St Andrews Church Newspapers 1929

Churches - Bevendean History Project

Newspaper Articles for St Andrews Church 1929

GARDEN FETE AT MOULSECOMBE
Church Activity in Garden Suburb

The garden village of Moulsecombe promises to become a big force in the Church of England on the Sussex coast. The people who lived there belonged to a young community may have the energy of youth. The scheme of church extension involves important tasks in money raising and these tasks are being tackled with fine energy and every prospect of success.
To those who went out from Brighton on Saturday afternoon and saw the great crowd of people who went to the church fete held by permission of the Corporation, in the grounds of Moulsecombe Place, it seemed almost incredible that 10 years ago Moulsecombe as a residential suburb had no existence outside the inspired imagination of Alderman Carden and those associated with him in the desire to lessen the housing famine from which Brighton then suffered.
Today, Moulsecombe is a large and thriving outpost of Brighton and has a younger sister garden suburb of almost equal promise at North Moulsecombe.
The original Moulsecombe has a temporary church building, known as St. Andrews which is carried on with success by the Rev. W. H. Carpenter, the curate – in – charge. At North Moulsecombe there is no church building whatever, but, in cooperation with Mr Carpenter, Captain Kille, of the church army, is doing work there. Someday, both Moulsecombe and North Moulsecombe should have beautiful parish churches of their own. They will not merely symbolise the capacity of the church to adapt itself to new needs, but will also in some sense, commemorate the days when the government of the day, the Corporation of Brighton and its town people make a great step forward towards healthier homes for the people.
How happy are the people of the garden suburb was plainly demonstrated on Saturday afternoon. The weather was so hot as to be almost bearable to a town dweller, but the Moulsecombe folk in the joy of a festive occasion, seem to take little notice of the heat. Little girls were running about without hats making one wonder whether they could possibly be spared sunstroke. Church workers of all grades and ages were working with great energy and money was rapidly coming in for the good cause.
In such conditions, the Mayor and Mayoress of Brighton (Alderman and Mrs H. J. Galliers), who had a large number of other weekend engagements, arrived for the opening ceremony.

Brighton’s Youthful Child

“We look upon Moulsecombe is Brighton’s youngest child,” said the Rev. W. H. Carpenter in welcoming the Mayor and Mayoress. “The youngest child is often the dearest child, and I trust that Moulsecombe will always be very dear to the heart of Brighton. We want everyone to help us as much as possible. We have a great work to do and we are most anxious to see a building provided at North Moulsecombe.”
Mr Carpenter announced that in November next a sale of work is to be held at the Royal Pavilion on behalf of the Moulsecombe Church Extension Fund, and that Mrs Carpenter and himself will attend of the church hut on Monday, November 11, to receive gifts for the sale. He added an expression of thanks for the services rendered in connection with the fate by local church workers and kind Brighton friends.
The Mayor said that the Mayoress and himself were very happy to identify themselves with the effort. His worship went on to speak in high terms of the amenities of Moulsecombe. “The conditions under which the people of Moulsecombe live are well-nigh ideal,” he said, “and form a great contrast with a lot of many of those who live on the hillsides of Brighton.”
“We are very glad,” continued the Mayor, “to know that you are so enthusiastic in your church work.” When the local church is well attended and well supported it is a healthy indication of the spirit of the people. On behalf of the Mayoress and himself, he wished Moulsecombe every success in all its useful ventures.
The Mayoress spoke a few encouraging words in declaring the fate open.
Of bouquet, kindly given by Mr Frank Woollard, F.R.H.S., was presented to the Mayoress by Rosie West, aged four. From Daphne Imms, age three, Mrs Carpenter also received of bouquet.
On the initiative of Mr P. Cavell (Vicar’s Warden), seconded by Councillor C. G. Manton (one of the sidesmen), the Mayor and Mayoress were cordially thanked for giving the fete their support. On behalf of all present Mr Manton congratulated the Mayoress on having recovered her health – an expression that was most warmly endorsed.
Afterwards, the Mayor and Mayoress state to hear flower songs and watch maypole dancing by the children of the Sunday School, under the direction of Miss Tugwell.

