than in divinity, in the knowledge of training up soldiers than of leading his proper flock in the paths of peace.” From the same source we learn that two centuries later the manor and church were part of the possessions of the Benedictine nunnery at Wherwell in Hants, founded by Queen Elfreda in 956, and that it so remained until the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII, when it passed to the Crown. Queen Mary granted it “with its appurtenances and advowson of the church” to Edward Nevile, Knight. Soon after it became the property of Capel, Earl of Essex, whose descendant sold it in 1726 to William Pulteney, Esq. The patronage of the living passed into the hands of the bishop of the diocese early in the present century. It is to William Pulteney and his successors — Henrietta Laura Pulteney, Sir William Johnstone, the Earl of Darlington, the Duke of Cleveland, Lord Powlett and the Forester family — that the Bathwick streets owe their names. Raby derives from the family seat, Raby Castle, Co. Durham, and Rockliffe from Rockliffe Park, Darlington, a residence of Captain Forester.

To quote again from Collinson’s History which was published in 1791: “The whole parish (i.e. of Bathwick) contains 45 houses and about 250 inhabitants. Most of the houses form an irregular street near the church.” By .1815 this church, S. Mary’s, the mother church of Bathwick, was little more than a ruin. It stood among fields at river level where now the road, on an embankment, leads from Bathwick Street to Cleveland Bridge. FATHER DUNN The bridge itself dates only from 1827. An old drawing of a view from Walcot Parade shows a ferry-boat crossing the river in the direction of a farm which once occupied part of what is now S. John’s Road and the grounds of the present Vicarage, then S. Mary’s Rectory. The old BEGINNINGS Rectory House is close by the farm buildings and the tower of the ancient parish church appears a little to the left of this as one looks across the river. The present S. Mary’s Church, built to replace it, was consecrated in 1820. Its HE HISTORY OF BATHWICK goes back new site enabled it to serve the inhabitants of to very early-times. Roman graves and those stately streets of houses between the city Tother remains found in S. John’s and Bathwick Hill which had come into being churchyard and the neighbourhood of Villa since the building of Pulteney Bridge in 1770. Fields suggest that it must have been the site of Meyler’s Bath Guide of 1827 says that ” it is a Roman settlement. Mr. R. W. M. Wright, an formed to unite the desiderata of elegance and authority on Bath history, thinks it very probable convenience, and may be considered in every that a Saxon church stood near our present S. way worthy of the’ opulent and daily improving John’s in the 9th century. Domesday records neighbourhood in which it is situated.” that the manor of Wiche (Bathwick.) previously held by Alvric was in 1086 part of the lands It was a rector of this church, the Reverend H. granted by William the Conqueror to the French M. Scarth, who in November 1856 addressed a Bishop of Coutances as a reward for his military pastoral letter to his ” Poorer Brethren ” telling services. Collinson in his History of Somerset them that ” It has long been a source of grief to tells us that this bishop had a distinguished me to see how very few of you have attended command at the battle of Hastings, and was the parish church on Sundays “, and he went said to have been ” much more skilful in arms on to admit the inadequacy of the accommodation provided for obtained for the demolition of toy-like from the elevation of them. At that time the only the old Burial Chapel and the the road, a trifle prim and free seats were tucked away use of the materials in the stiffly early English, standing behind the cumbrous pulpit building of the new church. In on a tea-tray of level, lawn and reading-desk at the west a further letter headed ” A with here and there pretty end, with obvious Few Remarks on the little tombstones to add disadvantages for their Proposed New Church ” and interest and sentiment to the occupants. To meet, the addressed to the working view.” difficulty the Rector offered people, the rector explained to hold an afternoon service that provision having been On the day of the for their special benefit in the made by the generosity of consecration the clergy and chapel of the old burial the donor of of the church for parishioners assembled at S. ground, where the excuse of the stipend of the. curate, the Mary’s to meet the Lord not being able to hear, or of only expense which would Bishop and walked in the embarrassment due to fall upon the parishioners procession to S. John’s, led their ” common dress ” wouldbe such as usually by the beadle and sexton compared with the clothes of come under the with their staves. The service the gentry would no longer churchwardens’ account. He was read by the Reverend L. hold good. It is to the estimated that £30 per R. Hamilton assisted by the situation described in this annum would be sufficient to rector, and the sermon was letter that the church of S. cover all such expenses. preached by the bishop. John the Baptist owes its After the consecration existence. On June 24th 1861 ,the ceremony the bishop and corner-stone of St John’s clergy with various officials It appears that the rector’s was laid, and on July 31st, and parishioners were offer did not meet with such 1862 the church was entertained to lunch at the a good response as he had consecrated by Bath Proprietary College, hoped. Be that as it may, the LordAuckland, Bishop of now the Holburne Museum, idea of making better Bath and Wells. The and incidentally the same provision for the poor and architect was Mr. C. E. Giles building (at that time the people of the labouring and the builder Mr. George Sydney Hotel) in which the class, most of whom lived in Mann. The church, which wardens of S. Mary’s had the area of Grove Street, the forms the north aisle of the met 50 years earlier to courts of Bathwick Street present building, consisted discuss the rebuilding of their and Villa Fields, took root of nave and apsidal chancel, church. Toasts were and bore fruit in the mind of with a porch at the N.E. proposed and the assembly one of the curates, the corner forming the base of a drank to the health of the Reverend Leveson Russell tower and spire added three bishop, the chairman Hamilton, now revered as years later. There were two (Prebendary Scarth) and the the founder of S. John’s. In a small transepts on the south Reverend L. R. Hamilton. In letter to his parishioners the side (one of-these was the evening of the next day a rector wrote again in reserved for the children) meeting of the ” labouring February 186.1. to tell them and a vestry on the north classes ” of the parish was of the generous offer made side of the sanctuary. The held in the Rotunda of the by Father Hamilton to build font, placed opposite the Sydney Gardens, lent by the and endow a small chapel north entrance, and the Hanoverian Band capable of holding 300 pulpit of Bath stone were Committee. About 200 persons to serve as a gifts of individual donors- people including a few of the chapel-of-ease to the parish The lectern was a small ladies of the parish sat down church, in which the oaken eagle, the gift of the to tea, presided over by the accommodation would be sculptor. The furniture of the rector. After tea he entirely free. The site Communion Table and the addressed the meeting, between the old Rectory altar-cloth ” of rich Utrecht saying he was desirous that House, now S. John’s velvet adorned with devices the labouring part of the Vicarage, and Cleveland in needlework ” as well as population should know why Bridge was given by the Lord the altar vessels were also the church had been built of the Manor, Lord William special gifts. and urging them to use it. Powlett, and the consent of Later, Father Hamilton the Lord Bishop of the In The Weekly Churchman a expressed his pleasure at diocese obtained. writer described the little being able for the first time to Permission was also church as ” looking almost address collectively the. working people of Bathwick worship and teaching was and A. D’A Burney, was parish. attracting people from all issued ” in the belief that a parts of Bath who crowded to generous sympathy would be The care of S. John’s and of its doors. Each Sunday extended by churchmen at a the 1,500 or so parishioners numbers of those who came distance to a handful of whose welfare he had so had to be turned away. The clergy who, together with much at heart was confided writer in The Weekly some earnest laymen, were to the Reverend Leveson Churchman has a lively doing their best to provide for Russell Hamilton who recollection of the prevailing the true exhibition of church continued to minister there, conditions. ” The centre principles “, and ” that it until his resignation through gangway.” he says, ” was would probably be years ill-health in 1864. He died in usually filled with chairs, and before such an opportunity 1869 and was buried in the worshippers who wished for as the present again churchyard close to the cast a seat had to take their occurred for setting forward window of the sanctuary. The places long before the offices on an extended scale memorial cross bearing his began. We remember well a Catholic doctrine and ritual.” name is a familiar sight to all particularly energetic person, who use the pathway skirting the more worthy successor of By the time the foundations the church on its eastward the old well-known type of were laid £2,000 had been side. A bell given by the fee-taking Bath pew-opener; collected towards the cost, Reverend P. E. George in tier power of organization estimated at £5,000. The 1871 bears the inscription ” In was stretched as far as extension was planned for honorem Dei, et in piam nature would permit when a the seating of 600 people and memoriam Leveson Russell festival attracted a larger consisted of a spacious and Hamilton hujius aedis sacrae congregation than usual. lofty nave and chancel under conditioni me posuit Processions were impossible one continuous roof, with Philippus Edwardus George”. in the aisle-less nave and the organ chamber to the south (Philip Edward George hung choir came in singing through of the chancel and choir me to the honour of God and the tower door on great days vestry beneath it, from which the pious memory of Leveson in order to add to the dignity the priest’s vestry opened out Russell Hamilton, a man of the function. To each eastwards. The pulpit of greatly-beloved and founder bench-end was fixed a stone and marble was of this church). hinged bracket which, with presented by the Bath branch the chairs, completely filled of the English Church Union Father Hamilton was the centre passage. Miss as a memorial of the founder, followed by the Reverend H. Powell’s word of command the Reverend L. R. Hamilton. Pigot James, through whose on this occasion was as Mr. G. C. Mann of Bathwick efforts the money was raised impressive as it was effectual was again the builder and for the addition in 1865 of the — ‘ Now then, ladies and contractor. A contemporary tower and spire as a tribute to gentlemen, chairs up, account of the new building in the founder. The cost was brackets down.’ Then the the Bath Argus of 13th May, £600. Father James left in seething mass of humanity at 1871, describes in great 1866 to be succeeded by-the Miss Powell’s bidding made detail the electric organ, a Reverend W. R. Haverfield themselves and their chairs special feature of which was who was taken ill and as small as unvarying bulk that the keys could be placed resigned two years later. would permit, while the choir at any required distance from The last to hold the position made a sinuous progress to the pipes. ” Since the organ of curate-in-charge of the the chancel.” loft over the vestry was too little chapel-of-ease to S. small to accommodate Mr. Mary’s was the Reverend Enlargement was imperative, Hewitt, the organist,” says Alexander Douglas whose and on April 7th, 1868, a the writer, ” he and his name is familiar to all S. meeting convened to keyboard were placed under John’s people as that of its consider the situation an arch on the opposite side first vicar, a position to which decided to embark on a plan of the chancel, behind the he was appointed in 1871 for extension. A faculty was choristers’ stalls.” when S. John’s was granted granted and in February the status of a separate 1869 Mr. Arthur Blomfield, On May 9th, 1871, the parish. the eminent church architect, consecration took place, was commissioned to draw having been preceded by the But long before this it had up the plan. The appeal for Holy Eucharist at S. Mary’s become clear that the little funds, bearing the signatures Church at 8 a.m. The Lord church by the influence of its of A. Douglas, P. E. George Bishop of the diocese, Lord Arthur Hervey, was received them supported a meat Exeter; the Vicar of Richmond; at the west door by the kitchen, a soup kitchen, a coal the Curate of All Saints’, Reverends G. Tugwell (Rector club, a blanket club, a sheet Clifton (the Reverend J. Dunn, of Bathwick), A. Douglas, P. E. club, a lying-in charity and a later Vicar of S. John’s). On George, A. D’A Burney and a shoe club, as well as a night the evening of June 29th, a large number of other school and a Penny Bank run social gathering was held in clergymen. Every available by voluntary workers. In 1861 the Assembly Rooms with 600 seat was filled. The bishop the Provident Fund to 700 people present to preached the consecration established 20 years earlier celebrate the occasion. sermon, and at a further had over 1,000 members. No. service in the evening when 22 Bathwick Street seems to In 1876 after eight years of the church was again filled to have been used as a base for ministry in S. John’s, Father capacity the sermon was the joint activities of the two Douglas resigned on account preached by the Vicar of All churches, but in Father of the ill-health of his wife. In Saints’, Clifton. Special Dunn’s time S. John’s an address presented from services were held daily acquired 13 Bathwick Street the congregation they recall throughout the octave, and as a Mission House, and this what he had accomplished: through thank offerings made served as headquarters for “Their church enlarged and during the week over £165 charitable activities such as beautified, the parish was added to the building fund the soup kitchen and night separated, and the doctrine which by this time stood at school as well as for meetings and dignified ritual of the £4,700. But about £1,300 still of Bible classes and guilds. English Church displayed and remained to be found, as the Another charity connected enforced by your example and cost had now risen to nearly with the Church was S. teaching. To you they owe the £6,000. Michael’s Girls’ Orphanage at frequent services of the 2 Bathwick Street. The red church, the daily celebrations Within a month of the cloaks of the orphans are said and the many charitable consecration the first phase of to have made a colourful organizations which exist.” the history of S. John’s came addition to the Children’s When, after his death in 1899, to an end when in June it was Processions on festival days. it was proposed to erect a constituted as a separate tablet to his memory it was parish with Father Douglas as In 1873 the old Rectory stated in the appeal for its first vicar. House, built in 1777, was donations that ” he had a purchased by Miss Hamilton, fearless spirit which at that In studying the records which daughter of the founder of S. particular period of party are available for those first 10 John’s, and repaired and feeling in Bath gave courage years, what strikes the reader given to the parish as a and confidence to his people most forcibly is the light Vicarage House. At the same fighting at his side. In short thrown on the great changes time she bought a site he placed the fortunes and which have since taken place alongside the Rectory aims of Catholic churchmen in in the social structure, both grounds on which the Bath on a firm footing, laying economic and in the matter of congregation later built a room secure foundations on which class divisions. The ” well-to- for use as a Sunday School. very much of the revived do “, the ” poor ” and the ” church feeling in this city has labouring class ” are The Dedication Festival of since rested.” The lectern at frequently referred to with the 1875 was marked by special present in use was given as a assumption that the line rejoicing over the final memorial by the congregation. between them is quite distinct. extinction of the debt on the Father Douglas, in his first new building. The list of It was fortunate that a parochial letter at the end of preachers at services during successor to Father Douglas 1871 states that whereas in the Octave is impressive: the was at hand. Seven years the parish of S. Mary the Rector of Shepton previously the Reverend P. E. proportion of well-to-do is as 3 Beauchamp; the Vicar of S. George had given up his to 1, of the 1,500 in S. John’s Barnabas’, Oxford; a priest incumbency of Combe Hay in parish at least 1,000 are poor from the Church of the Holy order to serve as a curate at and there are barely 100 who Nativity, Knowle; the Vicar of S. John’s. Now, in 1877, he could contribute towards the All Saints’, Clifton; the Vicar of became its second vicar. But charities which the church Dymock; the Vicar of S. John his health was never very supports. The charities the Divine, Kennington; the good and after two years he themselves are revealing. S. Curate of Clewer, Windsor; felt the responsibility too much Mary’s and S. John’s between the Rector of S. James’, for him and resigned. But for the remaining 28 years of his life definite provision was made for deductions for bad coins, etc.”!) his devotion to the church never its maintenance, the only source together with special donations lessened and ” with of income being the casual had increased to £1,185 0s. characteristic humility ” — as offerings deposited in the church Sid., and expenditure to £1,279 was said by one who paid tribute box. But from Whitsuntide 1863 3s. 5d. Choir expenses, to his memory — he served a regular collection was made at excluding organist’s salary, were again as curate until his death the Sunday morning service and now-just over £166: heating, on July 30th, 1907, a total of twice a year at the evening lighting and cleaning £61 odd. nearly 40 years of devoted service. The statement of The item ” bridge tickets ” service. Only two days before account for the first full year recurring in the list of choir his death he had celebrated at shows the expenditure to have expenses is a reminder of the the 8 o’clock Eucharist. His been £49 16s. 6d., and the fact that the halfpennies levied sermon due to be preached on receipts £6 12s. 7 3/4. short of at the old toll bridges were still the following Sunday morning that sum. The only salaries paid being exacted. It was not until was found unfinished on his were those of the scxtoness and 1929 that the bridges were freed desk. assistant. The choir of men and by the City Council. One is boys gave their services reminded too of those During Father George’s voluntarily, as did the lady who inhabitants on the other side of incumbency a faculty was accompanied them on the the river for whom the sound of obtained for the addition of the harmonium. Lighting and the angelus ringing from ” S. Baptistry built into the N.W. heating cost a little over £11. John’s-over-the-water “. as they angle of the church. This with its Coal was a shilling per cwt. But called it, served as a time-signal. furnishings was the gift of Mrs. changes came very rapidly. The Jcnner and her family. It was amount of the collections In studying the early records of consecrated in September steadily increased, so that not S. John’s one cannot fail to be 1879. only was it possible to enter into struck by the evidence they further commitments such as reveal of the unsparing efforts of A glance at some of the payments to organist and choir, clergy and lay people alike for accounts of those early years but also to make donations to a the welfare of the church and and at the appeals to the number of charities and other parish, and by their generosity in congregation for support show objects. In 1869 a stipend of the giving of time, labour and that in the 1860’s no less than in £120 per annum was being paid devotion. And what is true of our own day the problem of to a curate out of the collections those first years is no less true of meeting church expenses as well as a small grant towards the succeeding generations preyed on the minds of the stipend of the vicar. By 1872 churchwardens. For the first the offertories (” less £2 11s 1 throughout the 100 years of nine months after the 1/4d. due to errors in ‘ telling ‘ history which this booklet consecration of S. John’s no same at the various times, attempts to record. fullness and by his faithfulness to its doctrines his influence spread far beyond the boundaries of his parish. Within two years of his coming a minute of the Vestry meeting recording a vote of thanks to the vicar says that " they congratulate him upon the increased numbers in the congregation and upon the love and respect which he has gained from them."

