THE HISTORY OF
CHRIST CHURCH,
GRIMSHAW PARK,
BLACKBURN
1859 – 1959
by
JOHN AINSWORTH, M.M.
With a foreword
by
The Rev. J. J. PAISLEY
A DAILY PRAYER
Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers, which we offer before Thee for all estates of mankind in Thy Holy Church, that each and every member of the same, in vocation and ministry, may truly and godly serve Thee; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Christ Church 1959
TO cover adequately and compactly, within the compass of an inexpensive brochure, a period of one hundred years, is a problem not met with every day !
We are deeply indebted to John Ainsworth for all his labours of love which have made the tremendous feat possible and in such attractive format too, as you will agree.
It is our hope that you will appreciate, as you read, the great amount of research which lies behind each figure, or phase or feature of this history.
With John, we also thank everyone who has helped in any way by word, letter, treasured souvenir, or Christian example and service from the years that are here reviewed. May God be praised for every happy memory of past days- both recent and remote.
No church can lightly or carelessly stand upon the threshold of its second century ! We believe that, despite our present heavy financial burdens, there are yet greater things in store, for the earth is to be filled with the glory of the Lord and God is working out His purposes as year succeeds year, century to century. For those who belong to God in Christ Jesus our Saviour, the best is yet to be.
The challenge of all that has been forged so well in the past is simply that each of us, in our day and generation, should worship and serve God acceptably, reverently, worthily.
May He enable us to be true to our goodly heritage !
JOHN PAISLEY.
Christ-Church Vicarage,
Blackbum.
December, 1959.
In presenting this history of Christ Church, I have tried to convey some conception of the former appearance of Grimshaw Park, and to give some idea of the conditions under which the people lived when our Church was built. The life of the Church is set out in chronological order, and it is my earnest hope that you will be so stirred by the example set by our predecessors, that you will be led to work and give more than ever before, for the Church we love. So that it can continue to bring joy and Blessings to the people of our parish.
" Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.''
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
My sincere thanks are due to those who have helped me in producing this booklet:-
The Rev. J. J. Paisley, for writing the foreword.
Mr. F. Walsh, for all the time he has spent in reading, correcting and typing.
Mr. C. Knowles, who inspired me to take an interest in the history of our Church and gave me much information.
Miss P. Westall, for her review of the past six years during which time Mr. Paisley has been our Vicar.
Mr. G. C. Miller, for use of matter in his book " Bygone Blackburn.''
Mr. W. W. Yeates, F.L.A., Borough Librarian and Curator, and the Staff of the Reference Library.
And to those who by word or letter have supplied information.
4, Grove Street,
Blackburn. JOHN AINSWORTH.
December, 1959.
The history of Christ Church really began in the year 1826, when Grimshaw Park Church of England Sunday School was opened, but before following its history let us look at Grimshaw Park as it was in those days.
In 1822 the House of Correction which stood on the Old Bridge in Darwen Street, marked the limit of Blackburn's built-up area, and all beyond were the open fields of the Town's moor, with the isolated hamlets of Islington, Nova-Scotia and Grimshaw Park forming independent little communities, each with a character of its own. A Powder Magazine stood at the junction of Great Bolton Street and Park Road, and the old Workhouse stood in the angle formed by two lanes, (now known as Hutchinson Street and Kay Street) the latter having been erected in 1765 and was in use as such for one hundred years.
Grimshaw Park was made up of two colonies and the canal was the dividing line between them. Many are the stories told of the fights which took place between the two parties. On occasions it was more than a man's life was worth to pass over the canal bridge without the support of his friends. This community was built up of hand loom weavers and quarrymen, who lived in the little stone cottages, and a familiar sound was the click-clack of the looms as the weavers plied their skill in the weaving of calico. Park Road at that time was in a very primitive state, being full of ruts and fit hardly for anything but pack horses.
For some years Grimshaw Park had the unenviable reputation of harbouring some of the town's roughest characters. The various brick works and delphs in the vicinity seemed to be a rallying point for the criminals and vagrants from miles around, and many tales have been told of their escapades.
An old pot house stood on Pottery Hill, on the north side of Pot House Lane, (now Haslingden Road) a little below where Queen's Park Hospital now stands and was an off-shoot of the Pottery founded by Messrs. Kemp and Riley at Honey Hole, in the vicinity of Kemp Street, which was in existence in 1794. The pots manufactured were of the coarsest eathenware, consisting of washing mugs, bread mugs, flower pots, etc. The Pot House at one end of the Town and the Windmill on the canal bank at Eanam, were two of the landmarks of old Blackburn, before factory chimneys came to occupy so prominent a part of the general landscape.
Robert Hopwood, senior, a local cotton manufacturer, lived in Highfield House, whilst his son lived in Rockcliffe House. Both these houses stood in the same grounds, surrounded by gardens, and they covered the area now bounded by Highfield Road, Rockcliffe Street, Hall Street and Mosley Street. Robert Hopwood, senior, played a very prominent part in the education of the people of Grimshaw Park.
The streets of Blackburn at that time were daily infested with juvenile vagrants, due to their parents' neglect, and in December, 1825 the Vicar of Blackburn (Reverend J. W. Whittaker, D.D.) called a meeting of persons who were concerned at the conduct and habits of the children in Grimshaw Park. The meeting decided to build a school in Grimshaw Park for the religious instruction of boys and girls.
This was a period of starvation, misery and unrest in the Town of Blackburn. The power loom had been introduced into the district and was making its way into the Blackburn factories.
The trade and commerce of the country were in a state of utter stagnation, great numbers of hand loom weavers wholly dependent upon the occupation of calico weaving for a living, were deprived of this employment, and it was not strange that the half starved weavers should regard with suspicion a new invention.
At the outset of the year 1826, the condition of the working classes in Blackburn was deplorable. The distressed weavers held meetings and decided to rise and destroy the power looms in every factory in which they were known to be working
After reporting the attack on the factory of Messrs. Eccles and Company in Darwen Street, the "Blackburn Mail'' dated April 19th, 1826 records: "During these tumultuous proceedings the town was in the most feverish state of alarm, the shops were closed and business entirely suspended. Darwen Street was crowded to such a degree that it was almost impossible to pass. The Parish Church- yard and various other places immediately surrounding the factory were likewise filled with a mixed multitude, who expressed their opinion according to their feelings.
"About three o'clock the First Dragoon Guards were dispatched to Grimshaw Park, where there is another power loom factory, and towards which a part of the mob had already directed their steps. Here the troops stayed for nearly an hour without molestation, but the crowd gradually increased, and at last a general attack commenced. The ground on which the factory stands, being near the canal bank, lay much exposed, and being likewise very limited, was unfavourable for the soldiers. The mob pelted them with stones, whilst others armed with pikes, etc., pressed forward, and after three attacks overpowered the soldiers and entered the lower part of the factory, where they destroyed all the power looms and then retired, but not before some of the party had been captured. In the course of the affray several shots were exchanged between the soldiers and the mob, and we are very sorry to say that two persons in the crowd were shot and received very serious injuries, indeed their recovery is considered doubtful. This is more to be lamented as both of them we understand were merely spectators, and did not take an active part in the affray.''
GRIMSHAW PARK SUNDAY SCHOOL
It was in this period of unrest, March, 1826 that Grimshaw Park Church of England Sunday School was opened. It was built on the site now occupied by our Church and was governed by the National Sunday School's Committee, presided over by the Reverend J. W. Whittaker, D.D., Vicar of Blackburn. The children attended every Sunday at 9-30 in the morning and 1-30 in the afternoon. Nearly all the children who attended the school were illiterate and had to be taught to read before they could take part in the service, but under the united efforts of Dr. Whittaker, the superintendents and teachers, such a lot of headway was made that at the end of 1826 the average attendance on Sundays was boys 308 and girls 263. The following is an extract from the Sunday School Minute Book: `` Minute of Meeting held in Grimshaw Park Sunday School 9th October, 1826. It was resolved that the school shall be opened on Sunday evenings for the religious instruction of the adult inhabitants of Grimshaw Park. The teachers in the Boys' School undertaking to attend. Signed R. Backhouse, Chairman.''
So began the religious instruction of the people of Grimshaw Park. The Sunday School was demolished in 1856-and the site was cleared ready for the building of Christ Church.
The old Sunday School had been in use for thirty years, and many people in Grimshaw Park had reason to bless the old building and those who taught within its walls, for it was in this building that they received all the schooling they ever had, and it is said that many tears were shed when they saw the old building being taken down. But the people of Grimshaw Park were not left long without the means of learning, for work was started immediately on the building of the present schools in Mosley Street.
The following are the first and last verses of a poem, written by John Baron, a Lancashire poet. He was born in Grimshaw Park on the 25th June, 1823, and he received almost all the schooling he ever had at the old Church of England Sunday School in Grimshaw Park. He was a hand loom weaver.
A Farewell to Grimshaw Park Sunday School by John Baron
It pains me to see thee thus razed to the ground,
'Twas in thee true perennial pleasures I found,
Yea, the many bright Sabbaths in thee I have spent
I shall never in future have cause to repent
They're recorded on high by the angels who know
They're the happiest Sabbaths I've spent here below,
For I paid no regard to the spendthrift and fool
When 1 tripped with my prayer book to Grimshaw Park School.
Farewell a few tears are now all thou can'st claim,
Thou hast left naught behind save thy time-honoured name.
And the roof and the bell whose still eloquent chimes
I've sent forth from thy loft many thousands of times;
May the clergy who tread on thy thrice hallowed ground,
Emulate the deceased, spread the Gospel around,
'Till the voices of converts reverberant roll,
Blessing them and the worthies of Grimshaw Park School.
On the 7th March, 1850 the foundation stone of the Hopwood School was laid. This school, which was built at the junction of Mosley Street and James Street (now Proctor Street) was an extension of Leyland Charity School for Girls in Thunder Alley (now Town Hall Street) which was founded in 1764. The building cost £800 and Leyland's Charity gave £400, Robert Hopwood £150, whilst £250 was raised by subscription. Robert Hopwood also gave the site. John Turner Hopwood, grandson of Robert Hopwood, laid the foundation stone. A bottle containing documents, current coins of the realm, etc., was placed in a receptacle made for it, the whole being covered with a large, inscribed copper plate.
