St Andrews Church Newspapers 1931

Churches - Bevendean History Project

Newspaper Articles for St Andrews Church 1931

REV. W. H. CARPENTER TO LEAVE MOULSECOMBE

The Rev W. H. Carpenter of St Andrews Church Moulsecombe has accepted the living of Southbourne, Sussex. An announcement to this effect was made by Mr Carpenter himself, when he presided at the annual general church meeting, held at the new Church Hall, Moulsecombe on Monday.
The meeting was attended by many representatives of North and South Moulsecombe, and they received the news – which was a complete surprise – with keen regret.
Mr Carpenter, after telling of the coming change, reviewed the growth of the district and the church work during the seven years in which Moulsecombe has been in charge. Much has been done in establishing various organisations – the Mothers Union, the Fellowship, Church Lads Brigade, etc. – but the outstanding features have been the raising of £2,000 towards the endowment of the living, the building of the new Church Hall, and finally the settlement of the difficult question of the patronage. This has definitely been placed in the hands of the Bishop of Chichester.
Mr Carpenter stated that he had made these matters his special care throughout his tenure of office, and although he had offered preferment’s on more than one occasion, he had always declined them. Now that everything was settled, he considered it advisable to accept the Vicarage of Southbourne. He cordially thanked all those who had worked with him for their help and kindness. He had rather dreaded imparting the news of his departure, he said, and both he and Mrs Carpenter were finding it none too easy to say “Good-bye” to Moulsecombe.
One of the Churchwardens spoke of the affection and esteem in which Mr and Mrs Carpenter have so firmly established themselves. The past seven years had brought many anxieties, coupled with much hard work, and the incumbent and his wife had shown strength, courage, and sympathy. The Church people of Moulsecombe were losing not only their tried and devoted parish priest, but a personal friend. Mr and Mrs Carpenter could take heart of grace in knowing that the great and difficult tasks with which they were confronted seven years ago had all been successfully accomplished. Moulsecombe would soon be a separate parish, in the gift of the Bishop, with one permanent building already in use, and others nearing commencement.
Brighton & Hove Herald – 21 February 1931

London Gazette entry 2 June 1931

Excerpt from the London Gazette setting up the Parish of Moulsecoomb.
At the Court at Buckingham Palace, the 19th day of May, 1931.
PRESENT,
The KING’S Most Excellent Majesty in Council.
“We, the Ecclesiastical Commissioners for England, lay before Your Majesty in Council, the following Scheme for constituting a separate District for spiritual purposes to be taken partly out of the Parish of Patcham and partly out of the Parish of Falmer, both in the County of Sussex and in the Diocese of Chichester to set up ‘The District of Saint Andrew, Moulsecoomb.’

Boundaries of the new parish of Moulsecombe in 1931.

FIRST VICAR OF MOULSECOMBE
Bishop's Plea for Permanent Church

A new chapter in church history at Moulsecoomb, which should make some notable contributions to local religious life, was commenced on Sunday evening when the first Vicar of the newly constituted ecclesiastical parish (the Rev. Leslie George Berrington) was inducted by the Bishop of Chichester (Dr. G. K. A. Bell).
The temporary parish church of St. Andrew’s contained a large congregation for the ceremony, and it was a pleasant feature that there were many children among the congregation.
Moulsecoomb has more children, far more children than most communities, and if the church can win them to its cause its ministry cannot but be enormously effective. The Bishop feels that. So does the Incumbent, who has been working in the district, and winning the confidence and respect of his new parishioners.
In his address to the congregation, the Bishop made it abundantly clear that the extension of the work of the church in Moulsecoomb is a matter very near to his heart, and that, along with the church people of Moulsecoomb, he looks forward to the day when there will arise a permanent church, worthy of its mission, of Moulsecoomb and the Diocese.
“You have had this temporary building for about ten years. You have been wanting to see something. You want a really worthy church; I don’t say an elaborate, or a very extensive church, but a church that will last for two or three hundred years.
“It is up to the same partnership on which the Christian religion in Moulsecoomb depends to see that the new church is raised up in a comparatively short space of time. The Diocese is ready to help you. Mr Berrington is going to ‘all out,’ I am sure, for a new church. You have already done something, and contributed generously during these past years.

To Make a New Start.

“But, with the opening of this new chapter, we want to make a new start and new plans. You want to extend your generosity, and appeal for the generosity and help of all the church people in Moulsecombe. I am sure you are anxious about it, and I venture to think that the church in Brighton is anxious as well. I do appeal to you to do your very best, within the next twelve months, to enable us to make a start with the building of a church which will stand here, higher than this church, and more permanent than this church, bearing witness to God.
When I invited Mr. Berrington to become the first Vicar of Moulsecoomb, I told him that I thought that I thought that this post of being Vicar of a new community in this wonderful situation was the most attractive post in the Diocese at the present time.
"You have a finely planned town; and I believe that the town planning of Moulsecoomb is famous right through this country among town planners as one of the best example, of the way in which a new town can be built and arranged. It occupies a beautiful site, the roads are admirably laid out, and you have two sets of splendid school buildings.
“I want you very soon, for the sake of the Christian witness in Moulsecoomb, to have a wonderful church.”
The Bishop paid tribute to the calibre of the Moulsecoomb people, and added that, with the right kind of church, the Christian message would make a stronger appeal to the local community.
The Bishop explained that the money for the future Vicarage is already in the bank.
The Archdeacon of Lewes (the Ven. F. H. D. Smythe, M.A.) assisted in the service, and the Rev. W. Godfrey Bell, M.A. (Diocesan Secretary), who has taken a keen interest in the religious developments of Moulsecoomb, acted as Bishop Chaplain.
The boys of the Church Lads Brigade, under Lieut. J. Brown and Second-Lieut. H. Crook, formed a guard of honour for his Lordship.
The character of the service, and the keen interest shown in it, especially by the young church people of Moulsecoomb, suggested that, although Mr Berrington has a big and very difficult task: before him, he may rely on a vigorous and enlightened support.
It was hoped that Alderman Sir Herbert Carden to whom, in a large degree, Moulsecoomb owes its existence, would be present; but he sent an expression of regret that he could not attend, coupled with a message of goodwill.
Brighton & Hove Herald – 18 July 1931

