Securing our history for the future
Article published by Somerset County Gazette Saturday 11 May 1867
The Parish Church, dedicated to St. Michael, having undergone a complete restoration, was re-opened for the celebration of Divine service on Thursday morning. The church was originally an ancient stone cruciform structure, in the Early-decorated style of architecture, with tower, nave, chancel and two transepts. The living rectory value £355 per annum, with residence, and the present incumbent is the Rev. John Warren. The edifice had become very dilapidated; the old high-back pews looked very unsightly, and at length the parishioners themselves became ashamed of it and determined to keep pace with the tiles by imitating the good example set in other parishes, where the matter of church restoration has been taken up with such spirit.
The appeal for support was responded to, especially by the gentry of the neighbourhood, in a very liberal manner, and was not long before active steps were taken the matter. Messrs. Giles and Robinson, of London, were appointed the architects, and the execution of the work was entrusted to Mr. Abraham Squibbs, builder, of Bridgwater, the amount of the contract being £1.200. The manner in which the work has been done has given the greatest satisfaction to all concerned, and the congratulations tendered him on Thursday last on the satisfactory completion of the building were hearty and well deserved.
The work was commenced two years since, and the total cost amounts to about £1,600. The tower is the only part of the old building now left, the very foundation of the edifice having been newly laid. A great deal of the old material has been made to serve again, and what further was required was procured in the immediate locality. The floor of red tile, supplied by Messrs. Major and Major, of Bridgwater; the roof, formerly composed of slate, is also of plain fancy tiles supplied by the same firm. The old pews have been substituted by others of modern style, made of red-stained deal and varnished, the lining of the roof being of the same material. Before the Communion-table there is beautiful tessellated floor; the reredos, which is of Bath stone, is highly decorated, having a cross in the centre. The lectern is of stained oak, and the pulpit is a stone one, the cost of this having been defrayed by Mrs. Page, widow of the late rector. A beautiful crimson velvet cloth for the table, elegantly embroidered front, the gift of the Sisters of Mercy. The stone font is a gift, as are also the books used by the officiating clergyman. In the north transept is a recumbent figure, cut in stone, of Joel de Bradney, and bearing date 1350. This has been allowed to remain untouched in its former position.
Three beautiful and costly stained-glass windows have been placed on the south side of the church at the expense of B. C. Greenhill, Esq., of Knowle Hall, who has family pew there. The subjects represented on these windows are—first, the baptism, crucifixion and resurrection; second, St. Augustine, Edward (the martyr), and the patron, St. Michael ; third, St. Peter and St. Paul. The site now occupied by Mr. Greenhill’s pew was recently the vestry, and said to have been formerly a hermitage, where a hermit, who had made a vow to remain secluded from the world, took up his abode within an iron grating, from which he could see and listen to the service, and where he was supported by the king’s bounty, his food, &c., been taken to him, and handed in through an aperture left for the purpose. The church will be lighted with candles, there being about two iron stands, with brass top*, erected. Altogether it presents a very handsome appearance and was greatly admired by the numerous visitors on Thursday.
During the work of restoration, the services have been conducted at Uplands House. Early on that morning a merry peal was rung on the bells, four in number; a Union Jack flag floated over the tower, the various entrances to the church were decorated with garlands of flowers, and the interior was also beautifully adorned. The work of decoration was chiefly that of the Misses Warren, daughters of the rector, and the Misses Buller, of Over Stowey, and it certainly did those ladies great credit. The first service which took place was in the morning at half-past eight o’clock, when there was a celebration of the Holy Communion. The second commenced soon after eleven o’clock, admission being by ticket. Accommodation is provided for 217 persons, and every seat was filled; some stools and chairs brought into the church were also occupied ; and many persons who arrived late had to remain outside in the porch.
A large number of the neighbouring clergy, wearing their surplices, walked into the church in procession. The choir was assisted by Mr. Lucette and Mr. Danger, of Bridgwater, and they sang hymns appropriate to the occasion. The first portion of the prayers was read by the rector, the Rev. John Warren ; and the second portion by the Rev. E. Buller, of Stowey; the first lesson by the Rev. W. C. Lake, of Huntspill, and the second lesson by the Rev. O. D. Crosse, of Pawlett. The sermon was preached by the Rev. W. C. Johnson, of Diptford, South Devon, who selected for his text 13th chapter of Nehemiah, 14th verse—” Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, for the offices thereof.” An offertory was made at the close of the service.
In the afternoon the rector entertained a large company of friends at luncheon, and in the evening, service was again held in the church, when a sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. Thornton. Friday the whole of those engaged in the work of restoration were entertained supper the rector—Rev. J. Warren, and they spent a very pleasant evening.