| |
The
Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard 19 July 1862
|
ST.
MARY'S CHURCH. - The restoration of the ancient and
interesting little church of Cricklade St. Mary, to which we have
already referred, is being pursued with praiseworthy zeal. We have
lately inspected the church, and have been much pleased with the
progress which is being made. The unsightly galleries which formerly
proved such an eyesore to all lovers of good taste, and which were as
injurious to the pillars upon which they rested, as they were offensive
to the eye, have been removed, although by this truly necessary, and
desirable improvement, it has been rendered impossible to obtain the aid
either of the Church Building or of the Diocesan Society, on account of
the diminished accommodation, a diminution which is not altogether
compensated for by the increased accommodation in the body of the
Church. It is truly a subject for much regret that a too strict
"red tapism," should have prevented these Societies from
aiding a parish, which on account of its extreme poverty, and also of
the antiquity, as well as ruinous condition of its church, stands in
such urgent need of assistance. This is the more to be regretted,
inasmuch as even now the Church will be capable of containing, every one
of the adult parishioners, churchmen and dissenters alike, and 100 of
the children. It is well that a few private individuals have been found
to supply, to some extent, the lack of service of these public
charities, and we sincerely trust that many more may be induced to
follow their example, so that the Church may be properly restored. All
the beautiful oak carving round the wall, as well as the elegant arches
are to be cleaned and repaired; the walls are being rebuilt, in some
cases from the very foundation; new roofs put to the aisles and chancel,
and the handsome oak roof of the nave is thrown open and being
thoroughly restored. A new porch is to be made after the model of the
old one, and in addition to all that is required for the strength and
security' of the church, everything is to be done to add to its beauty
and interest for which the necessary funds can be obtained. The
straggling and unsightly pews which formerly disfigured the church have
all been removed, and are to be replaced by others more in accordance
with the present improved taste. We regret however to find that as yet
no place has been provided as a vestry for the clergyman, on account of
want of funds, although a plan has been given by which at an expense of
about 20l the Lady Chapel, now almost useless, might be converted
by means of a handscreen, into a suitable robing room. The inconvenience
to the minister, not to mention any other reason, in his being compelled
to robe himself, within the communion rails, and in the sight of the
congregation, induces us to hope that funds may be forthcoming for this
special purpose.
|
|