ANGLO-CATHOLIC HISTORY SOCIETY

Newsletter—May 2016

The Patronal Festival Procession of June 1914 at St Alban’s, Waterloo, Manchester Turn to page 8 for details.

www.achs.org.uk

CHAIRMAN’S NOTES Members may know we have a Facebook page which, given the technical skills of most Canon Andrew Grant’s lecture on Anglo- of the committee, is remarkable in itself. We Catholicism in Ghana was an informative are grateful to Dr John Salmon for setting it up. overview of a subject I suspect most of us knew It has attracted a remarkable number of friends, very little about. It concentrated on the over 250, though so far only a handful have influence of the bishops but the printed lecture ventured into full membership. It is a good way includes additional material that time to advertise what is happening and there are precluded. Dr Macfarlanes’s autumn lecture on opportunities for developing it beyond pictures Gilbert Doble in Cornwall is also now ready. which is the main staple so far. Short parish The AGM will be on 13th June (6.30 p.m.) histories or potted biographies of lesser-known at St Clement’s. We welcome back Mark Anglo-Catholic luminaries would be an Chapman, Vice Principal of Cuddesdon and enrichment. now Professor of Modern History at Oxford. I hope to see many of you at the AGM and He will speak on “Restoring Christendom”, lecture on 13th June, and once more I pay looking at Anglo-Catholicism and culture tribute to fellow members of the committee between the wars. Christendom was the name especially our Secretary-cum-Treasurer George of a journal founded in 1931 and edited by Skelly who does so much to keep the Society Maurice Reckitt in which Anglo-Catholics running on a day-to-day basis. played an important part. It was also the period Fr Perry Butler of “Anglo-Catholic Sociology” with its summer schools. Vigo Demant was also an important figure and I can remember him, in his 80s, still DATES FOR YOUR DIARY a professor when I was in Oxford in the early 13 June 2016 1970s. It was a remarkable period of Christian 6.30 p.m. at St Clement Dane’s – AGM intellectual revival and social concern in which followed by lecture: Revd Dr Mark Chapman Anglo-Catholics played a significant part. on Restoring Christendom, looking at Anglo- Perhaps Anglo-Catholicism’s strength then Catholicism and culture between the wars. owed something to the close links scholars had 30 July 2016 with the movement and their active Summer Coach Tour – N.W. Kent. Depart involvement in the Anglo-Catholic Congresses. 9.15 a.m., York Way. On 3rd October we welcome the Principal of Pusey House, Oxford, Revd Dr George October Westhaver who will speak on “Pusey and the London Walk – Clapham Area. Details will be Imaginative Revolt against Common Sense”. posted to members. Pusey is the least studied of the major 3 October 2016 Tractarians. We have no modern full-scale 7.00 p.m. – lecture: Revd Dr George Westhaver critical biography of him and several aspects of on Pusey and the Imaginative Revolt against his activities are still under-researched. It is Common Sense. also difficult to get him in focus as a man and a priest with many people put off by his Rescheduled Cardiff Tour conservatism and supposed ascetical dourness. Date to be decided Dr Westhaver will take us back to Pusey’s contribution to the original Tractarian protest, the revolt against Liberalism or the rationalising spirit of much contemporary theology and philosophy. This is a lecture that should break new ground.