The building was built to the design of the Reverend J. W. Whittaker, D.D. It had two large rooms, one being divided by slides to make two classrooms, and the Coats of Arms of the Leyland's and Hopwood's were sculptured above the doorways. It was used as a Charity School until Grimshaw Park National Schools were opened on Christmas Day, 1857, after which the building was used as an Infants' School until 1888, when the Infants' School on Rockcliffe Street was opened. The building was then allowed to get into such a state of disrepair that it became an eyesore to the neighbourhood.
REVEREND R. MOSS, D.D.
1855 – 1894
Dr. Moss was ordained a Deacon in 1851 and Priest in 1852. In August, 1855 as a curate under the Incumbency of Dr. Rushton (then Vicar of Blackburn) he rented a disused waiting room at Bolton Road Station, and succeeded in building up a considerable work there with about 75 communicants. Towards the end of 1855 he was made curate in charge of Grimshaw Park district, and so he started a ministry to the people of that district which was to last for nearly forty years. The Reverend. George Denyer wrote of him: ``No better man could have been chosen than the `Lion Parson` as he was called, for he possessed just the qualities necessary to bring order and peace into the riotous distractions and ungodliness of Grimshaw Park.''
It was said that when Dr. Moss first accompanied Dr. Rushton into the district they were greeted with a shower of sods, but he worked so fearlessly and diligently that he came to be loved by all the people of Grimshaw Park. He had been set a very hard task- that of forming a Parish and building a Church.
At that time the character of Grimshaw Park was slowly changing, old property was being demolished and terraced houses were being built by the owners of the factories to house their workers. Most of them being built on behalf of Robert Hopwood of Highfield House, who was said to be one of the largest employers of labour in Blackburn at this time, having mills with 2,600 looms and 140,000 spindles which employed 2,500 people.
Early in 1857 when Dr. Moss was about to accept the living of Tockholes, Miss Hopwood, the sister of Robert Hopwood, approached him with an offer of £500, which was subsequently increased to £l,000 for the immediate erection of Christ Church, and after a conference with this lady, her brother and one or two other friends, it was decided to take steps for the building of a church. Mr. Hopwood entered heartily into the scheme. However, when it became known that Mr. Hopwood was interested in the scheme, some men of means in the Town refused to contribute, saying that the provision of a Church was more a personal matter for himself than for the Town at large, seeing that the people of the district worked at his mills. Whatever he thought of this argument, Mr. Hopwood rose nobly to the occasion as you will gather by the financial support he and his family gave.
CHRIST CHURCH, GRIMSHAW PARK
The old Sunday School having been taken down and the site cleared, everything was ready for building and on Whit Monday, 1st June, 1857, the Foundation Stone of Christ Church was laid.
The occasion was a remarkable one; a large procession formed in the Parish Church yard and the people walked from the town centre to the site, but the representatives of the Press seem to have been forgotten in the arrangements, and judging from the report in the "Blackburn Standard'' they were in a very bad humour. We are informed that the great crowd was kept waiting in the broiling sun owing to everything being an hour late, and that the Press representatives were most rudely and insolently jostled by an unruly crowd whom the Church Wardens and other officials present vainly endeavoured to keep under control. However, the troubles were surmounted and the Foundation Stone was well and truly laid by Miss Hopwood. A bottle containing newspapers of the day, coins and an appropriate memorial to the laying of the stone, was placed in a receptacle made in the stone and covered with an inscribed copper plate. The inscription read: ``This Foundation Stone of the Church dedicated to the honour and worship of Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, by the name of Christ Church, Grimshaw Park, Blackburn, was laid by Miss Hopwood of Highfield, on Whit Monday, A.D. 1857 and the 20th year of the reign of Queen Victoria.''
A silver trowel was presented to Miss Hopwood when laying the stone by the teachers and scholars of the old Grimshaw Park Sunday School, and it was later presented to the Church by Miss Hopwood.
The building of the Church took longer than
anticipated and the contractors seem to have got into difficulties. The
Ecclesiastical Commissioners raised serious objections to the pillars, which,
they said, were not of the specified strength and at least two of them were
found to be considerably out of the perpendicular, while the
structure in some parts had settled somewhat. A new architect was then called in
and eventually the Commissioners agreed to accept the Church and pay over the
grant of £200. At length, on the 18th August, 1859 came the eventful day of
Consecration and in Grimshaw Park a NEW DAY DAWNED.
The church was consecrated by the First Bishop of Manchester, Dr. J. Prince Lee, who preached from the text St. John 20, verses 21 to 23. After the service, having an hour to spare before the time fixed for the luncheon, to which Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hopwood had invited between 200 and 300 guests, the party spent the interval very pleasantly in the extensive grounds attached to Highfield House, and then returned to the Girls' School, where an elegant and sumptuous table was spread for them. The preacher in the evening was a well-known evangelical preacher, Canon Hugh Stowell. The collections for the day totalled £118. On the following Sunday, August 21st, the preachers were:-Morning: Reverend J. R. Fielden, M.A., Chaplain to the Marquis of Cholmondley. Afternoon: Reverend D. Rushton, D.D. Vicar of Blackburn. Evening- Reverend J. D. Murphy, LL.B., Chaplain to the Preston House of Correction.
A description of the church, for the benefit of readers, is given below:-
The Church is of Gothic architecture and consists of nave and side aisles (90 feet long and 53 feet wide). There is a chancel and vestry together with a Tower and Spire at the east end of the building. The height of the spire is 148 feet. The tower is 21 feet square. There is a gallery at the west end of the nave. The number of sittings when the Church opened was 937 of which 432 were free. The promoters insisted on side seats against the wall in order that the children might be seated `` under the eyes of the congregation.'' The south door on Mosley Street was the main entrance at that time and there was no porch at the west door. The cost of the building was £6,000. The total cost of the church and Mosley Street Schools was £8,804 18s. 2d. of which the Hopwood family gave £4,917. Mr. Hopwood also paid £536 towards the cost of the site, the remainder £250 being paid by Mr. Joseph Fielden.
Shortly after the Consecration, the Reverend R. Moss, D.D., was inducted as first vicar of the Church. The first Church Wardens appointed were:
Vicar's Warden-Mr. R. Smalley.
People's Warden-Mr. J. Goodfellow.
Mr. Robert Hopwood had been in ill health for some time and only survived the Consecration by a few months. He was laid to his rest on the 17th February, 1860. In December of that year, his widow, placed a lovely stained glass window in the east end of the church as a loving memorial to her husband. Miss Hopwood passed away a few months after her brother, on August 28th, 1860, and thus the parish was deprived of its two greatest benefactors in one year. But what seemed at the time an irreparable loss was over ruled for the people's good, and, left without a residential Squire, the workers, under the guidance of Dr. Moss, developed a sturdy self reliance in financial matters which often surprised outside friends. Miss Hopwood’s last thought was for the church she loved and it was found that she had left £l,500 towards an endowment on condition that the Ecclesiastical Commissioners agreed to supplement it by a substantial grant, which they did to the amount of £l,000 and the £2,500 produced an income of about £90. That amount added to £50 from church income made up a total of £140 per annum. The remainder of the income of the benefice was chiefly derived from pew rents.
On the 25th December, 1857, Mosley Street Schools were opened. In the Porch at the entrance to the Boys' School is a stone on which is inscribed:
1825. Sunday School. ‘This is the stone which was above the entrance of the Old Grimshaw Park Sunday School.’
In October, 1862, Mr. J. Williams was appointed headmaster of the Boys' School and he commenced his duties on the 1st November, the same year. This is the first recorded entry in the Boys' School log book. Mr. Williams resigned on the 24th June, 1864, and a Mr. W. Pinnington was appointed in his stead.
THE VICARAGE
The laying of foundation stones was becoming something of a habit at Christ Church, and the parish being well equipped with church and schools the next undertaking of note was the building of the vicarage. A site of half an acre was obtained opposite the Royal Infirmary and on Whit Monday, 1863, Mrs. Hutchinson, wife of an ex-Mayor of Blackbum, laid the foundation stone. No fewer than 1,754 boys and girls joined in the proceedings and sang a hymn with the following refrain:-
``What ? leave my Church of England, my father's and my own ?
What? act the viper, sting the breast thereon my strength had grown ?
Oh ! bid me leave all else on earth, the near and dear I've known, But not my Church of England, my father's and my own.''
The stone laying was followed by the usual feast and another mile stone had been reached.
On the 6th August, 1863, the Vicar was married to Anne, the eldest daughter of the Reverend R. Leicester, of Woolton, near Liverpool. Mrs. Moss soon found a way into the hearts of the people of Grimshaw Park and took a very real interest in the work of the parish.
In 1866 a committee was formed to raise the necessary funds for an organ (up to this time a harmonium had been used for all the services). The organ duly appeared and had to be squeezed into a very small chamber, but it has not been possible to find any record of its cost.
During this period the life of the Parish was going along smoothly and quietly, but the Vicar and people were working very hard for the up-keep of the church and schools and preparing for greater extension of the work.
In 1878 a marble tablet was placed on the wall on the south side of the chancel arch to commemorate the faithful service of Miss Alice Marsden, who had worked in the parish as a scripture reader for 15 years, and who before that was a Sunday School teacher for 36 years. She taught in the old Grimshaw Park Sunday School.
In 1882 the church was re-decorated at a cost of £263 19s. 2d. being reopened for worship on the 5th October that year.
Consequent upon the death at his post of Mr. James G. Knowles the Superintendent of the Girls` School, and to commemorate his 35 years` service, a stained glass window was erected in the north aisle by the scholars of the Girls' Sunday School, and this was unveiled on the 26th October, 1886. At a subsequent date the church received the gift of an additional communion service from Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Knowles in memory of the late superintendent.
The memorials previously mentioned give an indication of how the life and work of Christ Church had its beginning in the old Sunday School.
A large stained glass window in the west end of the church was erected in 1887 by the parishioners to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Victoria. It cost £300 and was unveiled by Lord Cranborne on the 27th October of that year. The preacher at the special service was the Vicar of Blackburn, Bishop Cramer.Roberts.
Still another milestone in the history of the church was reached on the 12th May, 1888, when Dr. Moss himself laid the foundation stone of that block of buildings, the Infants' School in Rockcliffe Street. The total cost was about £2,000 including the site. It was a wonderful day for the Vicar, for he had achieved his aim-that of building a church, vicarage and schools for boys, girls and infants. Out of God forsaken Grimshaw Park he had formed a parish of which he could be proud. Surely a great achievement for our first vicar, and a splendid example by the congregation to those who would follow in the years to come.
Rockcliffe St Infant School
The church organ was renovated in 1891 at a cost of £68 18s. Id.
The church renovation cost £362 9s. 2d. in 1892.
