry showed that it is urgently necessary that within the next five
years fifteen new churches should be built; four existing churches
enlarged; nine halls built for temporary use as churches for public
worship and for other purposes; four parsonages built and thirteen
sites secured with a view to future development.His lordship urged that local effort alone could not suttee, and must be supplemented from outside. He expressed his conviction that if all the needs were to be met, they must have a large new ‘separate fund, which must be quite distinct from the Diocesan Fund.
Dr. Burrows confessed that he could not but look with dismay on the districts covered with new houses, but largely or inadequately, and sometimes totally un-provided with church buildings. He mentioned that for various reasons the Arch-deaconry of Hastings is making no request to share in the fund, and asked for the hearty co-operation of all Sussex church people in the effort to meet the needs.
Countess Brassey introduced the motion asking that the Bishop should be requested to issue an appeal for £90,000 to be collected within the next five years to meet the urgent need for new church building in the diocese.
An Example from the Past
Lady
Brassey pleaded that this generation, when it contemplated what had
seen done in the way of church-building by its forefathers, must try to
do what could to emulate the example set in the past. “I am
sure,” she said, “that there is plenty of money In Sussex
if it can only be turned into the right direction.”Canon A. C. W. Rose (Vicar of Brighton), to whose arrival in the diocese happy reference had been made by the Bishop, seconded the motion.
As an illustration of the needs, Canon Rose explained the requirements of the Rural Deanery of Brighton. He mentioned the familiar ease of St. Wilfred’s, Brighton, which still lacks a permanent church; and then drew attention to the situation at the Moulsecombe and North Moulsecombe housing estates of the Brighton Corporation. At Moulsecombe there is a temporary church and nothing more, while at North Moulsecombe there is nothing but a site for a church. At neither place is there a fee Church. The people of North Moulsecombe are doing their best, but they are, in general, poor people with families and help must be given from outside.
Canon Rose also referred to needs in the Parish of Rottingdean. He asked the Council not merely to pass the motion, but to back it, and expressed his hope that the appeal would not be left simply to the existing machinery.
Colonel Hornblower declared that the appeal was inopportune in view of the great needs unfulfilled oversees.
The Vicar of Hove (Canon Archdell Hill) and Sir George Courthope, M.P., warmly supported the motion. Canon Hill deprecated the spending of money on unnecessary improvements and decorations to existing churches until more urgent needs have been met.” He spoke of largely populated district in which the Church is doing nothing for the religious training at the children, and dwelt on the dangers of such children drifting into unbelief.
The motion was carried by an over-whelming majority.
The Prayer Book Situation
Referring
to the double rejection of the Prayer Book Measure by the House of
Commons, the Bishop announced that he is summoning the Sacred Synod of
the Diocese and the Chamber of Laity to meet at the beginning of next
month to give him “the benefit of their counsel as to what is to
be done in the present position of things.”The laity will meet on Saturday, November 3 at the Hove Town Hall, at 3 p.m., and the clergy will meet on Tuesday, November 6, at the Hove Parish Church at 11 a.m.
The Bishop is most anxious to hear what the clergy and laity think - “alike the extremists on both sides and central non-party people.” The meetings will be private.
The Bishop will put definite printed questions to the meetings, and will ask for written replies.
Alluding to the difficult position in which the Church finds itself at the present time, the Bishop said that he was not going to attempt to assign the blame for the present situation. “What we want is broad lines of policy to meet the facts and needs of the present situation. We are all weary of - is it too much to say are ashamed and disgusted with (applause) - the controversy and disputes. We want a truce from wordy arguments. But the Church’s work of bringing men’s souls to know and love and serve God must be carried on.”
His lordship pointed out that there are, in theory, four courses open to the Diocese:
(1) We may try to adhere rigidly, and persuade others to adhere rigidly, to the Prayer Book of 1862.
(2) We may abandon, for the time at any rate, all effort to secure order and obedience to authority, allowing the present divergence to go on, and no doubt to increase.
(3) We may attempt another revision of the Prayer Book as soon as possible.
(4) We may take the line suggested in the policy suggested by the majority of the Bishops.
Local Revision in the Parishes
In
regard to the second possible course, the Bishop said that at present
practically each parish priest revises the Prayer Book as he thinks
best, with or without formal consultation with his parishioners. In
other words, the Church may abdicate its authority over the services.As to the possibility of another revision, the Bishop said it is suggested that it should consist only of non-controversial proposals. “Apart from the difficulty, not to say the impossibility, of ascertaining what is or is not non-controversial, there is the yet graver objection, felt not by all, but by most Churchmen, to laying before the House of Common, such as it is in the twentieth century, proposals that would open the door to discussion in that place on the deepest questions of our Faith - for example, the Athanasian Creed. Of course, I may be mistaken, but I am convinced, beyond any doubt at all that whatever might have been attempted a year or two ago, such a proposal for a non-controversial Measure under the Enabling Act would be rejected by the Bishops and the House of Clergy - I think also by the House of Laity.”