In succeeding years many further references are made to increasing numbers rot only in the congregation but also in the various classes and Sunday Schools. At one stage the Children's Procession which was a feature of every great festival met in a complete circle round the church. In the years between 1880 and 1890 the average number of Easter Communions was about 490, the greatest being 551 in 1884. The total for thatIn our own time to be able to say that you were ” brought up ” by Father Dunn is a matter for legitimate pride as well as a guarantee of proficiency in what you were taught. Moreover he inspired others to teach. In the later years of the past century it was still possible to find a number of leisured women ready to give of their time and talents in the work of the Church, and S. John’s had no lack of such. Never was there such a time for classes and guilds. There were the Mothers’ Meeting, started by Mrs. Dunn and conducted by her for 50 years, the Women’s Bible Class, the Girls’ Bible Class, the Middle-Class Sunday School (not to be confused with the ordinary Sunday Schools) with 80 on the roll in 1890. It is interesting to know that Mr. Godwin, for many years head of Mowbray’s, was brought up in this class. Of strictly parochial guilds besides the Guild of S. John the Baptist we read at one time and another of the Confraternity of S. John the FATHER DUNN, Baptist (for business men), the Guild of the Visitation (for young women engaged in business), the Guild of the Holy Life (for young 1879-1919 men of the artisan class), the Guild of S. Faith T IS IMPOSSIBLE to be associated with S. (for young women in domestic service) and the John's for any length of time without Guild of S. Elizabeth for Married Women. It was Ibecoming aware of the fact that the noted in the magazine for 1890 that competition outstanding figure in its history is the Reverend amongst young men for inclusion in Miss James Dunn. His ministry of forty years, coming Spender’s Perseverance Class was so keen as it did after a succession of five priests in the that the number had to be limited to 26. first seventeen years, gave just what was wanted to strengthen and secure the foundations already laid. His experience as There is no means of knowing how the various curate of All Saints', Clifton, naturally guilds prospered, though for some years the commended him to his new parishioners and he summer outing and Christmas entertainment for proved himself peculiarly fitted to the tasks that each are duly reported. The exception in the lay ahead of him. Even now, more than forty matter of records is the Guild of S. John the years after his death, one can sense something Baptist, founded by Father Douglas as far back of the devotion he inspired in those to whom he as 1871, the minutes of whose quarterly ministered. To at least two generations of meetings up to June 1885 have been preserved. parishioners he was priest, father and friend. To These records provide many interesting items of them he taught the Catholic faith in all its information which throw light on the parochial life of those years. Applications for membership were seriously considered to find accommodation the 1907 ” the long dinner-table and election was no mere Mission House in Bathwick seemed longer and the formality! The meetings for Street and the Schoolroom distance between the roast men and women members, next to the Vicarage built in beef at one end and roast called ” Brothers ” and ” 1882 were insufficient for the mutton at die other much Sisters “, were held needs of the parish. In increased since last year separately, each with its own addition all the new housing owing to the larger number of President. The object of the in Villa Fields had to be taken guests”. The whole of the Guild in the first instance was into account. It was therefore sumptuous meal was the care of the structure, decided, probably in 1897, prepared by Ellen Brinkworth furniture and ornaments of to appeal for funds for the who reigned over the the church, but to these many building of a Mission Room Vicarage kitchen for 30 other duties were added in that area. In June 1898, years. Each guest was later: looking after the flowers £500 was still needed to presented by Mrs. Dunn with and altar linen, the opening of complete the building, but a gift, one year a kitchen the gates by the Sister-in- during the octave of the utensil, another a china tea- charge five minutes before Patronal Festival of that year, pot. Dinner was followed by daily matins and evensong, £356 was contributed an entertainment provided on the conducting of a Working towards the sum required. more than one occasion by Class —” The Society of the This building, in Powlctt the boys of the Perseverance Workers for the Poor ” — and Road, was completed and Class. so on. When a Mission was opened in January 1899. held in 1874, members were The Sunday School children commissioned to ” stir up the Accounts of social events often provided their own poor people by holding Bible which took place twice in the entertainment in the form of a classes, cottage lectures, year for the various guilds play which had been etc.” They were also and classes provide some prepared in the Day School. expected to recruit amusing reading. The choir For their Summer treat they candidates for confirmation and servers of 1899 are to be went one year by barge to and give them some envied for their staying Limpley Stoke. A handwritten preliminary preparation. The powers. On a morning in July list of provisions for a choir parish was divided into 22 they left Bath station at 4.18 outing to Shearwater for 30 districts and most of the and reached London men and boys includes 12 lb. district visitors must have (Addison Road) at 9. After of boiled beef, 5 lb. of veal, a been drawn from the visiting S. Paul’s and going leg of mutton, ham, 18 lb. of members of the Guild. A on to Tower Bridge they went cake, 5 lb. of plum pudding, minute of the meeting in April by metro to Westminster, beer and ginger beer. 1885 records that there was there to be conducted over Financial anxiety is a a falling off in the number of the Houses of Parliament by perpetual feature of the confirmation candidates, but Bath’s M.P. of that time. After history of almost every that this was accounted for ” a hurried peep ” at the church. No sooner had a by the fact that the visitors ” Abbey they walked through special effort been made to had got to the end of the S. James’s Park and Green clear off one debt to the relief numerous adults as this year Park to Hyde Park Corner, of vicar and wardens than they were all young “. thence by bus to Earl’s Court their contentment is for dinner. There the “fairy destroyed by the In 1888 for the first time the godmother” (identity accumulation of another. In Tuesday in the octave of the unspecified) arrived and took spite of increased numbers in Patronal Festival was set them to the Savage Africa the congregation and apart as ” Guild Day ” with Show, and after buns and consequent increase in the corporate communion for lemonade to the lake and collections, expense was members of all the guilds and water chute. Tea followed at continually on the upgrade a special service in the 7 p.m., then back to Addison and the burden of recurring evening. Tn 1911 the offices Road, finally arriving home at debts greater. Funds for individual guilds were 3.15 the next morning! supported by voluntary discontinued and their donations existed for various members combined with The Mothers’ Meeting were objects, among them the those of the Guild of St. John entertained in the Sunday Curates Fund, the Sacristan the Baptist for a single School Room every Fund and the Parish Room monthly office. With meetings Christmas by Mrs. Dunn at Fund. The first of these was of so many groups for which an evening dinner party. In expected to provide for one curate, the other being paid Church of Oxford, and before precentor. The Reverend A. out of the collections, but it coming to S. John’s in 1867, C. Roberts remained at S. frequently fell to the lot of the had served under a noted John’s for twelve years before vicar to supply from his own exponent of plainsong. During going as vicar to a parish in pocket considerable his 27 years at S. John’s he the Isle of Wight. Announcing deficiencies in the funds for established a remarkable the appointment of the curate and sacristan. Tn April tradition, especially in the Reverend W. R. Corbould in 1913 Father Dunn called a interpretation of Gregorian June 1906, Father Dunn meeting of the congregation music. Over 600 boys passed spoke of him as ” a child of S. to consider what steps could through his hands, of whom John’s who has, as a layman, be taken in face of the fact 12 became organists. One of formed one of the that for some years the these, Dr. Albert Ham, was congregation, and has served income derived from the eventually organist of Toronto at the altar at which he will offertory had been insufficient Cathedral. Mr. Hewitt now celebrate as priest”. to meet the current expenses resigned in 1894 and was Father Corbould remained for of the church, and that a debt succeeded by Mr. H. T. Sims 14 years, taking charge of the was being accumulated at the whose 38 years of service parish for a short time after rate of about £100 a year. As provide an even more Father Dunn’s death, until he a result agreement was remarkable record. The became vicar of Carshalton. reached to cut down the cost continuity of tradition resulting The Reverend J. A. Gibson of the music which accounted from the services of two took Father Roberts’ place in for nearly half of the total organists only throughout a 1909 and gave no less than expenditure. This was space of 65 years must surely eighteen years to the service subsequently effected by be almost unique in the of S. John’s. After Father discontinuing the sung annals of church music Corbould left he remained as services on Friday evenings history. S. John’s was the only curate and no further and on the eves of Saints’ probably the first church in appointment as second days, as well as the sung Bath to have a surpliced choir. assistant priest was made celebrations on the Saints’ after that time. Father Gibson days. Mention has already been is specially remembered for made of the fact that Father his work with the young men The curtailment of the music George continued to serve S. and boys. He was the first to must have caused John’s as curate for 28 years take part in the Boy Scout heartburnings for both after his resignation of the movement and started two congregation and choir. Even incumbency until his death in patrols of Scouts in 1911. He from the days of the 1907. At no time after the left in 1927 to become Vicar of harmonium-playing ladies, separation of the parish until Hambridgc. the care which the music the end of Father Dunn’s time received was a special were there less than two An important event in the feature of S. John’s. As early curates, and for many years church life of this time was the as 1864 an organ built by Mr. there were two