THE MOSLEY STREET SCHOOLS
On the 31st January, 1870, the name of the Mosley Street Schools was changed from Grimshaw Park National Schools to Christ Church Schools.
Mr. W. Pinnington resigned as headmaster of the Boys' School on the 28th September, 1866, and Mr. L. M. Leader was appointed in his place. Mr. Leader left in June, 1871, being followed by Mr. J. Duxbury Ainsworth who resigned on the 14th May, 1874. Mr. Isaiah Rostron was the next headmaster and he commenced his duties on the 10th August, 1874. Mr. Rostron had been a scholar and pupil teacher in the school. He served the school until the 27th February, 1887, when he left the scholastic profession to become a minister of the gospel.
The next headmaster of the Boys' School did not last long, he was Mr. W. H. Edwards, who commenced his duties on the 1st March, 1888, and left on the 9th of the same month. He received very rough treatment at the hands of the boys, each time he left the school he was met with a shower of stones and sods of earth and it was this type of reception which made him leave.
On the 14th March, 1888, Mr. J. L. Senior was appointed headmaster in his place. This was a happy day for Christ Church for Mr. Senior was a man among men.
CHRIST CHURCH HOLLIN BANK MISSION
At this time the young men of Christ Church were in the habit of holding a Divinity Class at the home of Mr. J. T. Marsden and as time went by they began to feel the need of a room which they might call their own and extend their work. After much consideration it was decided to rent a cottage at No. 12, John Thomas Street (now Kirby Road), and definite service was started there on the 17th March, 1893. Very soon their apartments became too small for them and they enlarged their premises by erecting a cottage adjacent to their existing building. The new premises were opened on March 1st, 1894, and about three years later another extension was necessary and a third cottage, built on the same principle as the other two was added. Thus, while the lower rooms served as class rooms, there was one large upper room extending over the whole block. Outside the structure had the appearance of three roomy cottages. The Mission was governed by a committee of workers under the Chairmanship of the Vicar.
Christ Church Cricket Club was formed in 1894 to provide a clean and healthy sport for the young men of the parish.
A GREAT LOSS
It was a great shock to the people of Christ Church when they heard of the passing of their esteemed first vicar, which took place very unexpectedly on Wednesday evening, 12th December, 1894, at the age of 76. His death cast a gloom over the whole district. He was only absent from the pulpit one Sunday, so fulfilling his ardent desire to be able to attend his duties to the last. He had found a place in the hearts of his people and was well loved by the people of Grimshaw Park. The men would raise their hats and the ladies curtsey when they met him in the streets. On the day he was laid to rest almost every house in Grimshaw Park had drawn blinds. Dr. Moss had been looking forward to publishing the first parish magazine, but this was not to be. The first magazine was published on the 1st January, 1895. The vicar's letter had been written by Dr. Moss just before he died. His last address to his people, though he little knew it when writing.
The parishioners erected a marble memorial tablet to his memory. It is affixed to the wall behind the pulpit and bears the following inscription:
"In Memory of the Reverend Richard Moss, D.D., who was curate in charge of this parish for five years and afterwards vicar for 35 years. Died December, 1894, aged 76 years.
He was instrumental under God in raising this Church and the adjoining schools, and this tablet is erected by the Congregation and friends in grateful remembrance of his long and faithful ministry. ‘Be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man comet.’
REVEREND A. B. G. LILLINGSTON, 1895-1899.
The vicar's death coming so suddenly startled the whole parish, and in the months that followed there was a great deepening of interest in spiritual things, mingled with the gravest anxiety as to the appointment of a successor. This anxiety was happily allayed when it was announced that the Reverend A. B. G. LILLINGSTON, M.A., the son of a well-known Evangelical clergyman, and for seven years a curate at St. Paul's, Onslow Square, London, had been selected for the post. He was inducted to Christ Church in April, 1895. Mr. Lillingston came to the work with a great fund of experience gathered during his work in London. He had a strong physique, excellent mental equipment and a cheery manner that proved well nigh irresistible. But these were times of doubt and mistrust, for ritualism had been gaining ground, and although there was little sign of it in Blackburn, yet the strong Protestant feeling of Grimshaw Park was prepared to resist any and every change in the accustomed mode of conducting the services. Great was the indignation therefore, among a section of the congregation, when in his first Sunday in Blackburn, the new Vicar discarded the old black gown and preached in his surplice. Some members of the congregation rose from their seats and left the church. The immediate upshot of his action was the severing of the ties which bound Hollin Bank Mission to the Mother church, and caused some bitterness amongst the congregation. Yet, when Mr. Lillingston brought home his bride in June of the same year, they were greeted by a Field Day attendance of 1,700 and a right hearty Grimshaw Park welcome. Mr. Lillingston was married to Miss M. M. Campbell, of London, on the Ilth June, 1895. The ceremony took place in London and was conducted by the Vicar's father, the Reverend F. A. C. Lillingston. It was not long before Mrs. Lillingston succeeded in finding her way into the women's hearts, her Wednesday night Bible class becoming the strong centre of the Women's work.
The new Vicar soon brought to bear upon the Parish his experience of modern methods, and with all the enthusiasm of youth began to infuse some of his own fire into the band of Willing workers, whom his predecessor's faithful ministry had called to his side. Temperance work was vigorously pushed, missionary work was not forgotten, a teacher's preparation class was started, while Bible Classes, cottage and prayer meetings struck ever deeper roots into the Parochial organisation.
During this period Mr. Senior, the headmaster of the Boys' School, held Evening Classes for men and boys on Mondays and Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 9-15 p.m. The subjects taught were reading, writing, arithmetic, book-keeping, science and geography. It was announced in the magazine that prize money would be given for the best attendance and that at the end of the session, which began on the 9th September, 1895, there would be a free tea for the
students. Thirty men and forty-four boys attended. At the close of the session Mr. Senior was presented with a dinner service as a token of gratitude from the scholars. The fee for attending the Evening School was two pence per week. The fee being refunded to all students who had 95 per cent. attendance.
CHRIST CHURCH-KEMP STREET MISSION
In November, 1895, Kemp Street Mission was started. The story of the origin of the work is most interesting. At one time a little upper room of a cottage in a Kemp Street back yard, had been rented by a Mr. Walter Scott and a few companions as a gambling den. Sunday after Sunday with pots of beer by their side, they stacked their hard earned wages on the games of cards. Being so absorbed at times in the games, they forgot the meals which were awaiting them at home, being blinded to all sight or thought of other things until the night was far spent. But through the ministry of the Reverend H. Knowles, a curate at Christ Church, God worked such a miracle of grace in the heart of Mr. Scott that the gaming den was turned into a House of Prayer. The vicar then found himself with a Mission Room so situated as to appeal to many souls who never thought of entering God's House, and it was officered by the very men who had used the room in such a different way. The Mission was governed by a committee of workers under the chairmanship of the Vicar.
In the early part of 1896 Miss Ashton was appointed Headmistress of the Girls' School, in place of Miss Mellody who resigned on February 12th.
One hundred and thirty one candidates were presented for
confirmation from Christ Church in March, 1896.
A Farewell Party was held for the Reverend H. Knowles who had been curate at the Church for two years and was leaving to become curate at Christ Church, Salford. He was presented with a purse, containing 25 sovereigns from the congregation and a gold watch from Kemp Street Mission.
Three young men arrived in the parish in November, 1896, to work as curates in the church and this was the first time that more than one curate had been engaged at the same time. They were the Reverends E. C. Poulter, C. Ryder and L. R. Moore.
A one-day Sale of Work held in the Infants' School on the 3rd December, 1896, realized the sum of £68 8s. 1d. This is the first record of a Sale of Work having been held in the parish.
ST. BARTHOLOMEW'S, EWOOD
At the beginning of 1897 the vicar undertook another heavy responsibility by assuming the oversight of St. Bartholomew's. Ewood. In order that the `'School Board Religion'' might not be foisted upon the people of Ewood an association of churchmen erected a Church School in the centre of the district, a district which seemed to be ecclesiastically a sort of "no man's land", and it was felt that this school ought to be associated with definite religious work on Church of England lines. Mr. Lillingston agreed, with the consent of the parties concerned, to take on the oversight of the spiritual work to the sole charge of which he appointed the Reverend E. C. Poulter. The district had a population of about 3,000. The Vicar of Christ Church agreed to supply all clerical duty at St. Bartholomew's during holidays and sickness, besides contributing with his people to the upkeep of the school, but he held no official position, acting merely as one who was anxious to see spiritual opportunities offered to the people of Ewood. One of Mr. Poulter's first acts was to secure possession of a large piece of land adjacent to the school which he transferred to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners as a site for a new church. The land cost £700 and it was several years before the debt was paid.
THE PARISH ROOMS
In March, 1897, Mr. Lillingston called a Congregational Meeting, to consider an offer of securing the building on Mosley Street formerly held under a charitable Trust as the Hopwood School, for the Church. The land and building were conveyed to Parochial Trustees at a perpetual ground rent of £10 per annum, on the understanding that the building was put into proper repair, and adapted to the requirements (spiritual and social) of the parochial work. This was done at a cost exceeding £500. The building proved of the utmost use on Sundays, owing to the continual growth of the Sunday Schools. The Parish Rooms were opened and dedicated on the 28th October, 1897. The first managing trustees appointed were: The Vicar, Mr. J. Butterworth, Mr. J. Wilson, Mr. C. Knowles, and Mr. W. Walsh. The first caretaker, Mr. Catlow, was paid £7 10s. 0d. per year. There were two large rooms, one room being divided by sliding doors to make two class rooms. On November 18th, 1897, a reading room was opened and the Men's Institute was started. Subscriptions were one shilling per quarter.
At this time a great need was felt for an organisation for the training of boys, and in February, 1898, a Company of the Church Lads' Brigade was formed at Christ Church. Forty boys were enrolled. Their first parade caused a mild sensation in Grimshaw Park as they marched around the parish with their band (one bugle). Their full title was, Fourth Battalion Manchester Regiment, Company 1246 (Christ Church, Blackburn).
On the 26th September, 1898, a party was held in the Parish Rooms to bid farewell to Mr. Ryder, who was leaving to take up missionary work abroad and was going as one of a pioneer party to Hausaland. Unfortunately he died in Hausaland on the 31st May, 1900, as a result of fever and dysentry. The Reverend W. H. Mowat succeeded Mr. Ryder as curate in the parish.