With reference to the fourth course open in the Church, the Bishop mentioned that “The Times “ is generously reprinting the statement of the policy of the Bishops published on September 29, and that a copy of it would be sent with the notice summoning the members to the forthcoming meetings.
“The present situation, as I have said, often leads to the parish priests revising the services as they think best. From time to time they refer to the Bishop, and ask for leave to do this or that, whether in accordance with the Act of 1872 or going beyond it. That method, in my opinion, leaves too much in the hands alike of the individual priest and of the individual Bishop. Further, it may mean - I don’t say it often does mean - ignoring the laity of the parish. They have effective ways of expressing their views without having been formally consulted.” (Laughter)
Suggestions of the Bishops.
His lordship explained that it was suggested:(1) That the Deposited Book should be taken as a common standard for all dioceses a standard of the maximum deviation to be permitted. “This would restrain the peculiarities of the Individual Bishop.
(2) “That the consent of the laity, as represented by the Parochial Church Council, should be required for any such deviation; and
(3) That the moral influence of the rest of the Diocese should be brought to bear on the recalcitrant incumbent or parish.
“It must be particularly noticed that the policy suggested is carefully stated to be provisional, temporary, for the present time, until things can be put on a more satisfactory footing. It la not Intended that there should be a host of prosecutions, or the exercise of any other compulsory powers. What is meant is fatherly and brotherly pressure, more or less formal - but not legal proceedings in the Ecclesiastical Courts.
“No parish will be compelled to make any change in its services. All may go on exactly as the Prayer Book of 1662 orders, if they desire it. If priest and parish wish for any change, they must ask my consent, and an all normal cases, if the request falls within the limits defined in the Deposited Book, I shall grant it. If there results a grievance, it must be made known to me and I must do my best to secure peace.”
Closing with an appeal for earnest prayer on the matter, the Bishop added: “Let nothing be done, as St. Paul says, through ‘faction or vainglory’ - in a word, through party spirit.” (Applause)
“Younger Blood” and the “World Call”
The
“Infusion of some younger blood” into the Diocesan
Committees was one suggestion made in their report by the Diocesan
Missionary Committee, of which the Rev. F. H. D. Smythe is the
chairman, and the Rev. G. Haydn Evans the hon. secretary.“Those who are responsible for the movement known as ‘The World Call to the Church’ are being more and more impressed,” said the report, “by the fact that the Church is incapable of making an adequate response to that call, unless its spiritual life is quickened and deepened.”
The committee described the present time as “one of the most hopeful moments in the history of Christianity,’’ and urged that prayer without cessation will help towards an understanding of the greatness of the moment and the means of taking advantage of it.”
Social Conditions in the Diocese
“We
feel more convinced than ever that we ought to urge for the betterment
of the social conditions wherever it is proven that the welfare of our
people is suffering thereby,” said the Social Service Committee
in their annual report.“The committee desire to emphasise the tremendous importance of the home conditions of the people upon the moral character. Despite the really valiant effort of many public authorities to meet the housing need of the Diocese, the number of persons per room increases.”
Many farm labourers, the report stated, are put to great straits to find accommodation reasonably near to their work, and this situation was attributed partly to “the selfish appropriation of cottages by the well-to-do for week end of occasional use.”
On the proposal of the Rev. G. M. Hanks (hon. secretary of the Social Service Committee), the Ruridecanal and Parochial Church Councils were urged to consider the Acts in aid of housing, and especially the Rural Workers Act, 1926, with a view to co-operation with the authorities where possible.
“Breeze” Over Diocesan Finance
When,
at the close of an able review of the position of the diocesan finances
on Tuesday afternoon, Lieut.-Colonel A. F. Randolph, C.M.G., D.S.O.
(Chairman, of the Diocesan Board of Finance), named certain parishes
who have contributed little or nothing toward, the diocesan finances
during recent years, representatives of certain of the parishes named
eagerly defended their position.Colonel Randolph had mentioned that the Parochial Church Council of Broadwater had passed a resolution to the effect that they would cease supporting diocesan funds, and would instead support the Central Fund of the Fellowship of Evangelical Churchman.
This brought Mr Pitt, the secretary of the Broadwater Parochial Church Council, to the platform. Mr Pitt made it clear that the Church people of Broadwater do not approve of what has taken place with regard to the Prayer Book. “You came into the Church of England” said Mr Pitt, addressing the clergy, “under certain conditions and rules, and you are now making rules of your own.”
There was some interruption, where-upon Mr Pitt pointed out that the clergy have opportunities of airing their views every Sunday, and claimed the right to reply to what had been said to regard to Broadwater.
The Bishop supported Mr Pitts right to explain, and that gentleman continuing, observed that in ordinary business life if a man was not prepared to abide by the conditions which had been laid down, everyone knew there was only one way for such a man. (A voice: the sack!).