in addition to parochial mission which was Sweetland had been given by Father George. It is a further held in November 1891. The members of the congregation proof, if any were needed, of missioners were Father Black and other friends and placed the respect and affection of the Society of S. John the in the south transept of the inspired by Father Dunn that Evangelist and Father Dulley, little church, opposite the some of his curates remained Vicar of S. Peter, London vestry. By 1876 the organist with him for so long a time. Of Docks. There were three early was being paid £102 10s. by those whose names appear celebrations of Holy comparison with the curate’s most frequently in the records Communion on each day stipend of £120, and the choir the first is the Reverend T. throughout the week. Four expenses were £118 13s. 3d. Jesson who left after ten addresses or sermons were Under its first professional years to become rector of given every day besides a organist and choirmaster, Mr. Bishop’s Cleeve. The special one for children, boys Joseph Hewitt, the music Reverend C. D. Giles came and girls on alternate days. reached an exceptionally high as a deacon in 1889 and left Another landmark which standard which has since in December 1895 to take up effected a quickening of the been maintained apart from an appointment to a spiritual life was the visit of the inevitable setbacks due to government chaplaincy in the Father Healy, C.R., during the two wars. Mr. Hewitt had Madras diocese: he did much Holy Week in 1907. In the started his musical career as for the music during his stay, course of that week nearly a chorister in the Cathedral acting for some time as sixty first confessions were made. Two particularly happy bishops of the diocese. forward in a body to support occasions gave an him from the very first, and in opportunity for the The first open controversy a way that he had never seen congregation to demonstrate resulted from a lecture on ” surpassed at any period of publicly their affection for Church Authority ” given by those various struggles that Father and Mrs. Dunn. The Father Dunn in 1887 at the they had gone through in the first was the completion in Guildhall, Bath, under the course of the Catholic revival 1904 of his twenty-five years auspices of the Church of in the Church of England “. of ministry at S. John’s, when England Working Men’s 316 people crowded into the Society. The matter of the A few years later, Lord Arthur Schoolroom to hearlecture was a call to its Hervey’s successor, Dr. the speeches which members and church-people Kennion, requested Father accompanied the generally to be as careful in Dunn to give up certain presentation of a gold watch performing their duties as in practices such as the liturgical and handsome cheque. The claiming their privileges; use of incense and of lights second was the occasion of amongst the duties on the altar of which he, the their golden wedding in July mentioned were ” the bishop, disapproved. Whilst 1915, when, surrounded by observance of the days of making certain concessions their children and fasting and abstinence, to the bishop’s authority, grandchildren, they received attendance at the Church’s Father Dunn was quite the congratulations of their great act of Christian Sacrifice adamant over retaining the parishioners together with a on Sundays and the great use of incense. In the course golden casket containing 150 festivals, and fasting of the correspondence which golden sovereigns. reception of the Holy followed he explained at Communion “. After reading a length the principles on which From 1915 to 1922 hardly any report of this lecture the he based his refusal. He said magazines have survived to bishop, Lord Arthur Hervey, that he had used it because it tell the story of the parish wrote to Father Dunn had the sanction of the whole activities of those years. The severely censuring him, Catholic Church of which the period includes the Great War mainly for attributing authority Church of England is a part. ” and its aftermath, and we to the Church ” to frame laws I know,” he wrote, ” that it may know that a serious illness of for the regulation of the be said that such ceremonies Father Dunn’s in 1915 was spiritual life of her children “. are of themselves of little followed later by periods of ill- At the same time he sent a importance, that they can be health. It is certain that the copy of his letter to the Press. asyousaytome‘innosense building of better type houses Father Dunn’s long and of the essence of worship or in Villa Fields and elsewhere carefully reasoned reply was doctrine ‘. But the continuous must have done much to alter also published. The bishop’s and persistent attacks made the character of the action aroused much upon them by those who are neighbourhood and with it the indignation, as a result of opposed to the doctrine they nature of the parochial which Mr. George Gregory, a symbolize, and the idea of activities. Change also came very well-known Bath worship to which they give as the result of greater supporter of all that S. John’s expression show that they opportunities for early stood for, arranged for the have a very great importance morning Communion in other presentation of an address of as being significant of both churches. Father Dunn confidence, sympathy and doctrine and worship.” As the himself had noted the effect of thorough and loyal support of result of Father Dunn’s this on the numbers coming to the vicar’s action. It was resolute stand the bishop S. John’s by the end of the signed by 598 persons and placed a bann upon the previous century, though he was handed to Father Dunn church, stating that he would welcomed the reason for the at a meeting in the neither visit it, nor licence decline, and further Schoolroom, where his curates to it, nor even allow developments of a similar congregation and the vicar to present his own kind must have been taking parishioners were joined by candidates for confirmation. place in subsequent years. members of the local branch One effect of this was to of the C.E.W.M.S. In increase Father Dunn’s sense No attempt at a record of acknowledgment, Father of isolation from his fellow Father Dunn’s ministry would Dunn especially thanked the clergy in the district although be complete without mention members of that Society ” their good personal relations of the differences which arose who never hesitated one remained unchanged. As was between him and successive single moment, but came to be expected, however, his own people of S. John’s who another part of the church. onwards, there were also had supported him with This Father Dunn would not frequent weekday services complete loyalty throughout, do, and so the much longed- with readings, sermons or were drawn even more for visit was never made. instructions. Retreats and closely together by their Quiet Days have been a unhappy position. The matter It was not until after Father feature of S. John’s church received wide national Dunn’s death, and when life almost from the publicity, especially after the Father Harris was continuing beginning: in Father Dunn’s publication of the Report of the same practices as his time these included some for the Royal Commission on predecessor, that Bishop boys and girls. And so too Ecclesiastical Discipline in Wynne Wilson ended the ban have the days of intercession 1906. From supporters of by visiting S. John’s. He was for foreign missions. Catholic sympathies Father received at the west door with Dunn received grateful impressive ceremony and With the advent of Father appreciation for his was subsequently presented Dunn in 1879 the general courageous stand: from by the congregation with a pattern of the services others condemnation of his mitre as a thank offering for became in essentials what it obstinacy. It should be added the ending of the persecution has remained ever since, that the bishop in his of the parish which had lasted with ” High Celebration ” or ” evidence before the for so many years. Choral Eucharist” as the Commission had described principal service on Sundays Father Dunn as ” my one It is difficult sometimes to and the great festivals. He recalcitrant clergyman, and realize how great is the introduced eucharistic one of the best I possess. He change which has taken vestments at Easter 1880 is one of the most place in the number and and in other ways did much to straightforward and nature of church services add beauty and dignity to the trustworthy men I have ever generally since the early part worship. His daughter tells us had to deal with: there are no of the last century. Tn 1812 S. that the Misses Hole, before dark corners about him, he Mary’s, like most other Bath embarking on the beautiful means what he says and churches, had only one chasuble which took them 10 does everything in a very Sunday service, Matins, with years to make and is still in open way”. It was said celebration of Holy use, went to Bruges to learn (Church Union Gazette 1919) Communion four times a year embroidery in that famous that Father Dunn on his part (Meyler’s Bath Guide). “Tittle” centre of ecclesiastical art. “never doubted that his S. John’s began in 1862 with bishop who ostracized him two Sunday services and The impressions of two was acting as truly from a celebrations of Holy visitors to Bath are perhaps sense of duty, however Communion once a month worth recording. One of these mistakenly, as he was in his (twice a month by that time at writing in the early days of the refusal to give way”. the parish church) and at the original little church in a letter greater festivals. But under to the editor of the local paper The introduction of perpetual the influence of the Oxford says, ” Often have I longed to reservation in the early years Movement changes came spend a Sunday in your of the 1914-18 war gave rise very rapidly. beautiful city, but have to further controversy which attempted in vain to find in all greatly saddened the closing By 1866 there was Holy this city a satisfactory church years of Father Dunn’s life. Communion every Sunday service. . . . Quite by Through the kindly and on one weekday; in 1867 accident, however, and at a intervention of the Evensong was being said commercial table, I heard of Archdeacon of Bath, a daily; Saints’ days began to S. John’s, Bathwick, and was meeting between the bishop be observed in 1869. Tn the told I should find there good and Father Dunn was year of the separation of the Catholic teaching, a good arranged, as a result of which parishes, Father Douglas choral service, free and open a better understanding of the was having early and mid- seats, a decent organ and a position taken up by Father day celebrations on Sundays, large and hearty Dunn seemed to have been and daily throughout Lent congregation. I found the reached. The bishop and at other special times. information correct in every promised to visit the church, Daily celebration throughout particular. . . . Unfortunately but later made it a condition the year has been an this church is so small and that the Blessed Sacrament