ECCLES ROW MISSION
At the beginning of the year 1899 the Reverend L. R. Moore, one of the curates at the church, opened a Mission Hall in Eccles Row. With the help of five or six men he rented and put into good repair, at his own expense, a room under a workshop. They worked very hard endeavouring to win for God some of the wild neglected lads of the slum district. Mrs. Lillingston started a sewing class for this girls of the neighbourhood, and both these efforts left a mark for good in many lives in Eccles Row, and many people had cause to bless the Mission and its workers.
During the month of January, 1899, a farewell party held in Ewood School, when over 200 persons expressed their appreciation of the excellent way in which Mr. Poulter had laid such a solid foundation for the future church, said goodbye to him as he had been appointed Vicar of St. Catherine's, Wigan. His successor was the Reverend C. F. Wood who was welcomed at Christ Church as a curate on the 5th February, 1899.
On the 8th March, 1899, the Church Lads' Brigade gave a display in the Boys' School which included P.T. and Rifle Drill. The nerves of some of the audience were nearly shattered during the firing exercises which were controlled by Sergeant Major Metcalf, under whose orders ``rattling volleys'' were fired, but the drill was carried through with such machine-like precision that it won a hearty round of applause from the audience.
Eccles Row Mission
GOODBYE TO MR. LILLINGSTON
In the church magazine for March, 1899, Mr. Lillingston gave the reasons which led him to accept the living of St. Margaret's, Ipswich, and his resignation was received almost with consternation. The Congregation, who after the forty years' service of Dr. Moss, had imagined that his successor would, as a matter of course, spend the rest of his life in Grimshaw Park, was dumbfounded. However, the appreciation in which the Vicar and his wife were held was testified by the presentation of a purse of gold which was made to them at a farewell gathering on the 24th May that year, and still more by the expressions of sorrow at their early departure.
During the incumbency of Mr. Lillingston the scope of work had been greatly extended, for besides the Church, three day schools and mission rooms, he had also taken over the oversight of St. BarthoIomew's. The Parish Rooms had been opened and they were extensively used throughout each week. Work amongst the men had gone forward with leaps and bounds, cottage and prayer meetings were held every week in many parts of the parish.
The three curates at the time of Mr. Lillingston’s departure were the Reverends L. R. Moore, M. H. Mowat and C. F. Wood.
REVEREND GEORGE DENYER, 1899----1909
The third vicar of Christ Church was a business man, who somewhat late in life had been led to seek ordination, and who at the time of his appointment was the Association Secretary of the Church Missionary Society for the dioceses of Manchester and Carlisle. He was vicar for over nine years, and during that period he proved himself an ardent champion of temperance and missionary causes. Of deep convictions, he was noted for the fearlessness of his advocacy, and his burning zeal for Protestantism. He was inducted to the living in July, 1899. Shortly after Mr. Denyer's induction the Reverend L. R. Moore left to become curate at Diss, Norfolk.
CHURCH OF THE SAVIOUR
When Mr. Denyer had taken a good look at the Parish he felt there was a great need for a mission church in the Longshaw district. He talked the matter over with his church officers and workers and on December 11th, 1899, a Congregational meeting was held at which the vicar stressed the urgent need of a church.
Some people thought that the idea of building
a church out in the fields was a little crazy, but after the vicar had again
addressed the meeting they gave their wholehearted support. A committee was
formed to put the suggested scheme into operation. A subscription list was
opened and at a later meeting a Ten Thousand
Shillings Fund was started.
The 23rd March, 1901, was another Red Letter Day for Christ Church, for it was on this day that the foundation stone was laid of the new Church of the Saviour. The clergy, church officers, members of the congregation and scholars from the Sunday School and Mission Halls, formed up on Mosley Street and with a brass band leading and with banners flying they walked in procession to Longshaw Fields. When the Procession reached Longshaw Lane it was joined by a contingent from Ewood, and as one united family moved forward to the site of the new church. There they found Mrs. Moss, wife of the first vicar, waiting to greet them. What a great pleasure it was to the people of Christ Church to see Mrs. Moss amongst them once more. Mrs. Moss was presented with a silver trowel and ebony mallet and the stone was well and truly laid. The procession then re-formed, the younger scholars going to the schools and parish rooms for coffee, buns and oranges, whilst the remainder of the party made their way to the Infants' School, where they sat down to one of the daintiest and best teas ever provided in that school. The tea was followed by a meeting in the Boys School.
On the 26th September, 1901, the new Church, which had been completed in six months, was dedicated by the Lord Bishop of Manchester, Dr. Moorhouse. The church could accommodate about 150 people. The vicar of Christ Church had full responsibility for all services and meetings, etc.
At the Easter Vestry Meeting in April, 1900, Mr. J. Butter- worth, Vicar's Warden, Mr. J. Wilson, People's Warden and Mr. W. Haworth, Sidesman, retired. These men had worked loyally and wholeheartedly with three successive Vicars, they had helped to pilot the parochial ship through many a storm, and it was largely owing to them that the parish was in its present healthy condition. Mr. C. Knowles (sen.) was appointed vicar's Warden and Mr. R. Anderton, People's Warden.
In April, 1901, a Mens Class was formed at Christ Church. It met in church every Sunday and had a choir of men to lead the singing. Towards the end of the same year two new curates, the Reverends H. Johnson and W. H. Hastings, appeared on the scene.
During this time great progress had been made at Eccles Row Mission under the leadership of Captain Nairn (Church Army), and in December, 1901, a cottage next to the Mission was taken so that the work could be extended.
January, 1902, was memorable in the annals of Ewood for the opening of the school extension at St. Bartholomew's, rendered necessary by the growth of the neighbourhood and the requirements of the Board of Education. It cost over £800.
On the date of the Coronation of King Edward VII. (26th June 1902) the schools were decorated with flags and bunting. In the morning all the scholars between the ages of 7 and 15 received breakfast in the school and were each given a Coronation medal. A service followed in church. In the afternoon the infants had their tea and medals. This was followed by a tea for adults.
Christ Church Savings Club was formed in September, 1902.
The Band of Hope meetings held every week during the winter months were very popular with the children, and the numbers attending were so great that separate nights had to be fixed for boys and girls, in order to accommodate them all. The adult meetings were also well attended.
In December, 1902, some of the pews were removed in the church at the west end, and a porch was erected at the west door. This cost £58.
The Reverend C. F. Wood, curate in charge at Ewood died on the 19th March, 1903.
On April 1st, 1903, the new Education Act of 1902 came into effect, whereby the local Educational Authorities appointed two managers to control the schools, along with four appointed by the Church. The financial control of the schools passed-into the hands of the Education Authorities, but the church was responsible for maintaining the fabric of the buildings and making any alterations
necessary.
June, 1903, saw the departure of the Reverend H. Johnson, whilst in August of the same year the Reverend T. Cole arrived in the parish and he was placed in charge of Ewood.
In September, 1903, there were one hundred applicants for the post of school caretaker. It had been decided that the caretaker should live in the school house formerly used to house the clergy. The successful applicant was Mr. Ralph Anderton.
Changes in staff included the arrival of another Church Army captain by the name of Barnett, and the Reverend G. H. Talboys as curate.
1904 brought the Reverend J. Fisher.
At the Easter Vestry Meeting held on the 13th April, 1904, it was decided that owing to the need of urgent repairs to the church the commemoration of the Jubilee should be held on the fiftieth anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone. A committee was formed to make all the necessary arrangements. In December of the same year the Reverend Fisher and Captain Bennet left the Parish, and in the same month the ties which bound St. Bartholomew's to Christ Church were severed and the vicar ceased to have any responsibility for Ewood.
On June 30th, 1904, Miss S. Ashton resigned as Head of the Girls' School, and Miss G. Humphreys was appointed Headmistress. She commenced her duties on the 29th July.
Changes in 1905 included the employment of Miss E. Fazackerley as Parochial Biblewoman. Extension to Kemp Street Mission.
The arrival of the Reverend B. Hinchcliffe and the re-uniting of
Hollin Bank Mission with the Mother Church. The Reverend Talboys left and the Reverend J. C. Trotter arrived.
In June, 1906, a very unhappy event at Eccles Row caused the Vicar to dismiss Captain Nairn from his post and to close the Mission. This was most regrettable, as the work at Eccles Row had grown enormously during the past six years and had been the means of blessing to many homes in the district. The Mission, however, was re-opened in July under the leadership of Mr. Ralph Anderton.
On the 25th June, 1906, the parish and its vicar sustained a heavy loss in the death of the Vicar's Warden, Mr. Charles Knowles, who passed away just after the Anniversary services. He was honoured and loved by all, and had been a church officer for ten years and Vicar's Warden for six years.
Comings and goings have been very common at Christ Church and in 1907 the Reverend T. Cole left to become vicar of Bishop Wood, Hereford.
On May 26th, 1907, a memorial tablet was unveiled on the north wall to the late Mr. Charles Knowles.
JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS
By the time the date of the Jubilee arrived, all the work of renovating and repairing of the Church had been completed, and the building had taken on a new look. The following work had been carried out:
Reglazing of all windows, heating and ventilation overhauled, drainage, slating and roof repairs, leading of belfry, outside pointing, tiling of floor and walls in chancel, repairs to organ and decoration of the building and necessary cleaning. The total amount expended was £938 7s. 5d. The money was raised and all accounts paid by the end of August. Truly a remarkable achievement. The Jubilee was celebrated from Saturday, 1st June, to Sunday, 9th June, and the following arrangements were made: Saturday, 1st June, 1907-Monster Tea Party in schools. Sunday, 2nd June-Special Services throughout the day. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday-Services in Church at 7-30 p.m.
Saturday, 8th June-Jubilee Field Day.
Sunday, 9th June--Special Services all day.
Special Jubilee Medals were obtained and sold for three pence, three shillings and six pence and five shillings and six pence. A Jubilee handbook was produced by the Vicar. Large crowds attended every service and every function. What a wonderful week it must have been, and as the week drew to a close interest and enthusiasm increased until the day of the Field Day dawned. What a Procession, over 2,000 persons walking to the strains of four bands, with banners flying and everybody wearing their Jubilee Medals, walking round the parish led by the clergy and representing every branch of religious life. Because of the weather it was thought the field would be damp, and the procession made its way to Rockcliffe Street Recreation Ground (now Highfield Park), formerly the grounds of Mr. Hopwood's house, and the very spot where fifty years before they had rejoiced at the laying of the foundation stone of the Church.
