The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1826-01-27 00:00:00

ST. SAVIOUR'S CHURCII.

Yesterday a numemns meeting of the inhabitants of St. Sa-
viour's parish was held in vestry-meeting, convened on soma
businem respre:ing fees; but there was an unusually respectable
a•isettiblage. f it epurpose. as WRII undt mon!. of rescinding a reso-
lution. passed at Mr last vestry, in favour of the demolition of the
nave and other p,iriirma of the ancient edifice.
On the ntinmes of the proceedings of the forme‘ vestry being
read for ennti:

Mr. T. SAL s nests Tillie and moved that those parts whirh re.
apected the pi.ling down and rebuilding the ancient structure
should be remanded. lie stated that since the last Vestry Meeting
was held he was happy to find that a considerable change hart
taken place rit this subpet, which was so important for the credit
of the parish, and an interesting to all per/taus of taste and the
public at large. Not only had the public discussion which had
arisen created a considerable change of feeling in favour of the
ancient esitlice„ but the sight of the Chair in its state of beautiful
restoration, as u was first thrown open to public inapection on Sun-
day last, had wrought cant iction in the minds of many who
might nut bate been expected in appreciate its merits. (Jr Sunday
a number of the Council of the Antiquarian Society. and other indi.
victuals of high rank and acquirements, had visited the Church. for
, the purpose oi'inapecting it, and they all concurred In expressing
their admiration at the manner in which one portion of it had been
restored. anti of concern at the danger with which the remainder
was menaces!. The edifice was uuani 1111 l usly agreed to be the finest
specimen. in the metropolis or the whole kingdom, of the English
pointed style of architecture of the eleventh and twelfth centuries.
Mr. Sot'Tn seconded the motion.
Mr. HARICA wished to know from Mr. Gwilt, the architect.
what would be the probable expense of restoring the nave, and
what number of persons the new seats would accommodate.
Mr. Ow tic replied that the expense of restoration would pro-
bably be one-third less than the expense of rebuilding.—(Hear,
hear.) The number whirh the restored Church would rimming).
date was HMO, or about double the number who now attended di-
vine service.
Mr. ELLIS warmly opposed the restoration ; he said that by re-
building they ought obtain a gallery and accommodation for 2.000
persons ; they might also have a vault, and more warmth and com-
fort than in this great edifice, which would always be cold and ex-
, pensive. Notsithstanding what the newspapers said, he would
aid say that this was an old, heavy, cumbersome, ugly, monastic
They did not copy tie old style of building with ships,
then why should they with churches? (Laughter.) Men in gar-
, reu, with iak and paper, might dictate to kings and churchwardens
A% well as chimney-sweepers ; but it did not follow that either
kings or charchwarlens should autsid to them. (Laughter.)
' Mr. IlAttlt te moved, as an amendment, that the consideration of
the subject should be adjourned to that day six months.
Mr. BAn C L AY. Mr. Pori's, and a number of the most respect-
, able inhalottatits, supported the original motion, which was carried
by a large majority, as was also a resolution in favour of the strict
reatinauon of the old Church. The edifice is therefore safe for the
present, if the friends of the ancient remains are on the alert against
surprise or re-action.