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St Thomas' opened in July 1831. It was originally built with just a nave. There was no chancel as there is today just a recess at the east end where the altar was situated. The nave is 70 feet long, 46 feet wide and 27 feet high. | There were originally box pews, which were later replaced by open pews in 1887. Over the years the chancel was added in 1871, a balcony at the rear was build and later removed in 1903. A Lady Chapel put in. The entrance to the balcony was replace by the 'George Window' in 1938. Today the walls of the church are white, with the old wood of the box pews around the walls. However over the years they had been multi-coloured. The ceiling of the nave was decorated in 1903 and is very unusual with the memorable words of St Thomas' 'My Lord and My God' on it. In 1999 a major re-ordering took place. Chairs replaced pews, the lady chapel and the pulpit was removed and a platform was built at the east end of the nave and a wooden Holy Table placed on it. On this page are pictures of the interior of St Thomas' Church from 1885 to the present day.
The interior in 1885. It shows how the church was with the box pews and before the chancel was built. The organ is different from today. The walls and ceilings are plain.
The interior in 1930. It shows the chancel, open pews, the organ in the chancel, the lady chapel, pulpit and lectern. The walls are now decorated, particularly around the altar. The church was 'high church' as can be seen by the number of candles on the altar. The lights are suspended from the ceiling.
The interior in 1980. It shows the chancel, open pews, the organ in the chancel, the lady chapel, pulpit and lectern. The lights in the nave are now at ceiling hight and loudspeakers can be seen. (There is a piano covered up in the middle of the chancel.) ![]() The interior before the re-ordering in 1989 The walls are now plain and the decorated ceiling can be seen. The font can be seen at the back of the church. ![]() The interior before the re-ordering in 1989 looking toward the east end of the church. The George Window can be seen above the East Door. ![]() The chancel before 1989. It was hoped to re-order the chancel but the church was not allowed to. The choir stalls now have lamps on them. The church is now more 'Low Church', as can be seen by a decrease in the number of candles on the altar. ![]() Another view of the church pre-reordering in 1989. ![]() High Altar 5 December 1927 prepared for a confirmation service. The decorations on the wall around the altar can be seen. ![]() High Altar Easter Day 1927 prepared for Easter. ![]() High Altar date unknown
Oak pulpit, a gift of Mr and Mrs Frederick Stanton. Installed 1887
To the blessed and glorious memory of King George V 1930-1936
A gift of Philip Henry and Ann Elizabeth Chandler in memory of Susan Marsden (former Sunday School teacher). Installed 1891.
To the Glory of God and in the Memory of Thomas Scott Died 4th August 1932 and his Wife Emma Died 26 March 1904 Also his Widow Sarah Ann Died 5th June 1935 Their Mortal Remains Rest in the Churchyard A stained glass window on the south side of the nave.
To the Glory of God and in loving Memory of Godfrey May born June 6th 1857 died Feb 23rd 1915 Voluntary Organist of this church twelve years erected by his wife A stained glass window on the south side of the nave. It depicts St Thomas in the centre with King David to his left and St Cecilia to his right. It was a gift of Mrs Frances E S May in memory of her husband Godfrey Melland May, one time voluntary organist. It was installed in 1919.
Vicars 1831 -Matson Vincent 1846 -John Beridge Jebb 1863 -John Magens Mello Rectors 1867 -John Magens Mello 1887 -Charles Edward Little 1900 -Edward Starkie Shuttleworth 1906 -Frederick Herbert Burnside 1925 -Hubert John Sillitoe 1944 -John Dawson Hooley 1957 -Lionel William Daffurn 1974 -Vyvyan Watts-Jones 1985 -Christopher John Cokayne Frith 2003 -David Peter Mouncer 2008 -Matthew John Barnes
To the memory of John Walter Hardy Aged 26 years Who lost his life by a fall at this spot whilst employed decorating this church July 1st 1903 "A workman who needeth not be ashamed"
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