ACHS Newsletter, May 2016 Page 1 of 8

ABOUT THE NEWSLETTER parish magazines dating prior to May 1945 and I’ve been unable to establish a logical reason There was some very positive and enthusiastic why. feedback following publication of the Most recently, in Walsingham Parish December edition of the Newsletter. This was Church, I was able to have a wonderful most gratifying and always there are lessons to conversation with the daughter of Fr Michael be learned. The Newsletter is written for the Thorold who was vicar from 1937 to 1951. The most part by the members and I will be local record office has a two-sided, type written delighted to receive at any time your reviews, memo, dated some years ago, by John Hawes trip reports, information about appropriate local about All Souls’ and this seems to be based events, reminiscences, short parish histories, largely on a conversation he had with someone biographies and anything relevant to our theme I know and who was only 9 years old when the of Anglo-Catholic history – to ensure a varied church closed; perhaps it’s not surprising, then, content. Our next edition will appear in that it doesn’t appear to be terribly accurate or December. helpful. There are a number of photos taken by Steven Savage the National Monuments people shortly before [email protected] closure, and the unique set of six Kempe 4 Austhorpe Gardens, Leeds LS15 8TF windows has been traced (after a 45-year search on my part!) to the London stained glass ALL SOULS’ CHURCH, repository at Glaziers’ Hall. An enjoyable, if BRIGHTON time consuming exercise all round. From the 1890s onwards it was in the forefront of Anglo- Malcolm Kemp writes: Catholicism in Brighton and even at the start of May I please take this opportunity to flag up a the 1960s it was one of only two Anglican book which may be of interest to members and churches in Brighton which ever actually gave which I am writing for issue around Easter next Benediction, albeit with a ciborium, as Low year? All Souls’ Church, Brighton, where I Church diocesan bishops were very strict on was a server in my teens, closed down on such matters. Easter Sunday 1967, and the fiftieth anniversary of its closure is next year. It was linked with the neighbouring parish of St Mary, Rock Gardens, and that church, as well as publishing my book, will be holding an exhibition about All Souls’ at the same time. They are also trying to obtain funding for complete restoration and permanent display of the superb Comper cloth-of-gold cope dated 1903 which would then be used only on Christmas and Easter days. I have done much research and this has Initially I had thought simply of writing taken me to our superb new state-of-the-art East about the church but it quickly became clear Sussex archive centre on the outskirts of that the parish (always very, very poor) and Brighton (countless times!), Lambeth Palace people were at least as interesting and had to be Library and, via phone/email, the C of E included. I’ve spoken at length to Paul, the Record Centre in Bermondsey. One more visit, chap that John Hawes spoke to, and also to a to the West Sussex Record Office, is needed lady who sang in the choir for many years up and then I will have all the information I’m until the church closed. It’s also been fun ever likely to be able to get, which is already tracing “what went where”. I shall keep you quite substantial. Unfortunately there are no informed regarding progress and availability of

ACHS Newsletter, May 2016 Page 2 of 8

the book. I hope to have a formal launch at St BOOK REVIEWS Mary’s and, if so, I will ensure you are aware of that as well. The Parish of St Malcolm Kemp Peter and the Holy Apostles, Plymouth – A New History Fr IGNATIUS AND LLANTONY by Edward Luscombe Hugh Allen writes: Many illustrations I am doing the final Copies available from tweaks to a substantial the author: history of Fr Igna- 10 St. Michael’s tius’s community at Terrace, Stoke, Llanthony, which I Plymouth PL1 4QG hope will appear before the end of this Price £5 per copy plus £1.50 postage. Cheques summer: title New payable to E.W. Luscombe. Llanthony Abbey: Fr A silver trowel delivered by the postman, quite Ignatius’s Monastery unexpectedly. Insignificant? No, so important at Capel-y-ffin. that it was carefully preserved for more than 150 years. Such charming details give life and I am still awaiting advice about pricing from colour to any narrative. A local historian has to the publisher, but the book will be available satisfy local readers who want local inform- through Amazon when the time comes. Those ation and also readers at a distance who want who use a computer could perhaps keep an the bigger picture. It is a tricky balancing act, eye on the Trust website for further news? well done by Edward Luscombe. Some readers The site was remodelled last year and is may not want to know about leaking roofs and worth seeing: http://www.fatherignatius.org.uk. a failed heating system but the absolute [To this we are indebted for the photograph, determination of the congregation to raise the above]. money required to make things good when disasters arose, not forgetting the terrible RECENTLY PUBLISHED bombing of the church, says quite a lot about faith, courage and endurance Sabine Baring- The early history of St Peter’s, Plymouth, Gould: The Life and has been well-recorded elsewhere but those Work of a Complete publications, acknowledged here, are long out Victorian of print. This new and updated parish history is by J.E. Thomas very welcome. The story is well-known to Fonthill Media £30 some and will excite new-comers to the study ISBN 978-1781554593 of Anglo-Catholic history. The basic story of its progress can be replicated in many another parish and yet each one is different. We read of the development of the area and the purchase of Eldad Chapel. When appointed by Bishop Philpotts to the new parish of St This new biography of Baring-Gould will Peter Fr George Rundle Prynne was already certainly be of interest to many of our known for his firm Tractarian principles. He members. We do not yet have a review of this introduced the Catholic Revival into the west of book. England and inevitably encountered opposition.

