From the Royal Cornwall Gazette, Thursday 5th April 1866, page 8.
The parish church of St. Clement, Truro, was re-opened on Tuesday, renovated and improved. No one can compare the building with what it was a year ago, without at once finding abundant reason for satisfaction and congratulation. The work is in all respects creditable, and affords another prooof of what energy, zeal, perseverance, and liberality can accomplish. The Rev. C.M. Gibson, the esteemed vicar, and his parishioners have cause to be proud of their place of worship; and we feel sure that all who have aided in the undertaking may safely indulge in the conviction that they have rendered honourable, useful, and praiseworthy service. The Rev. Clement Winstanley Carlyon, of St. Just, has, we understand, proved a most valuable help to the vicar; and the subscribers, with Lady Reynolds at their head, have, unquestionably, been earnest in the cause. No doubt additional subscriptions will be forthcoming when it is known that, despite all that has been done in the way of pecuniary help, no inconsiderable amount remains to be raised, in order to meet all claims. The hint, we are satisfied, is sufficient to call forth the desired response, and to clear the church of that which is always hateful—debt.
As we have already remarked, the work of restoration, carefully considered and skilfully executed, is highly creditable. The universally approved modern seats have been substituted for old fashioned pews, and the abolition of unsightly galleries has opened out a beautiful tower arch and west window.
Most of the ancient carved oak has been preserved; and the floor of the church paved with Minton tiles.
The pulpit, provided by the vicar, is of serpentine, from the Lizard manufactory, and it is elevated on a polygonal base and shaft of Caen stone.
The most prominent objects of adornment, however, are the windows, filled with ornamental stained and coloured glass, in geometrical figures, ably designed and wrought by Mr Thomas Solomon, of Truro. They are for the most part tributes of affection and respect for departed friends. The altar window, above a reredos of trefoil arches, in colour, is in memory of Admiral Sir Barrington Reynolds, G.C.B., who died in 1861. The window is of three lights, surmounted by a very beautiful rose, and each bears an anchor and cable as its most conspicuous ornaments. The east window of the aisle is inscribed to the memory of Robert Michell, born June 7th, 1770, died Dec. 24th, 1862; Robert Michell, born June 12th, 1796, died Jan. 29th, 1835; and Robert Michell, born April 13th, 1828, died Dec. 11th, 1845; and it bears the Michell arms and crest with motto, “Vouloir c’est pouvoir.” In the north wall is a three-light window, in memory of three members of the Jenkins family:—Mary, August 1st 1836; Sophia, December 13th, 1844; and Mary, June 14th, 1849; and facing the south porch another three-light window, erected by Mr Northmore H.P. Lawrence, to the memory of the late Mr Henry Prynn Andrew. The west window of the aisle is in memory of Elizabeth Gibbs Gatley, who died May 6th, 1852; and James Gatley, died May 12th, 1862; and it has been erected by their children. Other memorial windows are to be erected—by Mr John Gatley, of Tresilian, and his sister, to their parents; by Miss Rogers, to the memory of her uncle, the late Mr William Rogers, of Truro; to the late Mr E.J. Spry, by his widow and son; and by Mr Henry Williams, of Alma, in memory of his father, mother, and brother. With these windows completed, there will remain but one unfilled with coloured glass; and we believe this deficiency will be only temporary. Notwithstanding this large quantity of coloured glass, the church is well lighted, the apex of the roof above the chancel and nave having been opened and glazed. The ventilation is good, and in short, everything is rendered pleasing and comfortable.
The opening services on Tuesday were very well attended. Among the clergy present we observed the Revs. R. Vautier, F.H.A. Wright, T. Phillpotts, Jeffreys W. Murray, J. Carne, G.D. Johnstone, F.B. Paul, S. Rosenthal, C.D. Newman, M. Yescombe, F.H. Scrivener, J. Perry, G. Morris, and the Rev. C.M. Gibson, the vicar of the parish church. The Rev. C.W. Carlyon was to have taken part in the services, but the rev. gentleman, owing to a severe domestic bereavement, was unable to attend.
In the morning the Rev. C.M. Gibson read the prayers; the Rev. R. Vautier, the first lesson; the Rev. C.D. Newman, the second lesson; and the Rev. T. Phillpotts and the Rev. J. Perry undertook the Communion service.
St. Clement’s choir was assisted by was assisted by St. Paul’s, and some boys from the workhouse, Miss Symonds playing, with much good taste, the harmonium. The musical part of the service was very effectively rendered.
The Rev. F.H. Scrivener delivered an admirable sermon, from Isaiah ⅼⅵ. 7, “I will make them joyful in my house of prayer.” The more prominent causes of such joy for our living under the Christian dispensation were stated to consist in the facts that the House of God was the place in which both praise and prayer might be acceptably offered, and in which also the immediate presence—the spiritual presence—of our Lord and Saviour might be enjoyed in the Holy Sacrament. To the adornment of the House in which so much of purest joy was attainable, it should be felt a privilege, as it was a duty, to contribute according to our pecuniary means and mental gifts, as the best outward expression of the heart’s deep thankfulness and joy. In making especial reference to the event of the day, the preacher made affecting allusion to the absence of the Rev. C.W. Carlyon, whose taste, skill, and accomplished mind, had wrought so much in the restoration of the church in which they were assembled.
The afternoon service commenced shortly before four o’clock. On this occasion, the Rev. Jeffreys W. Murray read the prayers; the Rev. F.B. Paul the first lesson; and the Rev. F.H.A. Wright the second lesson.
The Rev. G.D. Johnstone preached from John ⅳ., 23, 24:—“The time cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit; and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.”
A total of £31 was collected at the two services, between which a numerous party partook of a well spread luncheon in the vestry room.
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