The Moulsecombe Babies

The activities of the fete were most varied. Perhaps the surest sign of the good family spirit which prevails at Moulsecombe was that the baby show was regarded as one of the chief events of the afternoon. There were 4 classes in the baby show, and nearly 60 entries. Naturally, the judges – Doctor Webb, Miss Scotland’s (superintendent of the Queens Nurses), and members of the Queens Nurses – had plenty to do. The babies and their mothers occupied a lot of space in the building, and no one could miss seeing the “perambulator park” outside.
Other events included a needlework competition the cake competition, for which Mrs Isobel Harrison was the judge; sports for seniors and juniors; Swedish drill displays by the St. Andrews Girl’s Club, under the direction of Miss Bernardi; and displays by the training Corps and C.L.B., of which Captain Trend and Lieutenant Barton are the officers.
Mrs Allen West and Councillor Oliver Dalton or the whole cost of the prizes for the sports and baby show.
Prices for other competitions were kindly given by Messrs' Hetheringtons, Ltd., Messrs. Staffords, Mrs Isobel Harrison, and Mr Meiklejohn.
Ices were kindly given by Mr and Mrs McEwen, and teas were served by the St Andrews branch of the Mothers Union, under the leadership of Mrs Carpenter.
Music was provided by the Brighton Elysiam Orchestra, under Mr C. Richardson.
The arrangements for the sale were made by a large committee, of which the Rev. W. H. Carpenter was the chairman, Mr P. Cavell was the hon. treasurer and the secretarial duties were carried out genially and efficiently by Mr B. W. Bachelor. In all, there was something like sixty workers, including Mr J. S. Williams (Peoples Warden) and the number of well-known residents of the district.
One of the outstanding workers while the “Herald” was watching the scene was a muscular than competent gentle man, to whom had been given the title of “Works Manager.” Judging by this particular gentleman’s usefulness and resource, all successful fete should certainly have a “Works Manager.”
On the eve of the fete, a band of men voluntarily rendered valuable service in erecting stands and in other essential preparations.
Brighton & Hove Herald - 27 July 1929

ST ANDREWS, MOULSECOMBE

The members of the St Andrews Men’s Fellowship spent another enjoyable evening at the Church Hut, Moulsecombe on Tuesday. The Fellowship meet each Tuesday, and are active in church were in many directions. During the summer fourteen members of the Fellowship have entirely repainted and redecorated the exterior of the church in their spare time. Over three hundred hours work has been voluntarily carried out.
At the gathering on Tuesday, opportunity was taken by the Rev. W. H. Carpenter to present Mr C. Mepham, who had been in charge of this voluntary work, the case of pipes is a small recognition of his valuable services.
There were between thirty and forty members present, Mr Carpenter assured the Fellowship that, although he had had many encouragements during his five years work in Moulsecombe, nothing is given greater pleasure than the way in which this large task of being tackled by men at the end of a long day’s work. It showed a wonderful spirit of keenness and love for their Master’s work.
A small present was also made to the for junior members of the team – Messrs Sharp, Bell, C. Manton, and J. Manton, who are senior members of the Church Lads’ Brigade. The remaining members who accomplished such good work were Mr Cavill and Mr Williams (churchwardens), Mr Batchelor (secretary) and Mrs W. Mepham, Piper, Geering, Tullett, Barber and Staines.
St Andrews church is faced with a heavy task. Hall is urgently needed in North Moulsecombe. The plans for this are now ready, and the building will be started almost immediately. But this is not the only need, as it is imperative that the Parish Church should be built as soon as possible. The present church is only a small temporary one. It is hoped that the erection of the church is now not far distant.
A further effort is to be made through a sale of work at the Royal Pavilion on November 13, arrangements for which are now well in hand.

Brighton & Hove Herald - 26 October 1929

ST ANDREWS CHURCH, MOULSECOMBE

During the last two years Moulsecombe has nearly doubled its population. With remarkable speed North Moulsecombe has been built, and the task that faces church people in this new district has called for earnest endeavour.
A church and vicarage are needed for Moulsecombe, and a mission hall for North Moulsecombe. Urgently as the permanent church is needed, the first task is to erect a hall in North Moulsecombe, where there are thousands of people nine hundred children under fourteen years of age.
Plans are completed, and it is hoped that a start will be made with this building almost immediately. Great help has been given by the Diocesan Fund and the Bishop’s Memorial Fund has promised generous support.
For the past four years Moulsecombe Churchpeople have been courageously facing their responsibilities. There are no wealthy residents of Moulsecombe. But in addition to raising nearly £200 each year to keep their church organisations going, nearly £2,000 has been raised during the past four years.
This year it is hoped to raise a further £500, nearly half of which has already been obtained. With this end in view, a sale of work will be held in the Royal Pavilion on Wednesday next. The sale will be opened at 3 p.m. by Mrs John Snell, Diocesan President of the Mothers’ Union. There will be various attractions and members of the Brighton Elysian Orchestra will be in attendance.
The duty of helping Moulsecombe is a real mission call, and should appeal to all who desire to see this new community spiritually provided for.
Donations, however small, will be gladly received by the Rev. W. H. Carpenter, at the Parsonage, Moulsecombe.
Brighton & Hove Herald - 9 November 1929