The culminating day of this great festival dawned, Sunday, 9th June, 1907, with Morning Service, Scholars' Service in the afternoon, Evening Service followed by Holy Communion and the final act of worship "The Hallelujah Chorus'' which brought the never to be forgotten Jubilee to a close. Congregations, which had been large at every service, were overflowing on this last day of the festival, and it found the Church Officers with happy faces literally making room for at least a thousand people, where there was only-room for 900. The speaker at all the services on the final day was the Reverend A. B. G. Lillingston, M.A., vicar of Hull, and who had been the second vicar of the Parish.
CHILDREN'S CHURCH
Children's work was not neglected In the Parish and on the 1st September, 1907, a Children's Church was started. It was surprising what a great interest was taken in this new movement. For many weeks the vicar was receiving letters from all parts of England and even from Scotland, sending good wishes and asking for information.
Mr. Walter Parkinson was the first Superintendent, church officers were elected from the boys and a choir from the girls. Services were held every Sunday morning and evening, and star cards were stamped for each service.
In the November issue of the Parish Magazine, the vicar informed the parishioners of the difficult position that had arisen with regard to the use of unfermented wine at Communion. Here is part of Mr. Denyer's statement:
"It is with great regret that I am compelled to lay before you the details of a very serious difficulty that has arisen with the Bishop of Manchester. The Bishop has insisted on the use of fermented wine at Communion. I had hoped that when our circumstances were explained to him he would cease to insist upon the point. My explanations, however, were not accepted, and after consulting the Church Officers I waited upon the Bishop with our two wardens. We explained to his Lordship that as many of our people had formerly been addicted to over indulgence in strong drink, the use of alcoholic wine would be a very great temptation, and that there was a very grave danger of some of our Communicants lapsing into intemperance. This the Bishop ridiculed, telling me that he did not believe my statements and finally parting from us with words to this effect, ` You will clearly understand, Mr. Denyer, that I shall hold you responsible for all the ritualism in the Diocese.' Nothing further occured until last week. Our curate, Mr. Trotter, is leaving us at Christmas and after anxious enquiries in many quarters, I at last found two gentlemen who were willing to come to us as deacons on their ordination. Imagine my surprise, when a day or two later I received a letter from the Bishop informing me that he did not think me fit to be entrusted with the training of deacons so long as I continued the use of unfermented wine, and he has since confirmed that by a further statement to the effect that he does not intend to allow any deacons to come and work in the parish. This can only mean that I am forced into resigning my benefice, a course which I do not propose to take unless you wish me to do so, and I must be guided by you as to my future course. The Church Officers have read this statement and have approved my action.''
On the 13th November, 1907, the vicar called a meeting of all Communicants, the meeting being very well attended and it was decided unanimously to support the vicar in the stand he had taken.
The arrangement by which the curate-in-charge at Ewood was
permitted to consider Hollin Bank district within his sphere of operations was finally cancelled in January, 1908, and the district became once more part of Christ Church parish.
At a Committee meeting held at Hollin Bank Mission on the
13th February, 1908, the following resolution was passed:-
``That we, the Committee of Christ Church Mission Room, Hollin Bank, being the governing body of the said Mission Room, desire to thank the vicar of Christ Church for the manner in which he has defended the rights of his parishioners in the district of Hollin Bank.''
On the 3rd January, 1909, Mr. Denyer left the parish and was inducted Vicar of St. Paul's, Blackburn, on the 5th of that month.
At the New Year's Day tea party Mr. Denyer was presented with a clock and a purse of gold. At the close of his ministry at Christ Church the vicar controlled two churches, three mission rooms, seven Sunday Schools, Parish Rooms and three Day Schools. There were 850 Communicants.
A Men's Divinity Class held every Thursday evening, Women's Bible Class on Wednesday evenings, were well attended. Cottage and Prayer meetings and Temperance meetings were held weekly.
REVEREND G W. CLARKE, 1909 --1914
The Reverend G. W. Clarke, M.A., was ordained a Deacon in 1899, and Priest in 1900. From 1899 to 1906 he had held curacies at St. George's, Leeds, and St. George's, Hulme, after which he became senior curate at Bradford Parish Church until 1909. He was inducted to the living of Christ Church on the 8th July, 1909, and preached his first sermon on Sunday, 11th July. He was inducted by his immediate predecessor, Reverend G. Denyer.
In August, 1909, the Reverend B. Hinchcliffe left the Parish.
September brought the opening of a subscription list for the re-building of the boundary wall of the church.
Two new curates were welcomed to the church on the 27th October, 1910, the first since the `` Fermented Wine Controversy'' in 1907. These were the Reverend W. B. Irving, M.A., and B. S. Ainley, B.A.
On the 27th October, 1910, the vicar was married to Mr. Ainley's sister and the daughter of the Reverend S. B. Ainley of St. James’. Rectory, Moss Side, Manchester. A Welcome Tea Party was held on the 12th November for the Vicar and his bride, when 650 persons sat down to tea in the Infants' School. After tea the vicar and his wife were presented with a piano as a wedding gift from the parishioners. Mr. Clarke also made a presentation to the parish, of the silver trowel used by Dr. Moss when laying the foundation stone of the Infants' School in 1888. The trowel was presented in a small oak case specially made for the occasion by Mr. A. Lonsdale, one of the vicar's sidesmen.
The same month saw the opening of a subscription list with collectors making a door to door canvass of the parish, to raise funds for costly alterations, which had to be made to the day school on the demand of the Local Education Authorities. The sum required was £450.
In April of the year 1911 the Reverend W. B. Irving left Christ Church for St. Bride's, Old Trafford, Manchester.
In May, 1911 a new spire was erected on the Day Schools in Mosley Street, to replace an old wooden one which had been removed some time previously owing to its dangerous state. The new spire, the gift of Messrs. Lawrence and Clement Cotton in memory of John Cotton, who, throughout his lifetime, had taken an extremely active interest in the church and schools of the parish, greatly enhanced the appearance of the building.
On the 18th, 19th and 20th May, 1911, a three day Sale of Work was held in the Infants' School when the magnificent sum of £568 18s. 7d. was raised. Of this sum £100 was given to missionary work, the remainder being devoted to the Day School Alterations Fund.
Mosley Street Infant School
Mr. John Walsh, Sunday School Superintendent, was presented with a silver medal by the Lord Bishop for 50 years' Sunday school service. In September there came to the parish Mr. F. H. Longley, who was a Lay Reader, and he was given charge of Eccles Row Mission.
Miss G. Humphreys resigned as Headmistress of the Girls' School on the 29th March, 1912, and Miss S. Yates was appointed in her place.
The Reverend W. T. Evans, B.A., arrived as curate in the parish in August, 1912, and he was welcomed at a Tea Party in the Infants' School.
Until September of that year there were only two rooms in the the Parish Rooms. One room being divided by slides and another room was made by having a floor fixed over the Men's Reading Room, and the upstairs was used for billiards, etc. The whole of the cost was paid by the Men's Institute.
In March, 1913, Mr. R. Anderton resigned as people's warden after holding the position for 13 years. He was succeeded by Mr. J. Cross.
After four and half years as curate in the parish the Reverend B. S. Ainley left to become curate at St. Clement's Greenheys, Manchester, in January, 1914.
In the same month two new banners were purchased by the Sunday Schools at a cost of £60. The church spire was pointed in March, whilst on the 16th February the vicar left Christ Church to become vicar of Haslingden.
Mr. Clarke and his curates had spent a lot of time working amongst the young men of the parish, and this had shown good results. The Men's Class had an average attendance of 185 each Sunday and the Men's Institute had a membership of nearly 200. These men provided working parties for the different efforts held in the Parish. Football, Cricket and billiards teams were organised by the men and they became champions of the respective leagues on many occasions.
REVEREND S. J. HERSEE, M.A., 1914-1923
Mr. Hersee was a vicar at Lancaster before coming to Christ Church, and prior to that he was domestic chaplain to Colonel Ainsworth of Bolton. He was one of the convenors of the Bolton Convention. He had held curacies in London and Cromer and was for some time Metropolitan Secretary of the Irish Church Mission. He was inducted vicar of Christ Church on the 29th April, 1914 and preached his first sermon on the 3rd May.
In May, 1914 the Reverend W. T. Evans left Christ Church to became curate at Haslingden, and in June the Reverends Paton Williams and J. Richardson arrived as curates.
It was on the 4th August, 1914, that war was declared and a great struggle started which was to last for over four years, during which time the parish was deprived of most of its young men, many of them never to return.
Captain Chilton of the Church Army arrived in the parish in September, 1914 and he was given charge of Eccles Row.
These were very disturbing days, every month a list of names was published in the parish magazine of the men who had joined the Forces, and by December the number had reached 227, and already three of them had made the great sacrifice. But even though the war was claiming such a lot of time and thought the Church was not forgotten, and in May, 1915, electric lighting was installed. On the 26th July, 1915, Mr. John Graham died. He had been a loyal worker and for 47 years he had been a member of the choir. In December the Reverend J. Richardson left Christ Church to become vicar of Renwick, Carlisle.
On February 29th, 1916, Miss Sheldon retired after serving sixteen and a half years as Headmistress of the Infants' Day school. Miss. H. L. Worthington was appointed Head in her place and commenced her duties on the 1st March, 1916.
Mr. Maddock arrived in the parish as a curate in June, 1916. At this time memorial services were being held in church every month for those men of the parish who had lost their lives in the service of their country. During the first 20 months of the war the vicar had sent 1,053 letters to the men of the parish serving in the Forces.
In August Captain Chilton left and Mr. R. Anderton and Mr. F. H. Longley once again took charge of Eccles Row Mission.
The Parish boundaries were altered in December, 1916 and Hollin Bank district became part of St. Bartholomew's Parish. This meant that all connections with Hollin Bank Mission had to be severed and the Mission ceased to belong to Christ Church.
On the 3rd February, 1917, the parish suffered another great loss in the death of the People's Warden-Mr. J. Cross. He had been a Day School Manager for many years. Mr. J. L. Senior, Headmaster of the Boys' School was appointed in his stead at the Easter Vestry on the 14th April.
In May, 1917, the Reverend Paten Williams left the parish. During the three years he had been in the parish he had been a great help to the vicar and his work amongst the men and lads of the schools was greatly appreciated. His monologues at the concerts were a delight to hear.