ACHS Newsletter, May 2016 Page 3 of 8

In 1849 cholera raged through the surrounding took on the challenge of leading massive insanitary and overcrowded slums. Miss reconstruction and restoration of not only the Priscilla Lydia Sellon came to the parish with building but every aspect of parish life, and of the support of Dr Pusey and also of Bishop planning appropriately for the future. The Philpotts and established the Society of the centenary was observed with enthusiasm in Holy Trinity, known as the Devonport Society 1950, with Sir John Betjeman among the of the Sisters of Mercy. The Sisters were invited guests. Fr Howard died suddenly in criticised for their membership of a Religious 1954 and when his successor, Fr J.F. Tickner Community and mode of dress but endeared (1955-63) visited for the first time, to consider themselves to the locals by their selfless work the offer of the living, he said “It is so dreadful in the neighbourhood. In later years the I can’t refuse.” It was a long process but St Wantage Sisters worked in the parish. During Peter’s was rebuilt and reconsecrated on 20th the cholera epidemic the Daily Mass began, for October 1956, with 1,200 attending. Fr Tickner the first time in the Church of England since the was a devoted priest who restored stability and Reformation, and it has continued. Perpetual security to St Peter’s. Fr D.C. Vickery (1963- Reservation began not at St Peter’s but at the 78) arrived at a time when changing attitudes nearby All Saints’. were affecting every parish and indeed society After a troubled period comparative peace generally. Liturgical and other changes came came to the parish. The population continued to and nothing ever really could be the same increase and the parish was sub-divided to aid again. He was followed by Plymothian Fr Sam pastoral ministrations. Prynne stayed for 55 Philpott (1978-2013) who “was conscious of years, and emphasis upon the Blessed and honoured to follow in the illustrious Sacrament was central to his teaching as he footsteps of his predecessors” and “from the pioneered the formation of parochial guilds. outset was determined to uphold the teachings Various “heroes” of the Catholic Revival and traditions of St Peter’s”, whilst bringing a preached at St Peter’s during parochial new perspective. It was a challenging and missions and the controversial Fr Ignatius of changing situation. Llanthony served in the parish for six months, The book includes brief histories of St benefitting, hopefully, from Fr Prynne’s Matthew, Stonehouse, All Saints’, St Thomas, steadying influence. Keyham and St James the Less, Ham. Perhaps Each parish priest – only eight since its there is scope for a local enthusiast to produce a foundation – has made his distinctive new book: The Lost Churches of Plymouth? contribution to the story of St Peter’s whilst Mention of, in 1968, the 150th anniversary of maintaining its essential tradition. Prynne’s the birth of George Rundle Prynne left me successor, Fr H.M. Downton (1903-19) was wondering what is planned 2018, only two keen to open a Church secondary school. He years away? Some dislike such anniversaries was an able preacher and a writer of plays and but there are lessons to be learned from our verses. Fr W.B. Hardy (1919-44) said “A predecessors. The past forms and inspires the Church which neglects its schools is present. I would like to have been told more undermining its own foundations.” He was a about the assistant curates. Also I wondered conductor of missions and retreats. The worship just when and under what circumstances the at St Peter’s attained a high standard of dignity patronage passed to Keble College, Oxford. and beauty. Twice parish life was severely However, just as a reviewer cannot mention disrupted by war, and from 1939 Plymouth was every aspect of a book so a conveniently sized “on the front line”. There were frequent air- and priced volume cannot contain every detail raids and in April 1941 St Peter’s was reduced of a parish’s history. I do recommend this to “a windowless roofless shell”. Fr Hardy’s history of one of the “key” pioneer parishes of successor was his nephew C.S. Howard (1944- the Catholic Revival in the Church of England. 54) who was already known in the parish and Stephen Savage

