The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1853-04-19 00:00:00

OPENING OF ST. AUGUSTINE'S NEW

SCHOOLS, YESTERDAY.

opportunity of welcoming him under a brighter sky,
(Applause.)
The LORD Bsspor, of the DIOCESE said, as their minister
had asked him to say a few words on the occasion, he *could
not refuse to comply with that request of his. And in one
respect he had very great pleasure in complying with it ;
for not only did it give him the opportunity of assuring
them how very truly and highly gratified he was at their
kindness, but also because he might rejoice with them in
the completion of the great and important work of build-
ing their new schools. At the very first commencement
of that work, he had the honour of being invited to lay
the foundation stone of the structure ; and he assured
them that he felt at the time that it was an honour
which might much more appropriately have been assigned
to some gentleman of the committee. However, he had
looked upon it as a mark of respect, not so much intended
for him personally as a mark of respect paid on account
of his office. On that ground alone he accepted it
readily, and he wished also to say most gratefully. Their
minister had reminded them of the inauspicious circutnt
stances which attended the laying of the foundation stone.
It certainly was a most pitiless day, and no doubt pre-
vented the attendance of many who were friends and
well-wishers. But, for himself, he desired to say that he
should ever look back on that occasion with pleasure
—(cheers)—and especially to the very kind reception which
was given to him afterwards in the house of a friend, whom he
saw present at. that table. (Applause.) On the previous
day, at the request of their minister, he had preached in
the church, in aid of the funds for the new school. He
hoped he might he permitted to express his own deep
sense of the great liberality of the congregation, and of
the very handsome manner in which they had supported
the erection of these schools. He need not say that it
was a source of great pleasure to see an assembly
in that beautiful room—so beautifully decorated for the
occasion—the future sphere of peat usefulness—to see
it filed with so many kind friends of this undertaking.
who were met to testify their goodwill to the schools,
and their goodwill to the minister of that church. he
might truly add. (Hear, hear.) He rejoiced in it at
respects the schools, because he did not think there was
any more effectual way which the gentlemen of Liverpool
could take to improve and elevate the lower classes in
their populous town, with their ample means, than to
provide a correct education for the children of the poor.
(Applause.) He knew very well it was not the part of
the Christian minister to court popularity, or to lay him-
self out for the praise of men ; but nevertheless it was a
most gratifying thing for the minister—it was most highly
gratifying—when the congregation made him feel sensibly
that he enjoyed their confidence and respect, as they did
on that occasion by their attendance there to.dav and
by their liberality in the accomplishing of these schools,
• and he was sure they could not have given their minister
any more gratifying proof of their attachment. (Ap-
plause.) It was not only a testimony of their affection,
but he might also say that it was a certificate of his own
usefulness in the district, and a proof that all his labours
had not been in vain. (Hear, hear.) He, therefore, re-
joiced at seeing this fine expression of their approval,
on an occasion which was connected with what lay so
near his heart, as he knew those schools to be. He
could only say that he was very sensible of their great
kindness both now and on the former occasion ; and it
would always be to him a most pleasing reminiscence.
He should always cherish with gratitude and respect the
recollection of the readiness and liberality with which, on
every occasion of a moral, religious, or philanthropic
scheme being submitted to their notice, they responded to
the call. (Applause.) He should, ever feel personally
towards the gentlemen of Liverpool the greatest gratitude
for their kindness. (Applause.) He could only say, in
conclusion, that, as their minister had truly said, they