established custom since the congregation so large be removed from the altar to 1874. From about 1870 that I found it difficult to effect an entrance, and but for the June 1919 at the age of 78 on on the chancel screen for kind efforts of the officials I the eve of the Patronal which he himself had often must have been sent away Festival. Tributes came from expressed a desire. from the evening service. This all quarters to his courage and Accompanied by the beautiful I find on enquiry is the usual steadfastness, his patience figures of Our Lady and S. state of things.” and courtesy under trial, his John on either side of the wide sympathies. ”As a lion in Calvary the memorial, which In 1906 another ” Viator ” after the defence of Catholic truth is the work of Sir Ninian commenting on the scarcity of and faith and practice, in his Comper, is one of the most men at most church services human relationships the striking features of the church. says, ” One church in Bath at gentlest and kindest of men ” Itwasdedicated in 1923 at any rate left nothing to he was the description of him by Solemn Evensong on the desired in that respect, for on a friend who had known him 4th anniversary of his death the two occasions at which I from his Clifton days. But his by one of his oldest friends, was present at the Sung own words recorded in the the Reverend the Hon. A. F. Communion service at S. minutes of his last Vestry Hanbury Tracy, Vicar of S. John’s, it struck me that if Meeting seem to strike the Barnabas’, Pimlico. The many more men came in we essential note of his ministry additional gold work with the should he uncomfortably at S. John’s. Replying to the figures of the Madonna and crowded, and 1 was told it vote of thanks ” he said that it Child and S. John Baptist was quite an ordinary service. had been a great happiness (also by Sir Ninian Comper) Everyone seemed very much to him for nearly 40 years to were added later as a in earnest, and parsons, serve in this church. He loved memorial to his successor. organist, choir and the church and he loved the congregation meant what people “. That love was A Calvary erected at the N.W. they were saying and doing; returned in full and still lives in corner of the churchyard there was nothing perfunctory the hearts of those who arc facing Bathwick Street, about it.” old enough to remember him. commemorates the men of the congregation who gave The tragedy of the Great War As was to be expected the their lives in the 1914-18 war. and recurring illness people, of S. John’s wished to Their names, 35 in number, overshadowed the last years place in their church a fitting are inscribed on a brass tablet of Father Dunn’s life, and he memorial to one who had on the west wall inside the was saddened by the many been so loved and revered, church. losses amongst the men of and Father Dunn is the congregation. He died in commemorated by the rood Sheppnrd, Spender, Tylee over from the Dunn Memorial BETWEEN and Wayne. Needless to say Fund towards carrying out a the first business of the complete scheme of newly-formed council was to redecoration which included THE WARS consider means of dealing the panelling of the walls of with a deficit (of £348 19s.) on the sanctuary in English oak. the year’s account. The firm of Hanks and Whiting were responsible for O FOLLOW FATHER In the same year, 1920, the the whole of the work, and Mr. DUNN at S. John’s was Free Will Offering Scheme Hanks still treasures a letter Tnolightundertaking hut was instituted, primarily with from Miss Hamilton, daughter his successor, the the object of meeting the of the founder, in which she Reverend Charles Etheridge perpetually recurring deficits recalls that it was more than Harris, priest-in-charge of S. in the church expenses forty years since the chapel Anne’s with S. James’, account, but also of paying was decorated in memory of Buxton, was given a warm the diocesan quota, a her mother. She thanked him welcome by his new somewhat unpopular for making it look “quite parishioners and soon imposition when first beautiful”, and said she was established himself in their introduced. During the years glad that the fresco of Elijah confidence. He was instituted that followed, it fell to Father and the Angel for which she in December 1919 by the Harris’s lot and that of his had a great affection was still Bishop of Taunton, the Rt. Parochial Church Council to there. An anonymous gift of Reverend C. F. de Salis, in devote much of their time and £105 provided for the the absence through illness of energies to strictly practical repaving of the floor of the the Bishop of Bath and Wells. affairs. The church had now sanctuary, and the carpets been in existence for over fifty were given by the S. John’s An important event, the years and all but essential Ward of the Confraternity of coming into effect of the reconditioning of the building the Blessed Sacrament. Parochial Church Councils and its contents had Measure, took place soon inevitably had to be Further undertakings which after his arrival. It received the postponed during the war necessitated the raising of sanction of the Church in years. Action was now money through special funds 1920 and was passed by needed and it was clear that were subsequently put in Parliament in 1921. The most the most urgent task to be hand, two of which involved important provision was the undertaken was the overhaul substantial expenditure. transferring of the powers of and repair of the organ and These were the repair of the the old Vestry Meeting, the improvement of the spire which had become except in the matter of the lighting. A special fund, the unsafe and improvements to election of churchwardens Organ and Lighting Fund, the heating system. The and sidesmen, to a council was opened and generously Heating Fund received such composed of elected, supported, but the scheme enthusiastic support that communicant members of the proposed was an extensive £200 was subscribed within a Church. The powers taken one involving the removing of fortnight of its opening. The over by the council had the console from the north to vicar, however, was less previously been in the hands the south side of the chancel, optimistic than his of householders and and it was some time before congregation as to the result ratepayers who might or enough money was in hand to of the. improvement, might not be members of the justify embarking on the remarking that ” probably Church or indeed have any project. However, the middle there will never be wanting religion at all. S. John’s first of 1923 saw the completion of some one or more of our council meeting was held on the work, electric lighting worshippers able to detect a 20th April, 1920. It may be of installed and a practically new draught somewhere or other interest to recall the names of organ with electric motor for in the church “. the members. The list blowing substituted for the old includes two who are still with one. In looking through the parish us. and others whose names magazines for this period one are familiar to many: they are Extensive cleaning is struck by the number of Messrs. Glover, Shum, operations had also become what were termed ” Special Abrahams, Brown, Hanks, a necessity. The chapel in Parochial Funds ” of a more Preddy, Ozzard, House, particular badly needed or less permanent nature Eames and Jones, Lady attention and it was decided which are reported upon each Callaghan, Mrs. Harris, Mrs. T to use a sum of money left month, the names of all the Tandley and the Misses subscribers with the amounts rapid growth. Sales for Nassau time lightning caused the subscribed being set out in full. and Corea became annual destruction of his church (a They included the Sacristan fixtures and there were wooden structure) by fire, at Fund, the Altar Flower Fund, innumerable meetings in another a second church was the Magazine Fund, the Parish support of these and other swept away by hurricanes and Room Fund and the Assistant missions. A list of 35 special torrential rains, and yet again Clergy Fund. To these were objects for which collections heavy rains destroyed his added at the beginning of 1924 were made in 1929 contains no schools. On each occasion it yet another, the Benefice less than 20 different foreign was S. John’s people who Augmentation Fund, by means missions, the total given for made the rebuilding possible. of which it was hoped these and other charities being They also paid for the services eventually to increase the £522 2s. Od. But the one which of a nurse at a time when there stipend of the vicar by £100 per had the strongest appeal for S. was no-one but himself to do annum, a most urgent and John's was Motito, a mission any medical work. When his indeed necessary undertaking. district in the Transkei, part of district was enlarged to include It was found that allowing for the diocese of Kimberley and 3,000 additional souls, they the help which could he Kuruman. There Father helped him to acquire some old obtained through the Peasley, a former member of buildings which he turned into Ecclesiastical Commissioners, the choir, was facing with a church and school. After the £3,000 would be needed to heroic courage an almost Christmas of that year he achieve this purpose. Many impossible task, some account reported that six waggon-loads were the money-raising of which deserves a place in of people came in from the out- projects embarked upon to this record. stations travelling 70 to 80 swell the amounts from miles and taking 4£ days over donations and special Frederick William Peasley was it. Others walked 16 to 18 collections, but it was not until ordained in 1921 at Kuruman miles. Some 478 packed twelve years later that the goal at the age of 43, and served themselves into the little mud- was finally attained. first at Kuruman itself. By 1924 walled church built to he had been transferred to accommodate 200, whilst 50 to But whilst devoting care and Motito, a completely heathen 60 were left outside. One has money to purely parochial district, where at first he had no only to read his letters to objects such as those just church, no school, no house, realise what hardship and mentioned, S. John's people and no companion except his difficulties he had to face, not were by no means unmindful of dog. There he remained for the the least of which was the the needs of the Church in rest of his life. From the outset loneliness, but the spirit they other parts of the world. At the he relied greatly on S. John's breathe is nearly always one of outset of his ministry, Father people to supply him with the joy and thankfulness. In only Harris had especially furnishings for the churches one did he allow himself to emphasized the importance of and schools which he built, as sound a note of depression supporting oversea missions well as with funds in times of when he wrote, ” For over six as part of the duty of all church special need, of which there months we have had to hold all members. Not that it had been were many. The dedication of our services in our mud school, previously neglected. Even