ST ANDREWS, MOULSECOMBE
Sale of Work at Royal Pavilion

To open a sale of work at the Royal Pavilion on Wednesday, the church people of Moulsecombe and North Moulsecombe were fortunate in having the services of Mrs John Snell, Mayoress of Tunbridge Wells, ex-president of the Mothers’ Union in the Diocese, and a warm friend of the church work of Moulsecombe.
The sale was to swell the resources available for the extension of the work of the temporary churches St Andrews. Mrs Snell, in her speech, showed that she really understood the special position which Moulsecombe occupies, and her encouraging remarks had the effect of giving a good “send – off” the most successful sale.
The Rev. W. H. Carpenter (Vicar of Moulsecombe) presided, and those supporting him, in addition to Mrs Snell, included Mrs Carpenter, Canon A. C. W. Rose, M.A. (Vicar of Brighton), Canon R. J. Lee (Vicar of Henfield and an old friend of Mr Carpenter’s), Captain H. Kille, of the Church Army, (who is in charge of the work at North Moulsecombe), Mr P. W. A. Cavill (Vicar’s Warden). Others present included the Rev. F. Keeling Scott (Vicar of St Mark’s, Kemptown).
The Chairman reminded the company during the past four years Moulsecombe has raised £2,000 for church extension. The most pressing need at the moment is a mission hall for North Moulsecombe, which at present is without the church building of any kind. The Bishop of the diocese (Dr. Bell) has promised that if the Moulsecombe people raise £150, the remainder will be provided from the diocesan appeal for money for new churches. Moulsecombe is this year trying to raise £500, and of that about one half has been raised up to the time of of the opening of the sale.
Mrs Snell told her hearers that for the last six or seven years she had been constantly driving down to Brighton from her home at Ticehurst, and had watched with the greatest interest the rapid development of Moulsecombe. The church people of Moulsecombe she described as “wonderful workers,” mentioned that not long ago thirty men were engaged in painting the church in their spare time. She paid tribute to the work of the Moulsecombe women and the marble leadership of Mr and Mrs Carpenter.
Mrs Snell was presented with a beautiful bouquet of pink chrysanthemums by Daphne Imms, a charming little Moulsecombe girl of only four summers.
A vote of thanks was accorded Mrs Snell on the proposition of Canon Rose, who praised the “good, solid work going on at Moulsecombe.” Canon Lea seconded.
Music was provided in the afternoon by the Brighton Elysian Orchestra, and in the evening a large assembly witnessed two performances of a picturesque song scene representing the four seasons, in which twenty girls of the junior Sunday School took part.
Stallholders and Helpers.
The stallholders and help with included the following:
Parochial Stall (I.). – Mrs Carpenter, Mrs Collins, and Mrs Innes.
Parochial Stall (II.). – Miss Maine, Miss Warren, and Miss Sparks.
North Moulsecombe Stall. – Captain Kille and Mr and Mrs Capon.
Sunday School Stall and Bran Tub. – Mrs Dawson, Miss Tugwell, and the teachers.
Men Stall and Competitions. – Mr Cavell, Mr Cook, Mr Tugwell, and others.
Refreshment Stall. – Members of the Mothers’ Union, headed by Mrs White.
Doorkeepers and Steward. – Messrs Mold, Crook, Paul, and Batchelor.
Brighton & Hove Herald - 16 November 1929

MOULSECOMBE GIRL GUIDES
Colours Dedicated at St. Andrews Church

With impressive ceremony, the colours of the 1st Moulsecombe Company of the Girl Guides were dedicated by the Rev. W. H. Carpenter at St Andrews Church, Moulsecombe, on Sunday afternoon. Despite the unpleasant weather, there was a good parade of the Company, which is making excellent progress under the guidance of Captain Miss D. B. Blinkhorn and Lieutenant Miss N. Whennell. The company now has a membership of thirty Guides and forty “Brownies.” The “Brownies” pack is run by the “Brown Owl,” Mrs D. F. Capon, assisted by Miss M Whennell.
In addition to the 1st Moulsecombe Company, three Brighton Companies were represented – the 24th (St. Alban’s), 3rd (St. Wilfrid’s), and 15th (St. Martin’s).
The procession into the church was a picturesque one, for, in addition to the Moulsecombe colours, there were carried aloft the beautiful standard of the Brighton Division and several Union Jacks. Mrs A. O. Jennings, the Divisional Commissioner, was prevented by illness from attending, but Miss Welbourne (District Commissioner) was present.
The Moulsecombe colours were born to the chancel by Patrol-Leader Mollie Miles and a small colour party. After the dedication, the colours were laid upon the altar table by the Rev. W. H. Carpenter, who offered prayers on behalf of the Company and the Guide movement. Special Guide hymns were sweetly rendered by the girls.
Mr Carpenter prefaced his addressed with a few words of welcome, not only to the Moulsecombe Guides, but also to the other Companies who had so loyally supported them in such on such a wet afternoon. Mr Carpenter acknowledged the friendly cooperation there had always been between the 1st Moulsecombe Company and St. Andrew’s Church, which is shortly to have a “Brownie” Company of its own.
Taking as his text Numbers II., 17, “Every man in his place by their standards,” Mr Carpenter urged the Guides always to remember that their flag had been dedicated, because true service could not be rendered without God’s help. “The Guide movement is not a Church movement,” he observed, “but that does not mean it is not a movement without religion. It is a movement full of religion.”
In closing reference to the colours of the Union Jack, Mr Carpenter said, “Let the red remind your service, the white of purity, and the blue of steadfastness. And whenever you unfurl your flag and take your place by its side, as you look at those colours and think of those things God will help you to be true to your Company and the great movement to which you belong. May God bless you.”
Brighton & Hove Herald - 28 December 1929