must ascribe all the success to God. He hoped that God's
blessing, which had enabled them to complete the build-
ing, might rest upon the children who, in generations yet
to come, should be trained up within those walls in the
fear of the Lord. (Applause.)
The REV. JOHN JoNas, the respected father of the in-
cumbent of St. Augustine's Church, raid—lf he telt, as
he did on that occasion, a measure of reluctance in rising
to address them, it could not be attributed to the want of a
feeling of the deepest interest in the object which had
assembled them together. He thought no one could fail
to feel some sympathy on such an occasion—least of all, the
person who was then addressing them, connected as he was
with their beloved pastor, and connected as he had been
in former days with his honoured predecessor. Well
did he remember the days of their former pastor,
the late Dr. Tattershal'. They must not now forget
those who, in times past, fought the good fight, ac-
complished the task, and were taken away in the me-
ridian of life. Honour be to their memory, and to his
(Loud cheers). His youthful successor had been trying
to tread in his footsteps—endeavouring to ripen in
wisdom and usefulness day by day. (Hear, hear.) Re-
ferring to the storm which occurred at the laying of the
foundation-stone, Mr. Jones observed that there were
alternations in the spiritual world, and in nature. They
had the storm and the sunshine—they had winter and
spring ; and he trusted it was now spring in spiritual as
well as in temporal matters—that the time of maturity
would arrive when these schools would become the happy
means of great usefulness in that large and increasing
community. When he looked at that edifice, he admired
not only the taste and talent of the architect, but also the
munificence of the contributors who erected it. He must
say that his heart failed him when his son first told hires
of the new schools which it was proposed to erect. He
descried difficulties not easily to be overcome; but all his
fears had been dissipated. (Applause.) He then alluded'
to the difficult work of those who had employed much of
their time in soliciting subscriptions, a work which in his
opinion called for an exercise of far more self-denial than
the mere subscribing of a certain sum. He especially
complimented the ladies, for the success with which they
befriended all pious and charitable schemes. There iv!!
sufficient money in this country for all purposes of the_
kind ; but gold was a very heavy article, and lay at the
bottom of the purse, not to be easily extracted. iiie
believed the ladies were the best extractors, and he hoped
they would go on perseveringly in the good work-
(Laughter and applause.) He concluded by expressing
the hope that the Lord would abundantly shower down
blessings upon all who might in coming ages assemble in
that building.
The CHAIRMAN having stated that two of the trustees
of the school-room were present, and that they would
address the meeting,
Mr. Come felt grateful that he had been spared to that
date, as he had been present at the laying of the founda-
tion stone, and took a warm interest in the progress 01
the school. As appropriate to the occasion, he related
how, in his own case, an early education had been singe.'
larly blessed, in bringing him to a recognition of Christian
duties, after the lapse of nine years spent in a distant
colony, during the whole of which period lie had never'
taken part in the worship of God.
The CHAIRMAN said the objects for which they were
assembled together that day were manifold. In the first
place, they had a desire to excite a greater degree of in-
terest in the schools throughout the congregation. He
expressed a hope that they might receive additional Sun-
day school teachers. It was contemplated to have divine
worship in the school-rooms, as well as the ordinary
classes during the day. He took occasion to thank those
kind friends who had laboured for the realisation of the
scheme, and who were removed from among them—re-
ferring in eulogistic terms, to Mr. Thomas B. Horsfall,
who was one of the trustees, and his brother, Mr. Win.
Horsfall, who had shared with him (Mr. Jones) the duties
of treasurer, and also to Mr. Edmund Moleneux, one of
the trustees.

