Tuesday 2 July 2019

Blackmore: Church Restorations etc

An extract from The Essex Review, Volume 11, 1902

Blackmore.—The renovation of the church of St. Lawrence, which has occupied four years, is at length completed, and the restored building was publicly dedicated by the Bishop of St.. Albans on 9th June. The improvements include the entire re-framing of the roof of the nave, the re-building of the north arcade, re-erection of the north wall, renewal of the aisle roofs, and alterations in the chancel, new oak choir stalls, pulpit, lectern, and screen. A new organ and three painted windows have also been placed in the church. All the bells have been re-hung, and the tenor bell is re-cast. The unique spire and timber tower, which Mr. Chancellor has described as “the glory of Blackmore Church” (see E.R. viii. 65> 86), have been practically rebuilt, the old wood being utilised: as far as possible. A reference to the illustrations in Mr. Chancellor’s article above referred to, will show its peculiar three-storied character, which, with the dormer windows in the roof of nave, rendered the old priory church “a magnificent piece of carpentry.” Its dilapidated condition may be surmised from the fact that £2,500 has been expended on the restoration,, which has been carried out under the direction of Mr.Chancellor, in accordance with the historical associations of the ancient building. A strip of land has been given by Mr. T. R. Hull for enlargement of the churchyard. Altogether the sums given and collected are noteworthy in so small a parish, and are due chiefly to the untiring efforts of the Vicar, the Rev. W. L. Petrie

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