DIAMOND JUBILEE
This was the 60th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone. A scheme was started to raise £600 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee. It was decided that the following items should be included in the scheme :
Outside decoration of the church; new church notice board; new boiler for the church; electric blower and improvements to the organ. The last item to be left until after the war, but provided for in the scheme. The details of the scheme were that every friend of Christ Church be asked to promise a gift of 60. 60 pennies, threepenny pieces, sixpence and so on, up to pounds in the course of the year and to wind up the year with a Diamond Jubilee Sale of Work.
The response to the scheme was so good that by the end of June £300 had been raised, and by the end of the Sale of Work in November the sum of £700 had been raised. £100 more than the target figure. All the work laid down in the scheme was carried out. Surely,a grand effort during the dark days of war.
Christ Church was honoured when in November, 1917, Mr. I.awrence Cotton, J.P., was made Mayor of Blackburn. He was an old boy of Christ Church School, and he and his family always took a generous interest in their old church and schools.
On the 24th March, 1918, another faithful servant of the church passed on. Mr. Thomas Longworth the vicar's warden.
He had been a church officer for 18 years and vicar's warden for almost 12 years. He had taken an active part in the carrying through of the scheme for the building of the Church of the Saviour, and had been a loyal Sunday School worker for a long number of years. He had received the bronze medal for 25 years' continuous Sunday School service. Mr. Charles Knowles was appointed in his stead.
The Reverend J. haddock was placed in complete charge of the Church of the Saviour in September, 1918, by the vicar of Christ Church. This was a step nearer to its becoming an independent church.
On the 11th November, 1918, the armistice was signed and the 1st world war came to an end.
Another curate arrived in the parish on the 16th February, 1919, and this was the Reverend F. Potts, B.A.
March 17th, 1919, was another milestone in the life of the new church. The Reverend J. Maddock was licensed by the Bishop as curate in sole charge of the Church of the Saviour. He was now no longer responsible to the vicar of Christ Church, but to the Lord Bishop of the Diocese. The patronage of the new church was vested in the Church Pastoral Aid Society. An endowment fund was started. An anonymous friend gave £500 and £170 was paid from the accounts of Christ Church Mission Room in Hollin Bank-the latter having ceased to be part of the parish.
The people at Christ Church were very sorry to lose the services of Mr. Maddock, but were happy to know that he was at the helm of the new church. The task facing him was no easy one- that of forming a new parish-but he laid such a sure and solid foundation that the lives of many young men and women were changed. Many of the young men entering the ministry and the young women going into different fields of the Lord's work. In his work Mr. haddock had the faithful and loyal support of his good wife
The vicar called a congregational meeting on the 23rd April, 1919, when the question of a parish war memorial was discussed. It was decided to raise £l,000 for the following objects :-
A carved oak memorial roll, with the names of those connected with our church and parish inscribed. An oak Communion table and rails. Oak panelling for the chancel and prayer desks. New choir stalls in oak. Oak covering for the front of the organ and improvements to the organ. A subscription list was opened.
The Reverend I. M. Haines arrived as curate in May.
Two good workers-Mr. E. Pullan and Mr. J. Walsh presented a 40 foot flag pole to the church and this was fixed to the west end of the church. The flag was unfurled for the first time on the day of the dedication of the New War Memorial.
The electric blower provided for in the Diamond Jubilee Scheme was installed in September and used for the first time on the last Sunday in that month.
By November part of the Parish memorial was completed-the Memorial Roll on which were carved the names of the 184 men of the Parish who had lost their lives-the Communion Table, the Oak Panelling and rails and the prayer desks were all in place. The oak Choir stalls and organ Screen were to be added later. The Memorial was dedicated at a special memorial service on the 23rd November, 1919, by the Right Reverend Bishop Taylor Smith, D.D.. C.V.O. (Hon. Chaplain General of the Forces).
Councillor T. H. Heatley, an old boy of the school, paid the cost of the Communion Table. The cost of the memorial roll was paid by the Mayor and Mayoress of Blackburn (Alderman and Mrs. Lawrence Cotton) and Mrs. John Cotton, in memory of Lieut. John Cotton, R.F.A.
The first Parochial Church Council of Christ Church was elected at a Parochial Meeting on the 8th April, 1920 and the first Council Meeting was held on the 29th of that month.
In April Mrs. Duxbury an old church worker died, and she left the property known as Kemp Street Mission Room and the cottage No. 12, Kemp Street, to the vicar and wardens for the time being of Christ Church, for so long a time as they wish to use it for the work of the church.
An epidemic of influenza swept the town around this time, resulting in many persons dying. This brought sorrow to many homes in the parish, and the sympathy of the whole parish went out to the Reverend and Mrs. Maddock, who within a space of a few days lost three of their young sons.
A Special Mission was conducted within the Parish from the 25th September to the 7th October by the well-known evangelist, Mr. J. J. Smith.
On Sunday, 12th September, the Bishop of Burnley dedicated the completion of the War Memorial, namely the choir stalls and organ screen.
On the 21st April, 1921, Mr. William Walsh was presented with a Portrait and a gold watch by the Teachers, Scholars and Friends of the Girls' Sunday School, on his retirement after 50 years faithful service as Teacher and Superintendent. he also received the Silver medal awarded to him by the Diocesan Sunday School Association for 50 years loyal service.
Mr. Walsh passed away on the 30th June, 1922 and the Sunday Schools lost a faithful worker and friend.
The Reverend I. M. Haines left the parish in December, 1921, to become curate at Leominster Parish Church.
In September, 1922, the Parochial Church Council purchased the house No. 19, Pritchard Street for the sum of £500 to house the new curate the Reverend Walter Haslam and his family.
The Parish of the Church of the Saviour became constituted on the 12th February, 1923, and on the 3rd March the Reverend John haddock was inducted as the first vicar.
The vicar-the Reverend St J. Hersee left the parish on the 3rd April, 1923. to become Clerical Secretary of the Church association.
REVEREND H. D. BEYNON, 1923 --1929
The Reverend H. D. Beynon was ordained in 1897, and previous to his ordination he was engaged in educational work. His first curacy was at Bleanavon, Mon. In 1900 he was appointed to the curacy of Quarry Bank near Dudley. In 1903 he went as curate to St. John's, Waterloo Road, London, where he remained until the retirement of the vicar in 1922, during which time he was in charge of Mew Parish Church sand Holy Trinity Church, Ramsgate, during vacancies.
During the period, relations between the Mission Room in Kemp Street and the Church had become somewhat strained, and on the 22nd October, 1924, the vicar called a congregational meeting to inform the parishioners of the differences which had arisen between himself and the workers of the Mission.
The respected headmaster of the Boys' School-Mr. J. L. Senior -retired after 36½ years' service on the 7th November, 1924. He was succeeded by Mr. J. Hallows. Mr. Senior had seen many changes during the years he had spent at Christ Church. Previous to his coming he was warned about the notorious Grimshaw Park District, but this did not deter him. Thousands of boys, many of whom came to occupy positions of importance, passed through his hands in Day and Sunday as well as Evening schools, and all were truly grateful to their old headmaster for the help he gave.
During this period a number of schemes were suggested to relieve the financial strain on the church. The Day Schools were in need of interior decorating, and alterations laid down by the Authorities had to be carried out. The Church also was in need of re-decorating and wood rot had been discovered in the beams of the roof. At a Parochial Church Council meeting held on the 11th November, 1924, it was decided to commence a free will offering scheme on the first Sunday in the New Year.
In February, 1925, the Bible Woman-Miss E. Fazackerley resigned and Mrs. Elsworth was appointed in her stead. Miss Fazackerley had been Bible Woman for 20 years, and during that time her visits to the sick and the aged of the parish were always welcomed, for one and all felt uplifted after her visits and she was the means of bringing joy to many souls through her quiet and sincere ministrations. With her Bible and a smile she took a ray of sunshine wherever she went. She often preached from the text to the children at the Children's Church "Thou God seest me."
The differences between the church and Kemp Street Mission had grown to such an extent that they seemed too wide to breach, and at a Parochial Church Council meeting held on the 20th May, 1925, this minute was passed: `'That Christ Church Kemp Street Mission Room be closed absolutely.'' So Kemp Street Mission came to the end of its days after being used as such for 32 years.
On the 8th December, 1926, Miss S. Yates, Headmistress of the Girls' School resigned, and Miss B. P. Pickop was appointed in her place.
The Reverend Walter Haslam left Christ Church to become vicar of St. Andrew's, Accrington on the 27th February, 1927. Whilst in Blackburn Mr. Haslam had worked so hard amongst the men, that the attendance register reached the figure of 200 for the Men's Class and the membership of the Institute was the highest on record.
The Reverend E. J. F. Davies suceeded Mr. Haslam on the 1st August, 1927.
During the month of October the church was redecorated and re-opening services were held on the 6th November, 1927.
The cost of the renovations was £326 8s. 4d. The pulpit and reading desk had received a lot of attention. In past years their beauty had been hidden under coats of brown paint and varnish, but a number of men had spent a lot of time in scraping off all the old paint and many people saw them for the first time in their original beauty.
Workers age, and in March, 1928, Mr. Eli Pullan retired as Hon. Secretary of the Church Pastoral Aid Society at Christ Church, a post he held for 25 years. Mr. Pullam gave most of his time to the raising of funds for the Society, but he will be remembered best for the manner in which he organised tea parties -(especially the New Year's Tea Party)- held twice yearly in aid of the Society. What teas they were and what good concerts followed.
On the 1st June, 1929, the Reverend H. D. Beynon preached his last sermon as vicar of the parish, as he was leaving to become the vicar of St. Leonard's, Walton-Ie-Dale.
On the 2nd June, 1929, Mr. F. H. Longley passed on. He had been Lay Reader at Christ Church for 15 years, and he will long be remembered for his work at Eccles Row Mission and his temperance work. His Band of Hope meetings for children were the most popular meetings of the week.
REVEREND JAMES REDMAN, 1929- -1939
The Reverend James Redman was inducted vicar of Christ Church on the 30th July, 1929, he was ordained deacon in 1921 and priest in 1922. He served as curate at Kirk Braddan, Isle of Man, Bingley in Yorkshire and in 1925 he was appointed rector of Torver, near Coniston - a small parish of 56 houses - with a population of 187. Mr. Redman served in the First World War for three years and was wounded a week before the signing of the armistice.
In July, 1929, Mrs. Thornley presented the church with a private Communion set.
The parish suffered a great loss in the death of Mr. James Butterworth. He had been a loyal and faithful worker since the days of Dr. Moss. He was appointed vicar's warden in 1890 and held that position for ten years. Mr. Butterworth will be remembered for his open-handed generosity, not only to Christ Church, but to every aspect of religious life in the town.