in his first church to S. John the and though I have met good the days of the little church Baptist signifies the link folks who have assured me when first collections began to binding the two churches that one can worship as well in be taken, Father Hamilton told together. The Lady Day alms at a mud hut as in a stately his people that they would be our own church have long cathedral, I must confess that used for five objects in the list been devoted to the Motito after eighteen years’ of which he placed foreign Mission, and in recent years experience of mud churches, missions first and church the young people of S. Mark’s I have entirely failed to attain maintenance last. We know Fellowship have made that state of perfection. The that Mrs. Dunn held her first themselves responsible for ugliness, the dirt, the countless sale for the Bloemfontein raising funds for its support. insects, the inhaling of the dust Mission in 1882, and that until which constantly rises from the comparatively recent times it Between 1925 and 1957 the dung floors is scarcely was a regular annual event, parish magazines contain a conducive to the atmosphere Mrs. Dunn herself being great number of Father of worship. responsible for no less than Peasley’s letters, begging for forty-nine in succession. But it help, thanking for gifts received On the rare occasions when is clear that under Father and giving most interesting, Father Peasley was on Harris's inspiration, interest in and frequently moving, furlough he always visited S. missionary activities made accounts of his work. At one John’s, but there were long stretches — at one time a Agnes and S. Michael were tremendous amount of ” period of nearly eight years now constituted as Wards of getting together” of members —when he had not a single the one comprehensive Guild of the congregation amongst day’s holiday. In March 1930 of S. John the Baptist. For themselves. he was made Director of some time the Guild met Native Missions for the Motito monthly for their Office which Even the time-honoured district and in 1940 was was followed by a social Garden Party reflected the appointed a Canon of gathering and for a few years changed conditions. Tn Kimberley Cathedral. In 1957, the Wards continued to meet Father Dunn’s time it had within a month of his 80th separately at intervals. With been the great social event of birthday, he died quite the coming of Father Cooper the year at which those suddenly when on his way in 1937 further simplifications parishioners who were with his Catechist to visit an were made. The Wards of Our honoured by receiving an outlying station. His last words Lady, S. Anne, and S. Agnes invitation were entertained by were ” I am very tired “. S. were merged into one. That of Father and Mrs. Dunn. In John’s people must surely be S. Michael remained 1920, the newly-formed proud to have had a share in nominally in abeyance, but Parochial Church Council, the work of this faithful servant actually ceased to exist. Its burdened with the duty of of God. server members transferred to reducing the accumulated a parochial Guild of Servers, deficit in the church accounts, The steady fall in the birthrate, later affiliated to the Bath suggested the holding of a the loss of young lives in the Chapter of the Guild of Garden Fete with war and changing social Servants of the Sanctuary entertainment of various kinds habits all had their effect upon which had been formed 10 and open, presumably, to the the parochial life of S. John’s. years earlier. Parochial guilds public, with a charge for There was a big decline in the as such eventually admission. The use of the numbers attending the disappeared altogether. Vicarage garden was offered Sunday Schools and Bible for the purpose and the first Classes. The multiplicity of Whilst classes and guilds fete of this kind was held on classes for carefully classified declined in number another June 24th of that year. For this groups had by the early type of parochial activity and many successive years 1920’s been replaced by a sprang up and flourished the entertainment was smaller number with more exceedingly. This took the provided entirely by S. John’s comprehensive membership. form of social organizations, own people, the Church Choir, Whilst the Mothers’ Meeting some of which owed their the Players, the Folk Dancers, went on to complete in 1934 a origin to the necessity for and so on. The profits were half-century of its existence raising funds to supply the modest, ranging from £20 to under Mrs. Dunn’s leadership, many needs of the parish. The £40. But the event retained its the youth of the parish Parish Room Social garden party atmosphere and received instruction in two Committee organized a a request in 1926 that stalls groups only, the Bible Classes regular series of whist drives, should be introduced was for young men and young dances and entertainments, firmly refused. It was not women respectively, which mainly for the benefit of the indeed until 1948 that Father continued their work Parish Room Improvement Cooper consented somewhat throughout the inter-war Fund. The S. John’s Players, reluctantly to ” departing from period. led by Mr. Hanks, gave annual our usual custom” and performances in the autumn combining the garden party The Vicar’s decision in 1922 with an occasional extra one with a sale of work. The to ” revive ” the Guild of S. for the Garden Fete or the precedent thus established John the Baptist shows that Scout Camp Fund. For many has been followed ever since guild activities must also have years a Nativity Play was with increasing financial been declining in the performed in Epiphanytide. success. preceding years. Here too, the Then there were a Young decrease in the numbers of Men’s Social Club, and a Girls’ The S. John’s Cricket Club those for whom the many Club which made garments had a place of its own guilds of earlier years had and did other work for amongst all these activities, supplied a need, as well as missionary causes. A Folk having been in existence the fact that fewer leaders Dance. Society flourished for since 1901. Here, in the were now available, pointed to a time and initiated a Girls’ tradition of English cricket, ” the simplifying of the older Tennis Club. A S. John’s gentlemen ” and others mixed organization. The surviving Madrigal Society appeared at happily from the first. For guilds of Our Lady, S.Anne, S. one stage — in sum, a many years they were captained by Mr. Rimell, a by Father Squire. . . no-one could listen to his Bathwick schoolmaster, and eloquent sermons or hear him later by Mr. Francis Glover, Two of ” our own children ” are sing the Mass with his one of the churchwardens. At referred to during this period beautiful voice without first they played in Hampton as having entered the Ministry, realizing God had raised up in Meadows, but in their most Leonard Pike and W. G. him a very faithful priest flourishing period they were Palmer. The latter went to indeed. His love of true ritual affiliated to the Somerset Wells Theological College in was not based on feeling or County Cricket Club, played 1925, and between that time personal prejudice; he was a on the Recreation Ground and and his ordination gave student, and a deep one, of even built a pavilion of their frequent help at S. John’s. It Catholic ritual and his own there. Reports by the club was during this period also devotion to ‘ things done secretary were given a great that the deaths occurred of decently and in order’lay deep deal of space in the magazine Miss Hamilton who retained in his heart”. (Father Gent in and it is very interesting to her interest in the church, the parish magazine for look back and read of a founded by her father, up to January 1937). season in which the club won the end, and of Mrs. Dunn who 15 matches out of 19, and to had given almost a life-time of Mention has already been learn how Albert Densley was service to S. John’s. The vicar made of the memorial ” a power to be feared by all himself suffered a grievous designed by Sir Ninian opponents ” and that young loss in the death of his wife in Comper to supplement the Dan Hardick and Jim Bailey 1933. He survived her for a Rood commemorating Father were showing promise with few years but was taken ill in Dunn. The work on the Father the bat. September 1936 and died on Harris memorial was December 4th of that year. completed in face of many The work of Father Gibson, Their son, John, was ordained difficulties owing to the war, assistant priest for eighteen priest in 1939 and is now Vicar and was stored until the end of years, has already been of the Church of the Holy the war in a place of safety, mentioned. When he left in Nativity, Knowle. together with the figures which 1927 he was followed by had been taken down from the Father Gooding and two After seventeen years of Rood The second of the two others who remained for short faithful service to S. John’s figures, that of the Madonna periods only. In October 1932 Church and people, Father and Child was the gift of Father D. E. Rae was Harris left behind him the Father John Harris, by whom appointed and proved himself memory of one who was ” both the memorial was dedicated at a tower of strength, especially a personal friend and devoted Solemn Evensong on June in his work with boys, until he parish priest”. Father Gent 26th, 1946, in the octave of left after eight years to described him as ” so kind, so the patronal festival. become Vicar of S. Giles’, hospitable, so full of music Norwich, and was succeeded and delight in things beautiful . than the. one administered at wing both boys and girls. Its 1937-1940 the vicar’s discretion (A.V.D.) main objects were to unite and which would, together young communicants so that with the. collections, supply all they might be encouraged to UNDER THE the ordinary needs of the. live in obedience to the rules church. The appeal stated of the Church and to provide clearly the several instruction for its members: to SHADOW requirements and the afford opportunities for social amounts needed to ensure recreation and for undertaking solvency. By the end of the active work for the good of OF WAR first full year, with the previous others. It was to meet on debt wiped out and a small Sunday afternoons for balance in hand the scheme worship, study and had fully justified itself and discussion, and on one HE RECTORS OF S. continued to do so for many weekday evening for social Mary’s, who are patrons succeeding years. activities. Corporate Tof the living of S. John’s, Communion on one Sunday in have earned the gratitude of In 1941 the Reverend J. B. the month was to be followed its people by their care in Squire replaced Father Rae by breakfast in the parish hall. ensuring through their choice when the latter departed to The Fellowship met a real of incumbent that the Norwich. Father Squire’s need and in spite of difficulties distinctive character of the marriage in 1944 raised the due to the war which reduced church’s worship should be urgent problem of providing an its membership, a faithful