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January - February 1966 Holy Baptisms
February – March 1966 Burial
Obituary Dedication of the new church April – May 1966 Holy Matrimony
Some Notes On This Parish And Church By Rev G C Spencer R D Mapperley has a long history, and is mentioned in Domesday. A chapel was established here by Hugh de Strelley by arrangement with the Abbott of Dale as Patron and Rector, and was sanctioned by Alexander Staveney, Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, from 1224 to 1240 A.D. Mapperley became part of the Parish of Kirk Hallam. In 1650 a Parliamentary Commission reported “ Mapperley is a member ( i.e. of Kirk Hallam) and lyes remote and maye be united to West Hallam. But nothing was done about this suggestion. In 1851 a church was built on this site with stone given by Mr. Drury-Lowe. The architect was Mr. Thomas D Barry, of Liverpool, and the builder was Mr. T Brown of West Hallam. The total cost of the work was £727 10s. 3¾d. plus architect fees. In November, 1864, the church was licensed for marriages because of the distance parishioners had to travel to their Parish Church at Kirk Hallam. On July 22nd, 1870, Mapperley became a separate Ecclesiastical Parish, and has remained so ever since. From 1961 it has been held in plurality with the Parish of West Hallam under the present Vicar. Mining subsidence began in 1957, and by 1959 the church became unfit for worship, and a temporary building was provided by the Coal Board. When subsidence ceased this church was planned and built after long negotiations and delays, and it is offered as a humble replacement, restoring the Worship of Almighty God to its true setting in the Parish. Those of us who have been involved in the enterprise echo the words of a mediaeval scribe who, at the end of a lengthy and exacting piece of work, scribbled “Finis, finis,finis, Ludendo dicit” And our prayer is that of a famous author who, having finally completed and produced a difficult and complicated drama, wrote “ We have done what we could: may the Master Craftsmen amend all. These two problems were dealt with as one. A reinforced concrete raft was laid and on it was built a light structure capable of a certain amount of flexing without causing serous damage. The elimination of most of the usual high walls saved cost as well as weight. It is felt that loftiness is very desirable in a place of worship, in that, for some indefinite reason, the right atmosphere is created. The steep pitched laminated timber trusses provide the height as well as the flexibility which is desired. The plan is simple. There is no chancel or chair between the worshippers and the sanctuary so that those who come here to worship are part of, and not separated from, the Sacrament enacted at the altar. The ancillary buildings contain a choir vestry large enough for parish meetings, priest’s vestry and toilet accommodation. A “dim religious light” has been avoided and as much light as possible enters from outside. The low windows with the view of the countryside are intended to emphasise the association between God’s creation and man’s worship. All this large glass area is in double glazing to eliminate undue heat losses. The wall mounted cross is black. The parish has been almost entirely dependent on coal and this black cross reminds us of this natural bounty. Furnishing Of The New Church One hundred and fifty people have helped Mrs. E Beardsley collect sufficient money to purchase hassocks, hymn books for both congregation and choir, and new psalters for the choir. The family of the late Mr & Mrs A Martin have contributed a hand-bound lectern/pulpit. Bible in the revised standard version. Four sets of cassocks and surplices have been presented by Mr R Richardson, who has received a number of donations for this purpose. The Cross and Altar Candlesticks have been made by Mr. H England, whi lives in West Hallam, and he has been most generous in the help he has given. The Church Council have bought a steel filing cabinet for parish documents, a small steel wall safe for alms, and had had the whole of the approach to the church doors laid with tarmac. West Hallam Church Council have kindly presented some Altar Linen for use in the new church. Mr R Marsden has treated the wood of the lychgate. Mr Peacock has worked steadily in the churchyard, assisted by Mr N E Beardsley. Which do not have to be locked in the cabinet. Mr and Mrs H Lewis presented a fine Wilton runner for the sanctuary step. It is of excellent quality and is in a shade of gold which tones properly with the colour scheme of the floor of the building. A most useful gift has been made for the clergy vestry. It comes from Cotmanhay where Mr & Mrs Stenson have given us a beautiful mahogany desk. This provides all that is necessary both as a table for writing in registers and drawers for keeping forms and documents All this shows a splendid sense of the importance of what is happening in Mapperley, and we feel sure it will encourage others to maintain and improve their impressive church. Further Notes Written By Rev G.C.Spencer In May 1966 There can be no doubt in anyone’s mind that, the Dedication of our new church was an occasion to remember. In the first place, there was a blizzard. Then the actual service was impressive and unimpaired by any accident. The Sung Communion of the Palm Sunday morning, at which the Bishop celebrated, showed how well the design of the building helped our worship together. The position of the celebrant behind the altar has met with general acceptance, and has been found to be more helpful. The nearness of the congregation to the altar uninterrupted by choirstalls, has also helped to make us feel we are doing something together as one family. September 1966 Rev G C C Spencer writes:- Stained Glass Windows One is very careful in these days of using stained glass in churches, partly because of expense, and partly because the trend now is for churches with clear glass in the windows. However, there are occasions when it is quite proper to have a certain quantity of it in church. We have received an offer from the National Coal Board of the glass panels which used to be in the window over the large staircase of the Mapperley Colliery Offices. These were removed to Eastwood Hall when the colliery closed, and now that the whole area is closing, and Eastwood Hall is no longer required, the Board have generously given us the panels so that they remain permanently in the village. They are delightful pictures. The representations are of early mining in Germany, and the colours are subdued and pleasant. There are twelve in all, and together they provide an education for any child in the methods of this early craft. And what more suitable place than an old mining village for them? August – September 1966 Rev G C C Spencer announces his new appointment in the parish of Bathampton, Bath. His Institution to take place on Wednesday October 19th 1966. It draws to an end another chapter in the long history of this ancient parish, and of that of Mapperley also. John Scargill was Rector for 25 years (1638 – 1662), William Clarke 52 years (1736 – 1788) Charles John Newdigate became Rector in 1849, and was also Vicar of Kirk Hallam until 1856, died in 1876, and his was the last incumbency to exceed 20 years until Rev Spencer’s 20 years. September – October 1966 Clarence Ronald Martin was a Churchwarden for a number of years before he died in 1965. His wife and family have presented to the Church, a pedestal to hold a vase for flowers, and this is to be placed in the Sanctuary. The pedestal was made by Mr Peter England, who made the cross and candlesticks, and it has the same principle of design October – November 1966 Rev Spencer’s final letter as Vicar before leaving to move to Bath Old Font It has been thought fitting that the old font should be erected in the churchyard in a prominent position, and arranged to hold flowers. We are most grateful to Mr James, who has undertaken this work, and has made a thoroughly sound job of it. Heating Fund The church council are planning to appeal to the parish for funds to convert the present system to a new gas fired boiler at ground level in a new boiler house. December – January 1966/67 Rev Joe Martin writes his first letter for the magazine.  Disclaimer - Copyright - Is this page correct? Something wrong or missing? Please let me know. Also contributions very welcome |
MAPPERLEY NOTES