The Reverend E. J. F. Davies left the parish in October, 1929, and the Parochial Church Council the following month sold the curate's house for the sum of £370.
In 1930 a Brass Reading Stand with roller light was fixed in the pulpit. This was the gift of Mrs. Longley and family in memory of Mr. F. H. Longley and the dedication took place on the 20th April, 1930.
On the 14th of June, 1930, Mr. E. Barren, an old boy of Christ Church, who had been Lay Reader for the past nine months, left Christ Church to be ordained to the Ministry.
New Electric lighting and central heating were installed in the vicarage at a cost of £212. The Church Commissioners paying £173.
Captain J. T. Leighton of the Church Army joined the staff in October, 1930.
Mr. Richard Nuttall the organist, left Christ Church after a period of seventeen years as organist and choirmaster to become organist at St. Jude's. Mr. H. Slater was appointed in his place.
In February, 1931, Sister Baron of the Church Army came as a Lady Worker.
A period of unemployment and depression resulting in the closure of many of the cotton mills in the town, found many of the cotton workers of Grimshaw Park striving hard to make ends meet. This had its erect on the finances of the church.
Captain J. T. Leighton left the parish in December, 1931, and in January, 1932, the Reverend V. Marquis came as curate to the parish.
At the end of August Miss H. L. Worthington, headmistress of the Infants' School since March, 1916, retired. Miss D. Dugdale was appointed as headmistress in her place and commenced her duties on the 2nd November, 1932.
In December, 1932, Mrs. B. P. Pierce (formerly Miss Pickop) retired as Headmistress of the Girls' School. Miss A. Heves was appointed in her place, and commenced her duties on 1st January, 1933
At a P.C.C. Meeting held on the 11th January, 1934, it was decided because of the difficulty in finding the necessary money for his stipend that the Reverend V. Marquis be asked to find another place. Mr. Marquis left the parish in July, 1934 to become curate-in-charge at a church in Hapton.
On the 6th September, 1934, a meeting of the P.C.C. was informed by the Vicar's Warden that a bank overdraft of £94 8s. 11d. plus an account for £33 was due for payment, and it was decided to make an appeal to increase the membership of the Free Will Offering Scheme.
Sister Baron said goodbye on the 8th March, 1935.
On Sunday, 22nd November, 1936, the Lord Bishop of Blackburn dedicated a Bible and Prayer Book presented by Mr. J. L. Senior and family in memory of Mrs. Senior. At the same service the Lord Bishop dedicated the floodlighting In the Chancel which had been installed by Miss M. E. Haworth in memory of her sister, Margaret Alice Haworth.
Changes in organist took place in April, 1937, when Mr. H. Slater left and Mr. F. Picketing took his place.
The Day Schools lost a loyal friend in Mr. H. Haworth who passed away on the 12th October, 1937. Mr. Haworth had been a school manager for a long number of years.
In July, 1938, the vicar made an appeal for £2OO to cover the cost of repairs, installation of electric light and interior decoration of the Infants' School, and by December the sum of £165 had been raised, but the money was required immediately and the vicar and wardens had to seek a loan. They received one of £100 free of interest provided the instalments were paid on their due dates. At a social held in the Parish Rooms on August 18th, 1938, presentations were made to three church workers, Messrs. R. Anderton, J. J. Gregory and J. L. Senior in recognition of 50 years' faithful service at Christ Church.
More changes in organist; Mr. Picketing leaving to be replaced by Mr. A. Bury.
March 1st, 1939, saw Mr. T. Darbyshire taking command of Eccles Row Mission from Mr. Raloh Anderton who had resigned due to ill health.
Mr. Redman left the parish on the 25th May, 1939, to become vicar of Hoddlesden Parish Church. During most of the time he had been at Christ Church the parish had been hit very hard by the cotton depression, and the vicar and wardens had had a very hard struggle to keep the finances of the church on an even keel. Mr. Redman was known for the forceful way in which he conducted meetings, and many people will remember the masterly way in which he dealt with an ugly situation during the elections of 1935, when a political meeting was being held in Christ Church School. There was a great deal of heckling, and following each burst of criticism the crowd would shout for some person to be put out. The Speakers could not control the audience and the meeting got out of control. Mr. Redman mounted the platform and with a few words quietened them. After appealing for a fair hearing for both sides he said,``Another thing I don't want shouts of `Put him out' because I say quite clearly as head Manager of this school, that if there is need for one to go out you are all going out.''
The meeting continued in a very orderly manner.''
REVEREND H. HACKING, 1939 -- 1946
Mr. Hacking received his theological training at Tyndale Hall, Bristol, and was ordained in Rangoon. He continued his missionary work until 1936 when he became chaplain of St. Philip's Church. Rangoon. He spent 12 years in Burma, returning to England in 1939. He was inducted vicar of Christ Church in July, 1939.
Mr. and Mrs. Hacking were no strangers to Christ Church, where they had many friends amongst the young people through the Advent Testimony Movement. Mrs. Hacking had been a Day School Teacher in the Girls' School for a number of years and was well-known to the young ladies.
On the 3rd September, 1939, war was declared, and once again the men of the parish were called upon to serve their country in its hour of need. Again a Comforts' Fund was inaugurated and letters and parcels were sent to the men in the Forces. At a congregational meeting held on the 21st September, 1939, it was decided to continue evening services in church throughout the winter months, this meant conforming to the black-out Regulations. The east and west stained glass windows were boarded over and the rest of the windows blacked-out. Arrangements were also made for the use of the air raid shelters under the schools to be used in the event of air raids during service hours. The time of the evening services was brought forward to six p.m.
The Reverend F. J. Holmes arrived in May, 1940 as curate.
The church suffered a great loss in February, 1940, when Mr. Raplh Anderton died. He was one of the oldest workers. During his long connection with the parish for a period of over fifty years he had held many and varied offices, including People's Warden for 13 years, Licensed Lay Reader for 25 years, teacher of the Men's Class and Secretary of the Scripture Union.
Mr. Anderton formed a link with the early days of our church, having won the respect and,confidence of all the clergy from the time of Dr. Moss.
He was one of the founders of Eccles Row Mission and this was his strongest tie with the parish. His ministry in the little room `down the long steps' will long be remembered with thankfulness.
In May, 1941, a portion of the Parish Rooms was taken over by the Local Authority as an A.R.P. Post.
In July, 1941, Mr. R. L. Senior died and another loyal worker was taken from our midst. Mr. Senior was a loyal and active worker right to the end, and during his fifty-three years` service at Christ Church filled practically every position open to a layman. He had been Licensed Lay Reader, People's Warden, representative on Diocesan Councils and at Ruri Decanal Conferences. For a number of years he was leader of the Men's Class, and during the difficult days of the First World War he acted as organist and choirmaster. Mr. Senior was a good friend of the Men's Institute where he did much to encourage clean and healthy sport.
In April, 1942, Mr. Holmes left to become curate at St. Austell, Cornwall. His successor who arrived in May was the Reverend R. G. Adnett.
At a social evening on the 22nd April, 1942, Miss A. Partington, was presented with a silver medal for 50 years' service in our Sunday School, and Miss M. J. Bolton and Miss E. Riding with bronze medals for 25 years' service. Presentations were also made to the retiring curate and his wife by the congregation, Eccles Row Mission and the Boy Scouts.
Christ Church Schools had been earmarked as emergency centres and for over twelve months the clergy, workers and members of the W.V.S. had been standing by. On July 12th, 1942, there was a call to action. Beds were aired, blankets prepared and every- thing provided for the comfort of 32 mothers and 64 children, victims of the bombing, when they arrived the following day. They were provided with hot meals and taken care of until the billeting officer could find people who would take them into their homes.
On the 1st November, 1942, a special emergency meeting of the P.C.C. was called to consider the purchase of an organ from a Darwen Church which had closed. - The instrument had been examined by an expert organ builder whip strongly recommended its purchase. The meeting decided to purchase the organ for £275. Unfortunately the organ was too big for the organ chamber at Christ Church and this meant that the instrument had to be dismantled in the Darwen church and taken to the organ builders to be re-built for our church.
Mr. James Lonsdale, people's warden passed away very unexpectedly on the 30th March, 1943, and the church suffered yet another blow. Mr. Lonsdale had a life long association with Christ Church and had held many offices, including leadership of the Children's Church, Secretary of the Men's Institute (a position he held for 23 years) and People's Warden for 11 years. At the Easter Vestry meeting Mr. G.Threlfa11 was appointed his successor.
On the 2nd September, 1943, Mr. Adnett was married at Christ Church, Bow Street, Leicester, to Miss E. M. Deacon.
In January, 1944, the organ previously mentioned was installed in our church at a total most of £659. The organ cost £275, re-building £333, with installation £5l. The money was raised in practically record time.
The organ was dedicated on the 16th March, 1944, by the Bishop of Blackburn (Dr. W. M. Askwith). Two organ recitals were given one by L-Cpl. A. Bury, L.R.A.M., L.T.C.L., organist and choirmaster and the other by the Deputy organist Mr. H. Bailey. After the Bishop's address the choir sang the Hallelujah Chorus.
Mr. Adnett and his good wife said goodbye in November, 1944, as he had received a call to become curate at St. James', Carlisle.
The heating system at the church having given trouble was replaced by a new boiler in January,1945, at a cost of £150.
For some time complaints had been received that the pew ends were unsightly, also that they were too high and obstructed the view of the congregation. It was decided to cut off the top of the pew ends and in August, 1945, the men got busy with saws, chisels and sandpaper and the work was soon finished.
At a P.C.C. meeting held in May, 1946, a report from the Local Education Authority was read to the members and this stated that the Day Schools had been inspected and it was considered impossible to alter them to meet the Board of Education's requirements. The Local Authority proposed a new Infants' School, also that Christ Church should join with St. Matthew's and build a new junior school.
The cost was believed to be in the region of £20,000. After a lengthy discussion the P.C.C. decided unanimously against accepting such a big responsibility.
More farewells. On the 3rd June, 1946, the Reverend H. Hacking left Christ Church to become the Home Secretary of the Bible Churchmans' Missionary Society. At a farewell social the vicar and his good lady were presented with a wallet of Treasury notes from the congregation. Other presents were given from the Women's Class, Young Harvesters', Cubs and the Men's Class. Mr. Hacking's ministry at Christ Church was through the whole of the war years when ranks were depleted and restrictions made conditions so difficult. But the work went on. Cottage and Prayer meetings were held weekly. The juvenile organisations kept the younger members of the church together. The women, under the leadership of Mrs. Hacking and what few men there remained at home, worked hard to keep the flag flying. The vicar held weekly canteen meetings in Messrs. Weinberg's factory.