ACHS Newsletter, May 2016 Page 4 of 8

Parish Churches of coverage of Roman Catholic churches is Greater London cautious but this is largely new territory for by Michael Hodges such guides, usually exclusively Anglican- Heritage of London focused. The choices include some interesting Trust, 2015 ones especially from the post-war years most of which are unlisted. They include two of the best Available from: churches by John Newton of Burles, Newton & John Sandoe Books Partners: St Aidan, East Action (Hammersmith) 10 Blacklands Terrace and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Hayes London SW3 2SR (Hillingdon). However it does not contain any Tel: 020 7589 9473 of strikingly modern Roman Catholic churches Price £25 per copy plus £4.50 post & packing by, for example, Gerald Goalen of the 1960s although there are some good examples in This is a new guide published by the Heritage London such as St Gregory the Great, South of London Trust (and not a Gazetteer) to just Ruislip. over 400 Anglican and Roman Catholic Often such guides can be let down by their churches but not non-conformist places of photographs as publishers are loathe to spend worship in Greater London (and excluding the on them, pay for colour reproduction or City of London). In many ways it is admirable professional photography. The author’s own in its ambition to cover all 32 London colour photos are used here in profusion and Boroughs. Its inspiration is clearly the Collins while by no means of professional quality they Guide to Parish Churches of England and whet the appetite of what you might see on a Wales edited by John Betjeman. Given that church ‘crawl’ and is acceptable in a book there are about 1,500 C of E and RC churches raising money for a charitable cause. The guide in the five London ‘Pevsner’ volumes (City also helpfully provides opening times if a apart) the author has had to be selective in his church is open regularly but not their websites choice of churches on what was clearly a or postcodes – this is resolutely a pre-internet voyage of discovery where the Outer Boroughs guide book but that is part of its charm. were concerned. The guide feels the need to Robert Drake adopt the usual antiquarian approach of including all of the older medieval (or with The Mystery of the medieval remains) and most of the eighteenth- Marquis d’Oisy and nineteenth-century churches. However, by Julian W.S. Litten given the sheer number of these, it means that Published by Shaun the many twentieth-century candidates for Tyas with the Society inclusion are jostling for space. In a guide about of the Faith London’s suburban churches I would argue that later church building is possibly of as great an Price £14.95 interest in terms of architecture as the earlier See enclosed flyer for churches often with innovative plans and high reduced price offer to quality fittings reflecting liturgical change or members – £12 Vatican II reforms. The guide does in fact contain about 90 twentieth-century churches with broadly 30 Members will no doubt recall that some time each Edwardian, inter-war and post-war. The ago Julian Litten gave to us a witty and number of such churches per borough does vary interesting lecture on the Marquis d’Oisy, and from seven in Harrow to none in Merton. Most this was later circulated in the usual way. This significant Anglo-Catholic churches are book is an expansion of the topics dealt with in included such as St Mary, Kenton. The that lecture and is beautifully illustrated.

