St Andrews Church Newspapers 1933

Churches - Bevendean History Project

Newspaper Articles for St Andrews Church 1933

MOULSECOMBES NEW CHURCH
Foundation Stone Laid

In drenching rain, and only a few hours before he set out on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, the Bishop of Lewes (the Right Rev. Hugh Hordern laid the foundation stone of Moulsecombes new Parish Church on Tuesday morning. The ceremony, with the Bishop in cope and mitre, was necessarily robbed of its picturesqueness by the weather and, except for the actual laying of the stone, was conducted inside the temporary church. The few moments during which the outside service was held were sufficient to drench everybody who took part.

The new church is to be dedicated to St. Andrew

The rapid growth of Moulsecombe since its birth in 1920 has been attended by the increasing need for a church which will meet its requirements. In 1920 the estate was in the Parish of Patcham, and came under the jurisdiction of the Vicar, the Rev. J. Holroyde. A plot of land was then purchased by the Diocesan authorities, and in 1921 an Army Hut was erected on this ground and services held there. The Rev. F. Bickford Heard was appointed curate-in-charge, and all the activities of a Parish Church were soon in full swing.
In 1923, the present temporary church was brought from Lewes, where it had stood as “St. Barnabas’ Church.” It was erected near the hut, and was dedicated to St. Andrew by the Bishop of Lewes. In 1922, impaired health compelled the Rev. Bickford Heard to retire, and he was succeeded by the Rev. W. H. Carpenter.
Throughout its short life Moulsecombe has been remarkable for its fluctuating population, but, in spite of the many handicaps that this presented, Mr Carpenter set about the big task of raising a fund with which to build a permanent church. In a comparatively short time £2,000 was raised and subsequently converted to an endowment fund. In 1931 Mr Carpenter accepted the living of Southbourne, which he still occupies. He was present at Tuesday’s ceremony to see the results of his first efforts materialize.
The charge of this now much-enlarged suburb was then taken by the Rev. Leslie G. Berrington. Shortly afterwards, Moulsecombe became a separate parish, and Mr Berrington was instituted by the Bishop of Chichester as its first Vicar. Mr Berrington’s first concern was to carry on the project begun by Mr Carpenter – that of providing a permanent church – although the congregation though that the vicarage should be the first consideration. Through the generosity of the Bishop and Mr and Mrs Hett, of Ardingly, both objects became attainable simultaneously. Mr L. Keir Hett, F.R.I.B.A., was appointed architect of both church and vicarage, and the latter is all but complete.

Another £5,000 Needed.

The church itself is in course of construction, the first spit of the site having been cut by Mrs Hett on St. Andrews Day, 1932. The walls and the tower are now well on the way but, until Mrs Hett’s generous donation of £6,000 is further augmented, it will be impossible to carry out more than half of the present design.
Before the commencement of Tuesday’s ceremony, the Vicar referred briefly to the great need for further financial help. “We are trying desperately to get £5,000 to finish the building,” he said.
The little church was filled, in spite of the weather, and the Brighton and district clergy were represented by Canon A. C. W. Rose, M.A. (Vicar of Brighton), the Rev. W. A. Carpenter, Canon Godfrey Bell, Diocesan Secretary; Canon R. J. Lea, of Henfield; the Rev. J. R, Mayall, St. Matthew’s, Brighton; the Rev. H. A. Eyton Jones, M.A., St George’s, Brighton; the Rev. G. Street, St Alban’s, Brighton; and the Rev. S. G. Blaikie, who was in attendance on the Bishop.
Among the lay members of the congregation were Mrs Hett and her son, Mr L. Keir Hett, F.R.I.B.A., Alderman J. Burberry; Councillors C. G. Manton, A. K, Nield, and C. Cashman; Mr Magnus Volk, Mr P. W. Cavell (Vicars Warden), Mr B. W. Batchelor (People’s Warden), and the First Moulsecombe Girl Guides under their captain, Mrs M. Berrington, the Vicar’s sister-in-law. Lady Jennings (Divisional Commissioner, Girl Guides) was also present.
The foundation stone was the gift of Mr W. J. Barber, and was inscribed by his son, Mr A. Barber who is also the church organist.
On his return to the church after the laying of the stone, the Bishop gave a short and impressive address. “We have now laid the foundation atone of a church to which we have long been looking forward.” “But the work which has been going on in this little church has already had its foundation. Mr Carpenter worked nobly, and laid the foundation of spiritual work in this place. This little church in which we are now gathered has many associations, and perhaps many of you will not gladly see it replaced. But Moulsecombe is a growing suburb quite one of the most beautiful suburbs I have ever seen - but it will not be complete until it has a Parish Church in its midst. The spot chosen for your church is a very happy one - just above the houses - and I hope you will give your help, your prayers, and your work to achieve its completion.”
The Bishop referred with gratitude to the generosity of Mrs Hett towards the building fund.
“A church is more than bricks and mortar,” he concluded, “It is a place where we come to meet God, and where God Himself comes to meet His people. Today we have laid not only the foundation of a building, but the foundation of the spiritual and religious life of the people of this place.”
Brighton & Hove Herald – 29 April 1933.