In the early part of the year 1851 it was resolved by the
members of St. Augustine's congregation in this town
that new schools should be erected within the district
assigned to that church. At a meeting held in the old
National School-room, Upper Beau-street, on the 17th of
March, 1851, the Rev. J. Herbert Jones, the incumbent
of the parish, in the chair, it was resolved " that, in conse-
quence of the inconvenient site and insufficient accommo-
dation of the schools at present attached to St. augustine's
Church, the erection of new rooms, of larger dimensions
and within the district assigned to the Church, is desira-
ble; and that the following gentlemen be appointed a
committee for raising the necessary funds and superin-
tending the building, with power to add to their number :
—Edmund Molyneux, Esq. ; James Mellor, Esq. ; Thos.
Mellor, Esq. ; Robert Aked, Esq. ; James Roper, Esq. ;
George B. Denton, Esq. ; John Whitley, Esq. ; Edward
D. Maddock, Esq. ; Henry Wilson, Esq. ; Wm. Nichol-
son, Esq. ; James Johnson, Esq. ; Isaac Hadwen, Esq. ;
Edward Whitley, Esq. ; George Walley, Esq. ; John
Fowler, Esq. ; Alfred Stone, Esq., and the Rev. J.
Herbert Jones and William J. Horsfall, Esq., treasurers.
The committee thus appointed, were much encouraged by
a very liberal offer, made by Thomas Shaw, Esq., of a
piece of land in the immediate neighbourhood of the
church, as a site for the new schools ; and some objections
having afterwards arisen to the application of it to that
purpose, they were kindly allowed by Mr. Shaw to dis-
pose of it, and apply the proceeds to the purchase of a
more eligible site that was offered for sale in Salisbury-
street. An application was then made to the Committee
of Council on Education for a grant in accordance with
their rules, and after a lengthened correspondence which
ensued, and which delayed any further proceedings during
the remainder of that year, their consent was obtained to
the plans which had been proposed, modified by the
omission of the intended master's residence and some
other less important alterations. The congregation
meanwhile responded with much liberality to the appeal
which had been made, and a large amount of subscriptions
was received. On Tuesday, the 23rd March, 1852, a
meeting of the members of the congregation was held, at
which a report of the proceedings of the Building Com-
mittee was read, together with a financial statement,
from which it appeared that the plans were then ready, and
the committee prepared to commence building as soon as
the necessary contracts could be entered into, but that a
deficiency of about £5BO of the estimated expense still
remained ; the estimated cost being—for the site pur-
chased £540, and for the building, &c., £2,74o—total,
£3,280. Under the auspices of the respected incum-
bent, Mr. Jones, aided by several zealous friends in
the congregation, subscriptions were quickly poured into
the treasury, and ultimately the means at the disposal of
the committee—including subscriptions paid and -
mised, government grant, sale of Mr. Shaw's land
the old schools—justified them in setting about
of raising the structure. The laying of the foundation-
stone—a ceremony performed by the Lord Bishop of
Chester—took place eleven months ago. The building is
now complete ; and, before describing the ceremonies of
its opening, we may appropriately give a description of
the structure, which is. in an architectural as well as a
moral point of view, the chief ornament of Salisbury-
street, and that thickly-peopled neighbourhood.
These national schools are built upon a site an the west
side of Salisbury-street, and occupy an area of 20 yards in
front and 37 yards deep, which was purchased at a cost of
£550. They replace the schools originally built in con-
nexion with St. Augustine's Church in 1834, which are
situated in Upper Beau-street. The latter have been sold,
and will, we believe, be rented from the purchaser for
occupation in connexion with St. Peter's Church, Sack-
ville-street, Everton.
The new building consists of a principal or main portion,
lying on the northern part of the site, and two wings ; the
main building containing the schools—the infants' on
the ground floor, the boys' on the first, and the girls'
on the second floor, each about 65 feet by 23 feet ; the
land falling from east to west, the infant school is par-
tially sunk on the Salisbury-street side, and the ascent to
the other two schools is proportionably diminished. The
infant school is 15 feet high, the boys' 16 feet, and the
girls' 11 feet to the wall plate, and 30 feet to the ridge.
Of the wings, which project southwardly from the schools,
the one front contains the approaches and cloak rooms,
and the back or western wing the class rooms and a com-
mittee room, the intermediate space, which is bounded
southwardly by other buildings, forming the girls' yard,
those for the boys and infants lying westward of the
schools and class-room wing, next Back Salisbury-street.
The infants' and boys' class rooms are each 242 feet by 23
feet, and the committee room the same, occupying a mez-
zanine between the boys' and the girls' class rooms, the
last named being 24} feet by 271 feet.
The general object has been to occupy the whole space
at command to the best advantage, and to obtain accom-
modation, without overcrowding, for about 900 or 1000
children. Substantial rather than ornamental, character
has been aimed at, and whatever of architectural style
exists has been obtained by the most simple means.
The general character of the building is that of the
pointed style, prevalent about the year 1300, exemplified
in a form such as exhibited in these schools by some of