ACHS Newsletter, May 2016 Page 5 of 8

D’Oisy is an enigmatic character on the He read History and Theology at Cambridge, edges of Anglo-Catholicism. He was at one and after National Service in the Royal time a monk on Caldey Island and was Artillery went to Ely Theological College. “I associated with a number of those on the far cannot remember a time of teenage rebellion or shores of the Movement at that time. His real rejecting God. I always believed and that was name and identity are unknown: he was that,” he said. An important influence was probably born in Bath, but always told those Henry Balmforth, Principal of Ely, who had with whom he came into contact that he came once taught Michael Ramsey at Repton. A from Brazil. After a period said to have been significant experience was a training mission in spent working on digging the Underground, he East London, led by Mirfield-trained John then reappeared in North Essex, where he lived Eastaugh. in circumstances of increasing poverty over the His only curacy was at St Thomas’s, Exeter years. He died in 1959. He painted a number of (1959-64), where he was fortunate to have two items for Thaxted church, and also for some fellow-curates with whom to discuss matters; other local churches, and in later years an experience denied most young clergy today. furnished the Roman Catholic chapel of the There was a strict Rule of Life, with Daily Annunciation at Furneux Pelham. His work is Communion, the Offices, times for prayer, catalogued here and there are splendid pictures meditation, the confessional, theological of some articles which he produced. He reading and much parochial visiting. It was the claimed to be named Amand Edouard era of considerable change within the Church Ambroise Marie Lowis Etienne Phillipe de Sant and Parish Communion displayed Matins as the Andre Tornay, Marquis d’Oisy, but was more main service on Sundays. A new daughter- likely to be Ambrose Thomas or some variant church, St Andrew’s, Alphington Road, was of that, However, his story is an entertaining opened in 1963, at a time when such ventures read and opens some doors to Anglo- were encouraged, and with considerable effort Catholicism and Roman Catholicism in the first and determination, JR saw the work to half of the twentieth century. As one would conclusion. The success of the project was an expect from the author, it is witty and reads inspiration to many, not least to the author, who well. records here his vivid memories. Michael Yelton In 1964 JR moved not to an urban parish in Plymouth, perhaps, but became Rector of JR – The Life & Holsworthy, a rural benefice. The population Ministry of John was 3,000 and he had a curate! When work was Richards First being done on the church-building in 1968 a Bishop of Ebbsfleet useful “by-product” was the need to use a nave by John Fairweather altar and the opportunity for teaching about ISBN 978-0993393006 changing styles of worship. Apparently he Price £10 from: became less “left-wing” during these years but Additional Curates never lost his social concern. He was Rural Society Dean in 1970-74 when systems of church- 8 Spitfire Road government were being reformed and “synods” Birmingham B24 9PB created. He was regularly asked to advise and counsel fellow-clergy. He became incumbent of The bright red cover caught my attention and Heavitree, a benefice covering about one fifth the brief title, JR. John Richards was born in the area of Exeter, in 1974. It was a challenging 1933, the Centenary Year of Keble’s Assize parish with a good social mix. There were Sermon. He displayed qualities of leadership hospitals, care homes and schools to be visited. from an early age, becoming Captain of School. The Urban Priority Area parish of St Paul was incorporated and a Team Ministry created after

ACHS Newsletter, May 2016 Page 6 of 8

careful preparation of a Pastoral Scheme. important contribution to more recent Anglo- Heavitree was a good “training parish” and JR Catholic history. Bishop John Richards retired a good “training incumbent”, receiving curates, in 1998 and died in 2003. readers and deaconesses. Some had been spent Stephen Savage to him specifically. He knew his people and “would never miss a pastoral opportunity if he Aelfrida Tillyard: could possibly help it”. He valued the Hints of Perfect experience and privilege of dealing with people Splendour at the deepest level. What an example! From by Sheila Mann 1978-81 he was Rural Dean of the wonderfully ISBN 978-0993393006 named Christianity Deanery. Published by In 1981 he was appointed by Bishop Eric Wayment Print & Mercer as Archdeacon of Exeter and Canon Publishing, and Residentiary, for which he was well-prepared available from by his rich and varied experience. His Amazon at £24.75 preaching at the cathedral gave the congregation the benefit of his experiences in This is an extraordinary book. If you need a the parishes. He had for long valued the doorstop it will serve as such once you have principles of Christian Stewardship and urged finished it. It is 1,006 pages long and each page “notes only” at the offertory. After all, if some has a huge amount of information. It takes a could pay £10 (then) to see a football match great deal of effort to get through it, but it has then small change was inadequate in church. much to interest the student of Anglo-Catholic His annual Archdeacon’s Charge was wide- history. It tells the story of the writer Aelfrida ranging and the event significant. He took a Tillyard, who lived just round the corner from turn on the local crematorium rota. He worked where I now reside, but who embraced Anglo- indefatigably and still had time for reading and Catholicism in middle age. It is clear that the the family. He had a pastoral heart but author, as she continued with her monumental inevitably some found him abrasive; he made work, began to appreciate how self-centred her decisions with boldness. subject actually was. There is much of that in JR was firmly opposed to the ordination of the book, but also a great deal of information women to the priesthood and led the opposition about religious life. within the diocese. In 1994 he became one of The subject became interested in the the first Provincial Episcopal Visitors (PEVs) religious life and in due course became an to be appointed, becoming Bishop of Ebbsfleet, oblate in the Community of the Holy Cross at a role for which he was well prepared by his Tymawr. She had earlier been associated with varied and rich experience. He had served the the Community of St Thomas in Oxford: it is Diocese of Exeter for 35 years. He said “...my apparent from the detail given, that there were most important task is to raise morale, to single women who lived near to and were encourage people to lead positive lives within a emotionally dependent on the Convent, but church where they can be happy”. It is good to were not professed sisters. At Tymawr she took read that JR “enjoyed being pastoral again!” to the life with unbalanced enthusiasm, which Also, “This episcopal model was unusual in included developing scurvy as a result of that it was without the meetings and fasting to excess, and frequent use of administration normally associated with such disciplinary objects, which she took some time duties either suffragan or diocesan.” The to understand. In the meantime the lives of ministry of the first PEVs was pioneering and those around her were adversely affected by her exemplary, vital to the on-going life of the conduct and in particular her selfishness. One Church and greatly valued in the parishes. This daughter committed suicide, the other tried to well-illustrated slim volume of 112 pages is an join the Benedictines of Malling but was