There was also some discussion about the position of St Margaret’s Church, Brighton, which, although it pays a relatively small amount to the diocese funds, claims that instead it is rendering special service to the diocese by carrying on Carlton-row Mission.
The Diocesan Budget for 1929, which was submitted by Colonel Randolph, provides for an expenditure of £27,131 compared with an estimated expenditure of £26,978 last year. The Budget shows an increase of £200 under the heading of “maintenance” and an increase of £100 for widows and orphans.
To “living agents” for church extension the sum of £5,000, the same amount as last year, is allocated, and £3,500 is again earmarked for religious education. The amount to be contributed to the Central Church Fund is £5,096, as compared with £5,118 last year.
The Apportionment Committee recommended that the Diocesan Office should be called upon to raise £5,131 of the total, and allocated the sum of £22,000 to the parishes. Brighton and Hove Rural Deaneries are each asked to find £2,310.
Colonel Randolph reported progress in the amount raised by the parishes, and stated that last year twenty more parishes either exceeded or raised their quota in full. A small decrease in the total receipts, was more than accounted for by a decrease in the contributions to the office list.
Ignorance of Church History
“I
want the people to be thrilled with the History of the Church of
England,” said Canon Partridge (Secretary of the Central Board of
Finance) in contributing to a debate which advocated increased
education on Church matters.The debate led to the passing of a resolution recognising the need for increased knowledge of the constitution, responsibilities, and work of the Church of England on the part of the Church electorate, and calling for the appointment of a committee to organize such instruction, and give a particular attention to the needs of youth.
During the debate, which was initiated by the Chancellor of the Diocese (Mr Kenneth Macmorran, K.C.), it was admitted that even among the most intelligent Church people there existed a deplorable amount of ignorance about the history of the Church and its functions. The Chancellor said that on one occasion he was asked the difference between Deans and Rural Deans, and advised the inquirer to ask her Rural Dean. (Laughter)
The Archdeacon of Chichester (the Ven. B. G. Hoskyns) urged that the education which it is proposed to give should assist the movement towards Christian reunion. He declared that reunion could only be built up on some solid common faith held by all branches of the Catholic Church throughout the world.
Dr. Nicholson on Church Music
One
of the most interesting speeches delivered to the Council was given by
Dr. Sydney H. Nicholson, formerly organist or Westminster Abbey.Dr. Nicholson came to speak on Church music with special reference to the School of English Church Music which it is proposed to establish.
“The object of Church music is not to be an attraction, but an offering to God,” said Dr. Nicholson. “Until we make that clear we shall never do any good.” He deprecated the idea of offering music to the public as a bribe to come to church and remarked, “If we are going to bribe them, we must give them something more attractive than the ordinary performance of the ordinary choir.” (Laughter)
Dr. Nicholson expressed the view that although the choice of music for use in the churches has improved, the standard of performance is still in many cases lamentably poor. He showed how, in his view, the School of English Church Music may help in the attainment of a higher standard.
Dean of Chichester and the Cathedral
Tribute
to the work of the veteran Dr. J. J. Hannah during his twenty five
years occupancy of the office of Dean of Chichester, was paid by Canon
Bowlby (Canon-Residentiary of Chichester and formerly Headmaster of
Lancing College), in a report on the abolition of fees at the
Cathedral. Canon Bowlby said there was general appreciation of the fact
that the fabric is so well maintained and of the general orderliness of
the building.Increased motor travel has brought an increasing number of visitors to the Cathedral, and Canon Bowlby said that the Cathedral is being recognized as one of the most perfect of the cathedrals in the simplicity of its style, its power of telling its own story, and its homeliness, combined with dignity and spiritual uplift.
Miscellaneous
“The
clergy seem to have considerable horse-power, but they fritter it away
on donkey work,” was a bright remark made on Tuesday afternoon by
the Vicar of Wivelsfield (the Rev. G. Henniker-Gotley).“Greyhound racing” was condemned as “decadent” in the report of the Social Service Committee, which lamented its “encouragement of betting among young and old.”
Among the Bishop’s supporters on the platform were Bishop Southwell, C.M.G., Provost of Lancing College and formerly Bishop of Lewes, the Archdeacons of Chichester and Lewes, and the Dean of Chichester.
In the report of the Diocesan Board of Women’s Work, it was stated that a roll of women workers is in course of preparation.
Canon R. A. Waters, D.C.L. reported upon the benefits which the passing of the Tithe (Administration of Trusts) Measure will confer on tithe owners.
The general arrangements for the meeting had been admirably made by the Rev. W. Godfrey Bell (Diocesan Secretary) and members of his staff, and local clergy rendered useful service as stewards.
Organ music for the meetings was provided by Mr Geoffrey Foster, a young member of the staff of the Diocesan Offices, and assistant organist of St. Thomas’s Church, Hove.
Brighton & Hove Herald - 20 October 1928