preserved. In appointing the adequate home for the nucleus was preserved. This Reverend Bernard Felstead assistant priest, now that the later expanded into a large Cooper of the staff of S. housing shortage had become and lively body under the Stephen’s, Bournemouth, to acute. It appeared that inspiring leadership of Father follow Father Harris they nothing less than the Squire and is still active today. chose yet another in the purchase of a house would succession of priests who meet the need and when Bath had its own share of have served S. John’s towards the end of 1945 an difficulties and disasters devotedly and won the loyalty opportunity occurred to during the war. At first and regard of its congregation. acquire 16 Forester Avenue, it designated a ” safety area ” it was decided to purchase it had already in 1938 given Father Cooper’s institution by with the help of a Building shelter to a large number of the Bishop of Taunton took Society loan. The A.P. House Jewish refugees from place on April 1st, 1937. It fell Fund thenceforward became Germany and Austria. After to his lot to carry out his the object of all money-raising the declaration of war in 1939, ministry through the activities. Readers of the hundreds of families devastating years of the magazine will remember the evacuated from London Second World War and the large ” ONWARD” with which arrived to swell the population frustrations of those that each report on its progress which was further increased followed. ended, and in September by personnel of several 1949 the triumphant Admiralty departments One of his first tasks was to conclusion, ” The Fund has transferred to Bath. S. John’s bring his clear and orderly now rolled ‘ ONWARD ‘ to its Sunday School room was mind to hear on simplifying goal “. But for lack of a home used to relieve the and improving the system of Father Squire had left at the overcrowding of the Bathwick financing church expenses, beginning of 1945, though Day School, the Parish Room with the aim of eliminating only to re-appear with his was commandeered to serve what had become, a family three years later, to the as a Rest Centre in case of permanent debt. A sub- great joy of both vicar and emergency, times of services committee of the Parochial congregation. had to be. altered on account Church Council was formed to of the black-out and a rota of deal especially with finance, An important development in fire watchers provided for the and at the end of 1937 the first the work for young people was protection of the. church. Budget Fund Appeal was the inauguration in 1941 of the These were inconveniences circulated. Fellowship of S. Mark. In all common to all communities. the Bible classes which had The object was to raise a fund S. John’s was fortunate functioned hitherto the sexes which would co-ordinate the indeed in the slight amount of had been segregated, but the existing ” Special ” funds other damage suffered in the air new Fellowship took under its raids of 1942, but in the two successive nights of severe even today in the steady was held in October at the bombing, two of the Church tradition which prevails Pump Room and congregation lost their lives. in Bathwick. They have been enthusiastically supported by Food rationing was served by a succession of people from a wide area in and marvellously surmounted on devoted men and women. around Bath. occasions such as the From 1891 until Mr. Week’s Christmas parties and the retirement in 1959, they had In 1947 Miss Winifred Sparey, annual fete, but clothes had only Two* headmasters, a teacher in S. John’s Sunday coupons were less willingly Mr. Week’s predecessor,-Mr. School, was received as a sacrificed. In 1947 the choir Harry Bowen, having held the postulant in the Community of boys’ cassocks were falling to post For forty years. Others the Sacred Passion, the pieces and the vicar had just whose names occur in our Community founded by Bishop succeeded in collecting the 70 records are Miss Simpkins for Weston to work with U.M.C.A. coupons needed for their more than forty years head of in Africa. S. John’s now regard renewal when cassocks were the infants” department, and Sister Joanna Mary, C.S.P., as declared “coupon free”! Mr. Rimell, of cricket club “our own missionary”. She fame.and a member of S. keeps us in close touch with The names of the 10 members John’s choir for thirty-eight the work of the Community and of the congregation who lost years. The.; schools, which when special need arises she their lives during the war are now provide education for appeals to the congregation for commemorated on a bronze children up to 11 years, marked help. Such an appeal was tablet placed at the foot of the their centenary in 1941 by made very recently for help in tablet which records those of attend-” ing a special Sung repairing the damage done in the victims of the earlier war. Mass at S. Mary’s. For some the Newala area of Masasi time past they have attended diocese by a disastrous The sorrows and distractions of S. John’s on a weekday in hurricane and rains, reminding war-time were not allowed to each month to sing a Folk one of the Motito tragedies of stand in the way of efforts to Mass. Father Peasley’s time. As then, develop the spiritual side of the appeal received an church life, rather they made A cause very near to Father immediate and generous such effort even more Cooper’s heart was the response. necessary. Tn May of 1943 a Universities’ Mission to Central Convention on Religion was Africa. The Mission had been A familiar figure at S. John’s at conducted by Father Harold receiving a certain amount of this time was that of Dr. Ellis, OR., drawing crowded support from Bath churches, Macknight-Heward — tall, thin, congregations on every night chiefly inspired by Christ with an exceptionally sweet of the eight days for which it Church where memories of a singing voice, kind, gentle and lasted. The Mission had a stirring appeal by Bishop Frank unassuming. In 1937 he had marked effect in stirring the life Weston still lingered on. Father accepted a stall as honorary of the congregation, whilst the Cooper set out to stir up more assistant priest and from that friendly contacts made by the lively interest and enthusiasm. time gave unstinted help in the visitors in the weeks of A first step was the revival of services, very frequently as preparation were valuable in the Bathwick branch of the celebrant at the Sunday High themselves. Similar results Companionship of Simon the Mass. He celebrated the followed the Deanery Mission Cyrenian which soon had a jubilee of his priesthood in of 1950 when Father Wilfred substantial membership. 1942. In the following year he Shelley, OR., was the special Frequent meetings with was presented with a missioner for S. John’s. speakers were arranged, links testimonial in recognition of his established with African generous help. It took the form Intimately linked with the mission stations and of a hand-written address churches of S. Mary and S. occasional gifts despatched. bound in blue leather and John are the Day Schools, Father Mark Way (later Bishop signed by the members of the opened in 1841, which still of Masasi) wrote of one gift to Parochial Council. When the retain their status as Church Kideleko — silver paten, fund for an assistant priest’s schools in spite of the many crucifix, candlesticks, vases house was opened he used his changes which have taken and altar linen — that it was ” craftsman’s skill in making a place in course of time. the handsomest gift that I’ve variety of useful objects which Originally the schools provided ever received in my 12 years in he sold for the benefit of the the Bathwick boys and girls Zanzibar diocese “. In 1946 fund, contributing £130 in all. with the whole of their Father Cooper was the moving He died suddenly on Friday, education, and the influence spirit in the planning of a 3-day April 8th, 1949, at the age of they have had for good upon exhibition, the first one staged 83, shortly after returning home the people in the area is shown by U.M.C.A. after the war. It from a practice at church for the ceremonies of Palm which the vicar was held by his thoughtful teaching and Sunday. his Diocesan. In the previous helpfulness as a director. In a year his intellectual and quite different sphere he In 1945 on Sunday, June administrative gifts had been contributed much that was of 24th, feast day of our Patron recognised by his value in bringing the parish Saint, S. John’s was appointment as Rural Dean more into the main stream of honoured by the presence in of Bath, and in 1949 the church life in the city. This he the pulpit of the bishop of the bishop conferred on him the was able to do through the diocese, Dr. J. C. Wand, and Prebend of Wedmore V in positions he filled with such in the following year his Wells Cathedral. Just as a success — that of Rural successor, Dr. Bradfield, large company of his Dean and the chairmanship came to preach on the Feast parishioners had shared with of certain inter-parochial of the Dedication. him the joy of the silver bodies. He was helped also Unfortunately the bishop’s wedding celebration, so a by the growing tolerance and visit was made the occasion goodly number showed their mutual understanding for an attempt by members of pride and affection by being between parishes of differing the National Union of present at his installation, kinds of churchmanship Protestants (for the first and when he was again honoured which has been such an only time in the church’s by the presence of the Lord encouraging feature of the history) to disrupt the service; Bishop in his throne. last few decades. The but sustained by the bishop’s Procession of Witness on the assurance from the pulpit of It was not long after this that, eve of the Deanery Mission of his firm determination to at the bishop’s earnest September 1950 was a public uphold the Church’s freedom, request, Father Cooper demonstration of this fact. priests and congregation accepted the living of S. The Mission had been one of proceeded quietly with the John’s, Glastonbury. It was the most important events in service whilst the intruders sad news for the people of S. the last year of Father were quickly evicted. John’s, Bathwick; but regret Cooper’s ministry at S. for their loss was tempered John’s. In the weeks of A particularly happy occasion by the hope, which has not preparation and organization for a further visit by the been disappointed, that he of the events of the Mission bishop was the silver would return from time to week he received invaluable wedding anniversary of the time. help from Father Squire, vicar and Mrs. Cooper, when whose acceptance in the he celebrated Holy This is not the place for following year of the living of Communion at the 8 o’clock writing at length of Father Holy Trinity, Bridgwater, left a service. This was only-one of Cooper’s influence on the gap which was hard to fill. many marks of the esteem in spiritual life at S. John’s, of followed the convening of a meeting addressed by the Diocesan President, Mrs. Nowell Rostron.