BISHOP LAYS CHURCH FOUNDATION STONE

A great advance towards the spiritual provision for Moulsecombe was made on Tuesday when the Bishop of Lewes, the Rt. Rev. H. M. Hordern, M.A., laid the foundation stone of the new parish church, of St Andrews, which is to take the place of the present building.
The ceremony was well attended, but owing to the rain, the service was conducted inside the old church, with the exception of the stone laying ceremony.
"To lay the foundation stone of any building, whether it is a town hall or hospital, a private or public building, is a solid action," said the Bishop. "We have now laid the foundation stone of a church to which you have been looking forward for a long time. The work which has been going on in this little church has already had the foundation for the future. Mister Carpenter (the former vicar) worked nobly many of you will feel that this little church is connected with many pleasant associations. You will not very gladly see it replaced; but Moulsecombe is a growing parish and the most beautiful of the suburbs of Brighton."
Coming to other matters, the Bishop reminded the congregation that another £5,000 was needed to complete the cost of the building, and having referred to Mrs Hett's generous gift of £6,000, said he was sure the work which had been so well begun would be continued to a satisfactory end.
Brighton Gazette –29 April 1933

MOULSECOMBE PARISH SOCIAL
Presentation to Peoples Warden

The annual Parish tea of St Andrew’s, Moulsecombe, which was held at St. George’s Hall, North Moulsecombe on Wednesday, was an eminently successful and enjoyable, occasion. A large gathering, headed, by the Vicar (the Rev. Leslie G. Berrington) sat down to an excellent meal, which was followed by a concert, the entire arrangements being in the hands of Miss Main and a band of lady helpers.
The well balanced and capable choir of the local Branch of the Townswomen’s Guild, under the direction of Mrs Campbell, rendered several part songs in pleasing fashion. These were followed by ballads sung by Mr Roberts and comic songs by Mr Belcher, both these gentlemen being members of the St. Andrew’s Choir. Mr A Barber, organist and choirmaster, was at the piano. Little Miss Joyce Waterman captivated everyone with her charming songs and dances.
The chief event of the evening was the presentation of an illuminated address and a cheque to Mr B. W. Batchelor, People’s Warden. Mr Batchelor has recently removed from Moulsecombe to Bolney - a, matter of sincere regret to members of the congregation - and the gifts were designed to express in a small but tangible way, the high esteem and regard in which he and Mrs Batchelor are held in the parish. The Vicar, in making the presentation, spoke in warm appreciation of the ability and zeal of Mr Batchelor, and his remarks were endorsed by Councillor C. G. Manton, Mr S. J. Johnston (the Parochial Secretary), and the Vicar’s Warden.
In his reply, Mr Batchelor thanked those who had so loyally supported him in all work undertaken for the church and other social efforts. He assured the parishioners that he had by no means severed his connection with Moulsecombe. Mr Batchelor warned them that in equipping and maintaining the splendid new church now being raised, fresh and greater work would be required.
The Vicar voiced his thanks to all who had during the past year worked so strenuously and continuously for the church. He urged them to go “all out,” to get hold of fresh people and to turn them into copies of themselves. The warm-hearted applause at the close of his speech signified the high opinion in which the parishioners hold their Vicar.
The Rev. S. G. Blaikie, assistant priest, spoke of the progress made during the last twelve months, and was hopeful as to the continuance of the good work.
After the musical programme a dance was held, the “Bill’s Boys” Orchestra kindly giving their services.
Brighton & Hove Herald – 2 December 1933

MOULSECOMBE SALE OF WORK
For Church Funds

A successful sale of work to raise funds for St. Andrew Church, Moulsecombe, was hold in St. George’s Hall, Moulsecombe, on Wednesday.
The sale was opened by Mrs Wilton, of Hove, who commented on the excellent display of goods and hoped that the efforts of the helpers, who have spent months in preparation, would be rewarded by the realisation of their hopes. A bouquet was presented to Mrs Wilton by little Betty Hyder.
During; the evening an enjoyable entertainment was provided by Miss W. Hayes (recitation), Miss Eileen Catt (dance). Master Peter Catt (recitation). Miss Joyce Waterman (clapper dance), Miss Joan Blaikie (recitation), Miss Pauline Rothe (recitation), and Miss Joan Scoops (acrobatic dancing).
Those in charge of stalls were:
Clothing.—Miss Sparks and Working Party.
Fancy Goods.—The Misses Main and Warren.
Groceries.—Mrs James, Mrs Weller, and Mrs Morris.
Toys.—Mrs Holdaway and Mrs Wimpey.
Sweets.—Lieut. Mrs Catt and Guides.
Produce.—Mr and Field.
Books—Mr and Mrs Cavell.
Character Reading. — Madam Sadia.
Bran Tub.—Mrs Dawson.
Mr Riches and Mr Marsh had charge of a dart game, and there were many other competitions.
The serving of refreshments was in the capable hands of Mrs White, Mrs Hyder, Mrs Leak, Mrs Bean, Mrs Capon. Mrs Hilton, Mrs Meiklejohn, Mrs Stubbs, Mrs Standen, sen., and Mrs Sandys.
Among the many buyers were the Rev. L. G. Berrington (Vicar of Moulsecombe), Mrs E. Berrington, and the Rev. and Mrs S. G. Blaikie.
Brighton & Hove Herald – 9 December 1933