the plainer conventual buildings of that period. The
front to Salisbury-street is the principal one, and displays
a lofty gable; flanked by bold buttresses, and pierced by
the eastern windows of the schools, those of the infant
school being six lights, in pairs, those of the boys' five (a
triplet in the centre and a single light at each side), and
thegirls'an arrangement of five lights combined, rising into
the gable ; the approach to the boys' school is by an exter-
nal stair, and above it rises a turret, oblong on plain sur-
mounted by an acute leaded roof, crested with cruciform or-
naments in gilt metal. The girls' staircase, on the southern
extremity of the front, is roofed with a smaller gable to-
wards the street, and pierced by a segmental pointed arch
below, and a transomed couplet window lighting the stair
above, and the portion intermediate between this slightly
projected gable and the turret just described is occupied
below by the entrance to the infants' descending stairs
and windows of the cloak rooms above it. The two prin-
cipal gables, front and back, are surmounted by carved
stone crosses, and relief is given by the use of ornamental
wrought-iron hinges, (forged by Mr. Crompton, of Brid-
port-street) to the three entrance doors. Inscriptions in
old English character indicate the purpose of the build-
ing and its divisions.
The west end of the schools has lights similar to the
east, and large side lights are also obtained in each over
the girls' yard, between the two wings. The materials of
the front are Upholland wall stone and white Runcorn
stone dressings, the remainder of the building being built
of brick, with red stone dressings ; all the bearing timber is
of Baltic growth.
The work was contracted for by Mr. James Burroughs,
for the sum of £2,800, and associated with him, as sub-
contractors, are Mr. William Wells, mason ; Messrs J.
and R. Duckworth, bricklayers; Mr. Alderman Bennett,
ironfounder ; Mr. Thomas Jones, plasterer ; and Mr.
Jas. Crellin, plumber, &c., The architect is Mr. H. P.
Horner, from whose designs the whole of the details hare
been carried out, and who expresses the fullest satisfac-
tion with the manner in which the contractors have ac-
complished their task. The first stone was laid on the
18th of May, 1852, by the Lord Bishop of Chester.
The opening of the new schools has been accomplished
with celebrations of a most pleasing descriptive
far, under the most auspicious circumstances. _
the Lord Bishop of the diocese preached in the church
to a large and attentive congregation, one of the most gra-
tifyine features of which was the numerous body of nicety-
dressed and orderly children, who, either at the Sunday
or day schools, or both, are at present receiving instruc-
tion. The collection on the occasion amounted to the
handsome sum of £66.
Yesterday morning, at half-past nine o'clock, the forma'
opening of the schools was celebrated by a public break
fast, which took place in the girls' school-room—s
exceedingly beautiful apartment, which was
decorated with flags, evergreens, and flowers. I
250 persons breakfasted on the occasion—inclua.
course, a large proportion of ladies, who gave to
gathering an aspect pleasingly animated and interesting.
The Lord Bishop having asked a blessing, ample justice
was done to the good things, which were plentifully as
well as elegantly served by Mr. Lawton, of the Bee hotel.
During the breakfast, the juvenile band of the Industrial
School played various animated airs—the youthful inns'
clans being stationed in .the street, to the delectation
the entire neighbourhood, which poured out crop s of
onlookers. The chair was afterwards taken by t. ten.
J. Herbert Jones, the Incumbent of St. 3 lef
DChrs.sirlcho
tin, aet,
jtlaie,a,,s,aremnecet,a
J.
em:s:nthauwziltoi,n G. wme,r. .we,arr,
John
:61rcl
n,,eut v
wa :
Bishop of the Diocese, the Rev. Dr. M'Neile ; Reverends feces
mith ri ich he (Atie
much affected Burin' his referent Jones, (father of the Incumbent of St, Augustine's and late e3teetted incumbent of St. Auou'stine's Chun-
Rural Dean,; J. Steivait, W. 11. Wright, C. H. Burton, The CHAIRMAN then called
upon Mr. John NI
W. Rawson, AI. Calder, of Ffth.fi,l(l, and W. T. Newer_ solietor, a gentleman who night now almost b
ham, Curate of St. Augustine's Church ; Edmund Moly- the father of the schools.
nous, Esq., Adam Hodgson, Esq., T. D. Anderson, Esq., Mr. WHITLEY, in a brief specie_,
W. Cook, Esq., T. Carne, Esq., H. P. Horner, Esq , the in erecting the late schools. He was 111
architect of the building, &c. ing the schools for an hour on several
The CHAIRMAN, in opening the proceedings, said that each week :• he did this after breakfast, and fount.
,
their assemblage on that occasion was one which called at business as early as his neighbours. He though,
accomplishmentfor much thankfulness.ofa work
Twhheyichwered emetn to
a
don, for two years ; and, in its completion and opening, made to work important results in the school, both by in-
hege
dcetlheobirraatettea the. mwoaunlydofit
ntdhoiste
wprzssennott,
difficultitney only made
do,
while it could bede the
pointed out the necessity of gratitude to God for past citing the teacher and the scholar to increased zeal and
success and prayers to the Divine Author of all things for usefulness. He also counselled the ladies to talc part in
His blessing to rest and remain upon what had been so these morning calls at the schools, as they might confer
auspiciously begun. Subjects for thankfulness abounded much berrefit upon the female departments. -.Were the
thickly around them ; not the least important of them ladies and gentlemen to adopt this course, the services