The establishment and direction of the branch was the work of Mrs. Thorold, its first enrolling member, whose vigorous and inspiring leadership in this, as in all her other work for the parish will not easily be forgotten. One wonders now how S. John’s managed without its Mothers’ Union. Wherever their help is needed they are there to give it whether it is in the running of work parties or the provision of refreshments. When the U.M.C.A. Sale was first held at the Octagon, their stall was an outstanding success, exceeded only by their wonderful effort for the patronal festival of 1959 when their Garden Party stall on a hopelessly wet day brought in over £100.

A change which results have proved to be a wise one was made in 1953 when the annual Gift Day was transferred from the. patronal festival week to the time of the dedication festival. By this arrangement the three special financial appeals — the Budget Fund in January, ” thanksgivings ” during the patronal festival and Gift Day in October — were spread through the year, with obvious advantage to the givers.

The work done by Father Cooper in promoting support for U.M.C.A. was further stimulated by Father Thorold’s long-standing interest in the same Mission. He was a member of the General Council of the Mission and under the spur of his enthusiasm, interest and support continued to increase.

Amongst improvements and renovations carried out during this time, by far the most THE LAST TEN important was the restoration of the organ. It was thirty-two years since a complete overhaul YEARS had taken place and expert examination now revealed that a large sum would be needed to bring it to a satisfactory condition. In the event it cost £654. A special fund was opened, valuable HE MOVEMENT OUTWARDS from the contributions to which were made by the parish to share in wider local activities was untiring efforts of the organist himself, Mr. Tfurther fostered by both Father Cooper’s Stanley Pearce, in arranging a series of monthly successors. Of these, the first was the concerts given in the church for the benefit of Reverend Michael Herbert Thorold. He came to the fund. The completion of the work was S. John’s with the experience behind him of marked by the re-opening of the organ at a fourteen years as Vicar of All Souls’, Brighton, recital given by Mr. Pearce in November 1955. and already well-known and respected in church circles not only of his own diocese but Bath seems to have been a favourite also of those in the London area. He was rendezvous for festivals about this time. There instituted by the Bishop of Bath and Wells on were the Diocesan Festival of the Church Union January 20th, 1951. and the Deanery Festival of the Mothers’ Union in 1956, in both of which S. John’s took part. In An early move which was to prove of the the previous year, Father Thorold, as Superior greatest value to parish life was the formation of of District I of the Confraternity of the Blessed a S. John’s branch of the Mothers’ Union which Sacrament, had welcomed to Bath members of Wards from the Bath and Wells Father Squire, as assistant have occupied the pulpit. At a and Bristol dioceses for their priest, to take over without garden party at the Vicarage district festival. In the same warning the charge of the on Sunday afternoon all the year S. John’s Ward was parish and all the difficult delegation visitors were honoured by a visit from duties immediately welcomed by the Vicar and Father Royle, Vicar of S. consequent upon Father Mrs. Lambert with members of Matthew’s, Westminster, and Thorold’s death. The quiet the congregation. At another Superior General of the assurance and the ability with stage of the celebrations Confraternity. It is interesting to which he carried out these and parties journeyed to London to know that the Confraternity his subsequent be present at the Centenary was founded in the same year responsibilities, in face of High Mass and the Albert Hall as S. John’s, 1862, and that S. intense personal grief, were rally, and also at the Children’s John’s Ward was established deeply appreciated by the Rally in 1958. In that year also almost at the beginning. Its congregation. Father Turn-bull a 6-day exhibition was staged Ward of the Guild of All Souls left in the following year to at the Octagon in the has also a long history, dating become Vicar of Holy Trinity, organization of which S. John’s back at least to 1889 and Salcombc. took a leading part. probably earlier. ” Parish Notes” for April 1899 indicates The Reverend Donald William The need for further that members of both Lambert was appointed to improvements to church associations had to meet in the succeed Father Thorold and heating was met by the schoolroom as the Bishop had was instituted by the Bishop of installation of an oil-burning forbidden the use of the Taunton on January 24th, system in September 1958. manuals in the church. 1957. Fortunately he is still The money required for its with us, and the record of his payment was made the object The sudden death of Father ministry to date is necessarily of a special appeal fund.At the Thorold on October 18th, brief. same time the increasing 1956, when setting out for a difficulty of meeting the regular holiday, seemed at first a quite Father Lambert is the first of ” housekeeping” expenses of irreparable loss, both for his the vicars to have brought with the church made it necessary immediate family and for his him to S. John’s experience of to urge repeatedly upon its larger family in the Church. work in the Church overseas. members the recognition of During his comparatively brief He had worked for five and a their stewardship in the light of ministry of five and a half years half years in the Diocese of the Lambeth Report, and a he had made for himself a firm Nassau, for most of that time more generally responsible place in the affections of his having been Rector of S. attitude towards the payment people to which they had been Matthew’s, Nassau, from of ” dues ” as distinct from ” able to give expression at two which parish in the Bahamas offerings “. family celebrations, the 25th he had only recently returned. anniversary of his ordination to It was with a clear The day of prayer on Gift Day the priesthood and the silver understanding therefore of the in 1957 became the first of wedding anniversary of needs of the mission field that regular monthly days of prayer himself and Mrs. Thorold. His he threw himself almost at for different objects. That for deep spirituality, wide charity once into plans connected with missions on S. Andrew’s day and personal charm had made the celebration of the takes its place as one of these, an impact on all who knew centenary of the Universities’ in accordance with the custom him, and the tributes which Mission to Central Africa in of an annual day of poured in from all parts of the 1957 and 1958. Immediately intercession for missions diocese and beyond testified on his arrival he was elected which has been followed at S. to the esteem in which he had Chairman of the Bath John’s since very early times. been held. U.M.C.A. Association in place of Father Thorold. Bath’s part It has been impossible to A statue of Our Lady given by in the 1957 programme mention in this record of the the congregation as their included a public meeting at first hundred years more than memorial has been placed at the Guildhall, with meetings a very few of the many who the entrance to the Chapel and sermons by the deputation have given special and often Sanctuary. Individual gifts of in supporting parishes over the outstanding service to S. candlesticks, votive candle week-end. At S. John’s the John’s. For actual length of stand and hanging lamp sermon at High Mass was service the names of the complete the memorial. preached by the Bishop of following stand out: William S.W. Tanganyika, and that in Cousins, churchwarden for It fell to the lot of Father the evening by Canon Habil thirty-five years (when little S. Turnbull who had succeeded Chipembele, the first African to John’s was being built he and his wife used to watch so much cause to be the age of sixteen —” Ted “, its progress and agreed that grateful”); John Warren to give him the name by they would worship there as Ozzard, parish clerk, which he was always soon as it was finished); churchwarden for eighteen known — who was Edward Charles Abrahams, years and for forty-two everyone’s friend and with nearly fifty years of years a most faithful server welcomed a stranger to the service to S. John’s, including and member of the choir; church with as kindly a smile forty as Sacristan; Albert George House, warden for as he gave to the ” Densley, member of the choir seven years and still a regulars”. For fifty-three for fifty-five years from regular server as he has been years until his death on the last boyhood; George Edward since the beginning of the day of the year in 1949 he Gregory, for fifty years a century. Most of all one would spent his days in loving server and staunch wish to pay tribute to the service to S. John’s, doing protagonist of Catholic Aliens, father and son: Henry, willingly and cheerfully principles (Lord Halifax wrote verger from 1866 to 1896, who whatever job was needing to at his death that ” he was one always knelt to say a prayer be done. for whom I had so great a before ringing the bell, and regard and to whom I had Edward who succeeded him at EPILOGUE. O, FOR THE time being, the recorded history of S. John's must end. Our most Sgrateful and sincere thanks go to Miss G. M. Thatcher for the enormous amount of time and care she has given to the writing of this booklet. No one could have done more than she has done to explore every possible source of information. Our thanks go also to Miss H. Wyman for her help in the earlier days of the " exploration," to Miss M. F. Green for the illustration on the cover and to Miss Evelyn Baker for the speedy and efficient way in which she typed the history and made it ready for the printers. If, however, the recorded history is over the history itself goes on. We who are at present privileged to be " Priests and People of S. John's " arc responsible for the making of the history of the years still ahead. Most certainly it is right to look back and give thanks, but looking back has its dangers. It is our responsibility under God's guidance and inspiration to carry on the Church's witness and teaching as it has been given in S. John's from the Beginning. Our church was founded to try and bring into active membership those to whom the Church and her faith meant little, both within the parish and outside its borders. May we never forget this purpose which is the reason for the existence of the whole Church—the reaching out towards those outside. We must go forward, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, with His command ringing in our ears—" Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature."

DONALD W. LAMBERT.