REVEREND J. A. BISHOP, 1946 -- 1953
Mr. Bishop took theological training at St. John's Hall, Highbury, London, and he was ordained in 1941. His first appointment was to the curacy of St. Lawrence's, Kirkdale. In 1944 he became a curate at Bispham Parish Church under Canon Henry Ward. Mr. Bishop was inducted to Christ Church on the 4th December, 1946.
In July, 1947 at a Sunday School Teachers' meeting it was decided to start a cradle roll. This is still in operation and to date about 1,500 cards have been sent out.
From the 18th June, 1948 the Day Schools became controlled by the Education Authorities whose development plans stated that Christ Church would close on the building of new schools in Roman Road and the scholars transferred to the new school. So far the new schools have not been built and it is believed that this plan has now been abandoned.
A new youth organisation was started in the parish, namely Campaigners and Junos.
To celebrate the Jubilee of Eccles Row Mission a special Mission was held from the 26th March, 1949 to the 4th April, 1949. The Missioner was Mr. W. Smart. The leaders and committee of Eccles Row also decided to install a stained glass window in the Church in memory of Messrs. R. Anderton and F. H. Longley and a fund was started to raise the necessary money.
In August that year floodlighting was installed in the church at a cost of £395 plus the usual fee of five guineas for the faculty. This amount practically drained the Renovation Fund and left only £68 in hand. The church was needing decoration and the P.C.C. decided to launch a special appeal to raise £l,000. Renovation Boxes were issued, a mile of pennies scheme opened and a special effort was to be made for the Gift Day.
Mr. J. Hallows retired as headmaster at the end of 1949, after 25 years' service. He had been instrumental in bringing about many improvements in the school building, and during his term of office over 100 boys had gained scholarships to the Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School.
A record of which Mr. Hallows could be justifiably proud. The scholars, staff and old boys presented him with an electric clock, table lighter and a cheque in appreciation of his 25 years' service. Mr. J. T. Riding was appointed temporary head on the 9th January, 1950.
In April the two schools-Girls and Boys-were merged into one and became Christ Church Junior Mixed School. The Headmistress of the Girls' School-Miss A. Heyes-was appointed head- mistress. Miss Heyes had been head of the Girls' School since the 1st January, 1933.
In August, 1950 Mr. A. B. Fryer left Christ Church to become organist at St. Mark, Witton, Blackburn, and Mr. H. Sutton took over at Christ Church in his place.
In March, 1952, the house No. 72, Carlisle Street was purchased for £650 as a curate's house. The P.C.C. had to take two loans- one at £400 at 10 per cent. interest and one of £165.
The amount in the Renovation Fund now stood at £750. It was felt that the repairs necessary in church should be carried out before the decoration was commenced. It was resolved that £650 should be earmarked for painting and decorating, and that the balance of £100 be placed in a new fund to be named the Fabric Fund, and that this be used for repairs and for the eradication of wood-rot, which had been found in roof timbers and in the staircase leading to the gallery.
At the Easter Vestry meeting in 1952 Mr. Charles Knowles retired from the office of Vicar's Warden and Mr. Tom Hindle was appointed in his place. Mr. Knowies had been appointed vicar's sidesman in 1907 and vicar's warden in 1918, holding the latter position for 34 years. He will always be remembered for the quiet way in which he has given of his best for the church he loves (and for the Lord and Master he serves), always ready to give help and advice to the vicars under whom he has served, and to any one who sought his opinion. At Easter, in our Centenary Year, he had completed 52 years as a church officer, a record of which both he and we are justly proud. We are all happy to know that although he has relinquished the position of vicar's warden, he is known as our Warden Emeritus, and still continues both as parochial church councillor and sidesman, where his advice and help are frequently sought. He has served under eight of our vicars and known all ten! We might almost call him our Centenary Churchman!
Another change at the same Easter Vestry was due to the retirement of our people's warden, Mr. John Duckworth. Mr. John Ainsworth was appointed in his place.
In July of that year a new Free-Will Offering Scheme was launched with 90 members partaking.
That same month the Rev. R. McKemey, after service in Africa as a lay man with Church Army, came as Curate to Christ Church, and with his wife and two small sons took up residence in the house in Carlisle Street.
At a P.C.C. meeting on August 26th an appeal was made for a further £200 for the Renovation Fund and a subscription list opened for a period of eight weeks.
On September 27th the vicar held a vigil at the church door to receive gifts for the Renovation Fund which totalled £101. The response to the appeal added to this was so good that by the end of September £341 had been raised. It was then decided to close the Renovation Fund and to open a new fund called the Pew Fund, to receive moneys expressly given to defray the cost of painting, graining and varnishing the pews in light oak-the pews not having been included in the original estimates for Renovation.
Re-opening Services were held on November 2nd, 1952 on the completion of renovation and re-decorating.
The cost-renovation £962 10s., re-decorating £240 1s. 3d.-a total of £1,202 11s. 3d.
In November, 1952, a carpet to cover the centre aisle, was presented to the Church by the family of the late Mr. and Mrs. R. Kiding.
Early in 1953, Mr. Jim Dumphey retired from the post of Church Sexton after 30 years' faithful service.
In April, 1953, to commemorate the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11, the P.C.C. decided to erect new railings round the churchyard at the east end of the church (the previous railings had been taken down during the '39-'45 war for the war-effort). A Railings Fund was opened and it was decided to hold a house-re- house collection throughout the parish. This was quite successful. (See further below).
During June, 1953 the Rev. J. A. Bishop left Christ Church to become vicar of St. Mark, St. Helens. At a Social held on 14th June Mr. and Mrs. Bishop were presented with a nest of tables, suitcase and cash.
THE AUTUMN SALES
The new vicar and his family were to "take possession" during the week of the Autumn Sale, an annual event, latterly taking place during the Schools' November holiday,. The commencement of these sales is obscure, but they go back over many, many years and have always been rich in fellowship. Old friends have travelled hundreds of miles to be back in this Boys' School, in their old parish, to meet friends and to help the current band of workers as they sought to render service unto the Lord.
Under its various leaders the Women's Class has always worked nobly, all the year round. Yet all organisations have played their full part. Men's Class, Sunday Schools, Youth Movements, Fellowship and Recreational Groups have all worked and supported.
Twice in recent years the total for this effort neared £50 (though our church is also noted for its splendid "direct giving" which continues steadily to increase.
It is the happy atmosphere of united Christian service which is the outstanding memory of the Autumn Sales-and which is most worthy of record in this centenary publication.
REVEREND J. J. PAISLEY, 1953 to date
On November 3rd, 1953 Mr. Paisley was instituted and inducted to the benefice. He had undertaken theological training at Oak Hill College, North London, after more than six years war service. Ordained in St. Paul's Cathedral, London in 1949, he served his title at St. Paul, Canonbury, in the Islington Deanery, and in 1951 moved to Newburn-on-Tyne as Curate in charge of Throckley, amongst the miners. Mrs. Paisley and their two children, Margaret and John, shared the transfer from Tyneside with our new vicar.
Before the year was out there had been two significant additions to the church and its boundary.
The Coronation Railings were dedicated on November 29th, 1953 and a new window, depicting –"The Sower", commemorating the many faithful workers of Eccles Row Mission, in connection with the Mission's Jubilee, was also dedicated at the same service, by the Ven. C. H. Lambert, M.A., Archdeacon of Blackburn.
There had also been a significant departure, when our Curate, Rev. Robert McKemey, was preferred to the benefice of St. Barnabas, Blackburn.
The motto for 1954 was ``Stand fast in the Lord,'' a fitting reminder that in all the changes of this life; God changes not, and He alone is our true anchor. During that year a Men's meeting was started up again, with only moderate success; a Young People's House Party was held at Keswick (Portinscale) during the great Convention week; and a Boys' Brigade company was commenced, though with slender resources of leadership.
The Gift of God . . . eternal life . . . through Jesus Christ was our text for 1955, during which our Free-Will Offering Scheme was revised; model churches were introduced for our Renovation Fund; and our magazine printed to the end of the year as a final valued piece of service from the family firm of C. Knowles, who had there- at completed 61 years as our church printers.
Another momentous decision concerned our schools, which were given controlled status after much discussion and prayer. This was due to the very small income directly available, the increasing financial burdens, and the overriding factor that we were due to be closed anyway as soon as other schools were built. We are proud to record that when parents were asked to signify whether they still desired their children to have Church of England teaching, we had affirmative -replies for every child.
In December, 1955 Mr. Richard Nuttall returned as our organist after 25 years elsewhere-in 1930 he had left the post after 17 years' service in this important position.
For 1956 ``the Way, the Truth, the Life'' was the basis of an emphasis on discipleship. Each member of Christ Church was challenged to be a living witness, seeking to make disciples. The prayer-hymn "Jesus stand among us" was used at the commencement of each service, while the Wednesday Parochial Fellowship, together with all organisations, was taking a new place in the life of the parish.
At the Easter Vestry in 1956 owing to the resignation due to ill-health of Mr. John Ainsworth, Mr. Fred Walsh was appointed People's Warden.
At the Trinity Ordination in Blackburn Cathedral, the Rev. Edwin Wilkinson was ordained as Curate of Christ Church, after training at Oak Hill College. He and his bride (both Boltonians) took up residence in School House, which was now church property, replacing the house in Carlisle Street. The former was bought for £400 under the Education Act of 1944. The Carlisle Street house was sold for £500.
Together our staff began to think and pray about a parish mission. Mr. Paisley could never be accused of going to the streamlet when the fountain-head was within reach ! Churches all over the country would have given their eye-teeth for the services of the Rev. David S. Sheppard, famous Sussex and England cricketer. The vicar stepped in and invited Mr. Sheppard to be our parish Missioner in 1958.
In April, 1957, after a visit to the parish for a week-end, Mr. Sheppard confirmed that the Mission was "ON" for 1958, outlining the vast amount of preparation to be done. Under our text for the year. `` The Lord . . . our stronghold . . . knoweth,'' the work was tackled with a will by our church members, with a round of six visits to each home, carrying a different letter about the mission each time; while the visitors also underwent special training for their important contacts with parishioners.
This year also saw the launching of a Rebuilding Scheme for the Parish Rooms, something like £10,000 being our estimated need. As usual the good old Grimshaw Park spirit came to the rescue,