was, the circumstance that so many of them had been Mr. Roper might in a great measure be dispensed
spared to see the accomplishment of the work. It was because, if they attended the schools regularly, ''
not a matter of course that it should be so ; for many inevitably feel an interest in them which would r,
began a work who were not permitted to finish it. And, solicitations for subscriptions quite unnecessary.--k
indeed, one of the largest contributors—one whose name plause.)
stands at the head of the list (the late Henry Copeland, The CHAIRMAN mentioned a gratifying circumstance,
Esq.)—had not been allowed to witness the completion of proving that the rich and the poor were alike interested
a design in the successful issue of which he fell much in- in the schools; for, while they had had £lOO dons
terested. He expressed his conviction that the work had lions, there had likewise been numerous penny and two-
brought good both upon him, as their pastor, and upon penny contributions. (Applause.) The warm support
the congregation. In trying to bring the children and l given by the poorest in that neighbourhood was indeed
the neighbourhood around them to feel an interest in the one of the most excellent anda,gratifying features in this'
institution, he believed that, as a congregation, they had good work. For these eople a tea-party had been
derived great benefit, while he himself had been brought arranged for the followings vening, at which their worthy
into intercourse with many more kind friends of whom friend, the Rev. Dr. M'Neile, had kindly promised to
he had previously known little. He acknowledged j attend.
gratefully the services which had been rendered to , The Rev. Dr. M'Neien said only one tem the school by Mr. Roper, who had kindly toiled with I had fallen from any of their friends that morning
him, and that with the most untiring good spirits 1 with which he felt at that moment no sympathy at
amid all the difficulties and:discpragements which neces- I all, and that remark was from his respected friend;
eerily attended a work of charity. Not that he referred the father of their pastor. Rreluctance to address them 1
to the discouragements in a tone of disappointment, for He felt no feeling of reluctance at all. Associated
discouragements had been very few. He had found a with Mr. Jones for many years, during which he was
spirit of liberality and kindness and love throughout the privileged to labour in the town of Liverpool, and, know;;
congregation, of the existence of which he was previously ing his son from the time when he was a boy, it bad
unaware. He acknowledged the very handsome gift of "a
given him very great satisfaction to accept the invitation
fine chamber organ, which just a week ago had been to join them on that occasion, and to be present on the
kindly and unexpectedly presented to them by Mr. ' following evening. It was not always convenient for n 1,13
William Thomas, whose presence they had the honour j to accept invitations ; but he did not think that their Conn
of having that day. (Applause.) Not the least cause of venience should be the measure of their duty. (Applause.)
thankfulness that day was to be found in the presence of He then proceeded briefly to illustrate one branch of 01
the Lord Bishop. (Great applause.) He was sure he subject, which they might appropriately consider that
expressed only their feeling as a congregation towards his morning. It was that, having completed the building;
lordship, when be expressed his thanks for his lordship's and- prepared it for the reception of the children, the,r,
kindly and cordial interest in that work. He had come was now an urgent necessity for special prayer L.,
thither on two occasions—devoting to them a considerable God, that lie might complete the work which
ilr6i
portion of time on each occasion, and on the first, as was proposed to prosecute in that school.
.1.11
they well remembered, exposing himself to the pitiless connexion with the schools of Liverpool, and as
r'e.
storm which prevailed on the day on which the founds- encouragement to the friends of education,. 11e owe
tion-stone was laid. They were grateful that his lordship lated an incident which had recently come to his k.as,-'_d,
had come among them, although at considerable personal ledge. He had been shown a letter from a poor irispivilc,
inconvenience, once more, and that they bad now the who had been educated in a school in Liverpool, and 13

and of

the work

, and. so

On Sunday

Mr. 11oLyscux said, their esteemed chairmat
alluded to him, he could not deny himself the p 1
saying a few words. He had been many years ago con-
nected with that school as a trustee ; and during the time
he resided in that neighbourhood he bad the pleasure of
attending the school. At that time they had the kindness
and support of their revered and honoured minister, Dr!
Tattershall. The schools were of much use at that time
to the lower orders in that district. The children w
taught, and those who remained long enough vr.-er,
afterwards to enter upon the duties of respectable situa-
tions, in which they maintained themselves respectably.
The merely secular part of the education was good, and
the religious education could not be exceeded. The build-
ing they then occupied was very humble, but its usz,fulness
was very great notwithstanding. He hoped '-'-
institution might receive the continued supoo
congregation, and he had no doubt whatever
few 1,11..0 • •

.easure of

stefully

re welt
.e able

'e than

bat the

that in a ver

odid building would
cr for good. He co

e Lard

ours, and by expressing tip
ie had felt in attending to-day, where he sai

(led 'their lul

s familiar

h, stated that t.

of visit-
ings in

rider all
'Ap-

"CSSIOn