| Never a man to do things by halves, Bateman commissioned one
of the finest architects of the age to design a building of
cathedral-like proportions. Funded largely by the
donations of parishioners it was completed except for the spire
by 1887.
In the last days of the Second World War, the building was
hit by several doodlebugs resulting in extensive damage to the
roof. Ever resourceful, the parishioners bricked up
the North Aisle to serve as a temporary church and set about
raising the funds to restore the building to its former glory
under the guidance of the formidable, Revd. Eric Bailey.
It is to him that we owe both its recovery and much of the financial legacy that
remains today.
The nature of the parish has changed beyond all measure.
Whilst a few 7-bedroom Victorian mansions remain in single
ownership, much of the housing is now suitable for those
of more modest means. The growth in car ownership means
that many on our present electoral roll travel from elsewhere to
worship in a style they find most inspiring to their
spiritual needs.
Bateman's legacy and Pearson's building stand as a continuing
rock against the world's troubles; a place of peace and
spiritual fulfilment. |
