The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1879-07-15 00:00:00

OHA.LDON E=BMG.

RE.OPENING OF THE PARISH CHURCH..
The interesting old church of this parish, situated a
few miles from Dorchester, was re-opened on Monday
by the Bishop of the Diocese, after undergoing
complete restoration am well as enlargement.
exact date of the church is not known, but it is known
to be of great antiquity, it being said that the monks
of Bunion Abbey formerly worshipped and praised
God under it. roof. Much of the old fabric haa been
preserved, some slightly damaged, as in some instances
crosses have been ruthlessly knocked off, as evidences
of the tyrannical sway of the Puritans. Several in-
teresting relics have been dug up from under the
foundation beneath the altar, consisting of two very
perfect stone crosses, and they have now been placed
on the outside of the church, one beneath the east
and the other beneath the south window. The exterior
of the church is rather plain, but has been made is
pleasing as it poesitdy could. The inside appearance
of the church, however, is admirable. The enlarge-
ment consists of a new chancel, and new south aisle,
the roof is also entirely new, but has been made to
closely follow the old style of roofing. It is made
with cross beams, king poste, ribe, and matchboarded,
the wood use I throughout being pitch.pine. The
church has also been entirely repeated, pitch.pine
being used for this purpose also. All the stone-work
of the old windows has been utilised. The chancel
has been re-paved with encaustic tiles. Many private
gifts have been made, and foremost among them we
must mention the pulpit, lectern, and communion
table, all the work of, and given by the Rev. W.
Giblet (incumbent of West I,nlworth). The work
reflects much credit upon the rev. gentleman's carving
and designing, as it is admirably finished. The pulpit
panels are inlaid with ebony, the capping and part of
the bane being made of the oak from the old roof. The
font, which is of Portland stone, is given by the
children of the parish. It is very handsome; the
centre base being supported by four columns, with
carved stone capitals. The altar cloth is the gift and
the work of the Lady Selina Bond, it is beautifully
embroidered with passion flowers and presents a very
elegant and tasteful appearance. The alms dish,
paten, and flagon were given by the Vicar's son, who
Is now at Valparalio. Mrs. Hill gave the heating
apparatus, and the altar linen was the gift of Mrs.
Henry Penton, of Wareham, the stools for the read.
log-desk are the gift and work of Mrs. Walter
Scott, and the alter cushions are the gift
and work of Mn. Penton and Miss Bartlett.
The three bells had been re-hung, and a new
wooden screen now separates the vestry and
tower from the body of the church. The old chalice,
dating back to the 16th century, has been restored by
Mr. A. J. Hobbs. of Wareham. Mr. G. E. Criek-
may (Weymouth) was the architect, and Mr. J. Beer
(Wareluun) the builder.
. . .

The coei of reetoration is g 1,114, which does not
include architect's expenses, Itc., and the seats are to
be free and unapprmriated.
The weather on Monday was very threatening, but,
fortunately, the rain kept off. The services com-
menced with the celebration of the Holy Communion,
followed by matins. The clergy and the choir (who
wore surplims for the first time robed in the school.
room, during which time hike 11111, who presided at
the harmonium during the day, played • selection
from Handers " kLeedsh" very nicely. The proem.
idon then entered the church, headed by the choir.
There were present—the Lord Bishop of the Diocese,
Yen. Archdeacon Sanctuary, Rev. B. Hill (vicar of the
pariah), the Rev. Eldon Rinke. (Rural Dean) the Rev.
A. 0. Hodgeon (vicar of ERA Stoke), Rev. W. Gibiaa
(West Lalworth), Rev. Emden (End Lulworth),
Rev. R. H. Taylor (Corte Castle) Rev. R. Cambridge
(Warmwell). Rev. P. Schuster Wareham), Rev. J.
Cr.. (Owermoigne), Rev. G. ppe, Rev. Craw-
ford Rev. W. Barnes,Rev. Arthur Hill, Rev. Marriott
Dodington (Wool).
The service was intoned by the Rev. Philipps (curate
in charge of Winfrith). The hymns were No.
397 "Lift the drain of high thanksgiving," No.
396 "Blessed City, Heavenly Salem," and 242 " We
love the place 0 Lord," from " Hymns Ancient and
Modern. The proper Psalms were xxiv. IviiiL and
cxxiL which were chanted with much precision. The
first lesson from Haggai it wee read by the Rev. Eldon
Rankle, and the second from Ephesians ii. by the
Rev. W. Glides.