ACHS Newsletter, May 2016 Page 7 of 8

rejected. It is worth persisting (it took me a year penetrating and incisive history which is to read it, albeit with long gaps) because of the unlikely to be bettered: it is recommended. information not available elsewhere. After Michael Yelton being expelled by the Community at Tymawr, Tillyard lived for a time at Lolworth, near COVER PHOTOGRAPH Cambridge, a church we visited on a trip some The Patronal Festival Procession of June 1914 years ago. Predictably, she fell out with the at St Alban’s, Waterloo, Manchester, with kindly vicar. crucifix, lights and three thuribles. This Michael Yelton appeared in Part Two of Richard McEwan’s What’s in a Name?: book None Will Remain: Five Lost Churches of A History of the Manchester of which all copies are now sold. Community of the The book was reviewed in a recent edition of Holy Name Ecclesiology Today, magazine of The Edited by Peta Ecclesiological Society, by Matthew Hyde, in Dunstan which he provides additional material. He was working in Manchester at the time of the Published by demolition of St Alban’s and observed the Moorley’s Print & scene, describing it quite graphically: Publishing, Ilkeston, and available from “The astonishing thing is that for a week or two Amazon at £12.95 St Alban’s, never an object of great beauty, [not all will agree] especially after war-time The literature on Anglican religious commu- damage, was transcendent. Once the outer walls nities is quite substantial, although many were gone the low winter sun shone straight interesting orders have not been properly through the building, illuminating the golden written up. The Community of the Holy Name stone of the arcades and picking out their is not one of the better known or largest orders, delicate naturalistic carving as they never had but it has lasted. It was founded in 1865 and for been seen before. Tintern Abbey in Strange- many years had its headquarters in Malvern, ways. Add great bonfires to the picture, rolling with a wonderful chapel furnished by Comper, smoke and the ant-like demolition contractors but is now in Derby. The book was published to and their machines, and the scene had an mark the 150th year of the community, and has unforgettable drama. And then it was gone.” been edited by Dr Peta Dunstan, whose The Committee is at present considering the knowledge of Anglican communities is practicality of reproducing None Will Remain unparalleled. as an e-book or, more likely, on a disc. The earlier part of the history was written some many years ago by Sister Constance, CHN, and is particularly interesting for the EVENING VISIT information it gives on those who joined the The Ecclesiological Society have a visit to St order. That is often omitted from books of this Cuthbert’s, Philbeach Gardens, London SW5 nature, and, for example, what we learn of 9EB, on 8th June at 6.30 p.m. There will be a Sister Elfrieda (Mother Superior from 1945 tour of the church followed by a glass of wine. onwards) shows that she had an unusual Cost is £7.50 at the door, half of which will be background, which included playing for donated to the church. No need to book but if England at golf and being an accomplished you can then please e-mail Sarah Perons at hockey player. The latter part has rather less [email protected] so that she will have a rough detail and also has to deal with more idea of how many visitors to expect. Open to controversial topics such as the decision to all. move from Malvern. However the book is a

ACHS Newsletter, May 2016 Page 8 of 8