WANTED: A NEW CHURCH
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Moulsecombe Vicar’s Big Task
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Beautifully planned as it is, and enjoying so many natural amenities, Moulsecombe yet has one great and pressing need – that of a new church. The present temporary structure has done excellent service, but it has become quite inadequate to the spiritual requirements of this rapidly developing garden suburb of Brighton.
Moulsecombe is far from being a rich parish, but during the past few years the residents have responded so generously that it has been possible to place £2,000 towards the endowment of the living of St. Andrews. Another £1,000 has been given privately in the Diocese towards a vicarage for Moulsecombe and, with a further grant from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, the vicarage will be fully provided for.
There is, however, scarcely any money in hand for the provision of a new church – and this is a task to which the recently appointed Vicar of Moulsecombe, the Rev. L. G. Berrington, is applying himself with remarkable zeal and energy. A man of engaging personality, Mr Berrington has already firmly established himself in the affectionate regard of his parishioners. With his two seater car he is here, there, and everywhere among them, busily engaged in pioneer work for Moulsecombes bravest venture – the building of its own permanent church on that admirably chosen site overlooking the Green.
It was a happy inspiration on Mr Berrington’s part to invite the Mayor and Mayoress of Brighton (Alderman and Mrs S. C. Thompson) and members of the Corporation to the morning service on Sunday at St Andrews Church. Their presence brought a much appreciated civic blessing to Moulsecombes new spiritual venture.
The mayor robed in the adjoining church hut, and then, with the Mayoress, led the members of the Corporation in procession to the church through a guard of honour provided by the St Andrews Company of the Church Lads Brigade, under Lieutenant J. Brown and the 2nd Moulsecombe (St. Andrew’s) Company of the Girl Guides, under Captain Mrs E. Berrington.
Alderman Thompson read the second Lesson, the first Lesson being read by Mr P. W. A. Cavell, who is a licensed Lay Reader and Vicar’s Warden. The Peoples Warden is Mr B. W. Batchelor, another valued member of the church.
In the course of his eloquent address, the Vicar emphasized the great need there is for a new church at Moulsecombe, and he mentioned that a scheme has been devised whereby it is hoped to found this church. Everyone contributing £1 or over has the honour of becoming a “Founder” of the church.

Winter Activities Begin

The winter activities of the parish opened at St Georges Hall, North Moulsecombe, on Tuesday evening, with a whist drive and dance arranged by the ladies.
A company of about 130 attended. The pleasure of the occasion was enhanced by the presence of the Vicar (the Rev. L. G. Berrington) and Mrs E. Berrington, who graciously presented the prizes.
Councillor C. G. Manton, although in indifferent health, looked in for a little while.
The whole of the expenses were borne by subscribers, so that a substantial sum will be available for church funds.
Brighton & Hove Herald – 3 October 1931

MOULSECOMBE SALE OF WORK
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Money Needed for Spiritual Necessities
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Parishioners of St Andrews, Moulsecombe, put forth a special effort on Wednesday, when a sale of work in aid of the church funds was held in St Georges Hall, North Moulsecombe. Although the actual object was the clearing off of a debt on the general expenses, the organizers of the sale were not unmindful of the great need – the building of a church that shall be worthy of this large and growing suburb of Brighton.
The sale was opened by the Deputy-Mayoress of Brighton (Mrs S. C. Thompson). She was introduced by the Vicar (the Rev. L. G. Berrington), who remarked that they needed money – “not for spiritual luxuries, but for spiritual necessities.”
Mrs Thompson warmly complicated the stallholders and the organizers on the transformation they had wrought in the hall. “You have made it look most attractive,” she said – adding, with a happy smile, “and I’m sure the stallholders themselves look most attractive.”
Bouquets were presented to the Deputy-Mayoress by Margaret Guppy and to Mrs Berrington (wife of the Vicar) by Peggy Way.
The stalls, whose appearance added to the brightness of the hall, were managed as follows:
Fancy – Miss Main and Miss Warren
Provisions – Mrs White
Drapery – Mrs Field and Mrs Imms
Children’s Articles – Mrs Ellis and Mrs Hider
Sweets – Mrs Catt
Vegetables – Members of the C. E. M. S.
Bran Tub – Mrs Dawson
Sideshows – Mrs O’Brien, Mr W. Hooper, and others.
Refreshments were served by members of the Mothers Union. During the afternoon and evening, a musical programme was provided by Mr H. Maddocks and friends. General assistance was given throughout the day by Mr P. W. A. Cavell (Vicars Warden), Mr B. W. Batchelor (Peoples Warden), and members of the C. E. M. S.
Brighton & Hove Herald – 28 November 1931

Mr Percy G. Smith of 39 Southall Avenue, Moulsecombe, writes: “May I appeal through the columns of your newspaper for the Carol Party collecting in aid of St Andrews Church, Moulsecombe, Sunday School treats. This party will be carolling in Moulsecombe on December 19, 21 and 23, and in Brighton on Christmas Eve. Please look out for the distinctive banners, and give as liberally as possible.” Donations will be thankfully received by Mr Smith.
Brighton & Hove Herald – 12 December 1931