From the Royal Cornwall Gazette, Friday 2nd June 1854, page 6.
St. George’s Church, Truro.—The foundation-stone of the Church now being built in the district of St. George, Kenwyn, was laid on Monday, the 29th ult., by the High Sheriff of Cornwall, Francis Howell, Esq., of Ethy; after the Episcopal Visitation at St. Mary’s, Truro. Shortly before two o’clock, a procession was formed in the centre of the town, in the following order:—
The procession was preceded and followed by workmen, bearing wands surmounted with white ribands; and was accompanied by a considerable number of persons; while a great many congregated at the site, awaiting the arrival of the procession. Happily the weather, which had been unfavourable, cleared shortly before the forming of the procession, and it continued tolerably fine during the remainder of the day.
Owing to pressure of business, in connection with the Visitation, the Bishop was unable to attend the ceremony; but, through his nephew, the Rev. T. Phillpotts, he informed Mr. Wrench that the work had his best wishes.
When the procession had arrived at the site, the High Sheriff, some of the clergy, and a few ladies, including Mrs. Howell, the Misses Phillpotts and others, were accommodated in a booth erected close to the foundation stone—a block of Mabe granite, weighing nearly two tons, and placed at the extreme east of the building, immediately behind the site of the altar.
The preface and prayers in the service appointed for the occasion, were read by the Rev. P.E. Wrench; the responses and the Lord’s Prayer being joined in by, we believe, nearly all within hearing of the priest. The first proper Lesson, Ezra, 3rd ch., 8th to 11th verses, both inclusive, was read by the Archdeacon.
The High Sheriff then, assisted by the builder and workmen, very skilfully made the necessary preparations for laying the stone. In an oblong cavity made in a granite block beneath the foundation stone, were placed some coins of the present reign, and a stone bottle (bearing on it a bust and the name of Queen Victoria), hermetically sealed and containing a parchment with the following inscription:—
In nomine
Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti
Amen.
Hunc ecclesiæ
in Dei gloriam
et in Georgii Sancti honorem
lapidem angularem
ædificandæ
posuit
F. Howell, Vicecomes,
Maii ⅹⅹⅸ die
A.D. ⅯⅮⅭⅭⅭⅬⅣ.
To the honor and glory of God in grateful remembrance of George the Martyr,
This Corner Stone was laid in humble faith and prayer, on the 29th day of May, 1854, by
The coins and bottle deposited, and the High Sheriff having, with a silver trowel, spread mortar over the cavity, the foundation-stone was lowered, and duly squared, levelled, and fixed by the High Sheriff, with the usual formality of striking it three times with a mallet.
The Reverend Incumbent then read a prayer for a blessing and hallowing of the work; after which the Rev. W.W. Harvey read the second proper lesson—1 St. Peter, 2d ch. to 11th verse.
The Choir—the people generally and heartily joining with them—sang the Hundredth Psalm. The Incumbent read the last Prayer—for continual increase of glory and spiritual strength to the living Temple—the Church, and that God’s people may daily be made more meet for the eternal tabernacle of His rest in the Heavens.
The High Sheriff then ascended the platform, and thus addressed the assemblage:—I regret very much that the ceremony performed to-day has not been performed under the higher and better auspices of the Lord Bishop of this Diocese. But, at the same time, I am glad it has been permitted me to show that the State, of which I am to-day the humble representative, is always ready to unite with the Bishop and Clergy in advancing the interests of that church to which we are privileged to belong (hear). I think it especially necessary in these times, that the Church should be active and energetic, and should be up to the requirements of the age. I think, in an age of progress such as this is, there is danger lest the pride of intellect should become too great unless tempered and softened by true religious feeling. I think that pride, even in such a work as this, would be dangerous to our welfare unless tempered by doctrines such as will be taught in the building we have now commenced. I have nothing more to add, but that I hope every one who feels, earnestly and really, the importance of such a work as this, will contribute as far as his means will allow, to the completion of this Church. There is still wanting some £500 to complete the estimate. I trust that such as have not subscribed their mite, will now give that mite to the furtherance of this object. I am happy to have had the opportunity of being present here to-day (applause.)
The Rev. P.E. Wrench, Incumbent of St. George’s District, then said:—Mr. High Sheriff, Ladies and Gentlemen, and Reverend Brethren; no words, I am sure, can be sufficient to express the delight and satisfaction that I feel on this joyous occasion. For, during the collection of subscriptions towards the erection of this church, I assure you, more than once I have been well nigh prostrated in my exertions. And were it not for the strengthening and encouraging words and help that I got from some of the more active of my friends on our committee, and that I felt I had really put my hand to the plough in the service of my Lord and Master, I verily believe I should have looked back and have quite despaired of success. You will know then, I am sure, or somewhat understand, my feelings this day. For I apprehended that the proud position we occupy here to-day was looming, at one time, very far away in the distance. Let us then, my friends, who are on our committee of ways and means, congratulate ourselves on being able to run up the carcase of this building. Let us congratulate ourselves on the cheering prospect of erecting another Temple to God, in the midst of a population of 3000 souls, many of whom, I regret to say, are miserably corrupt, and the majority of the number sadly inattentive to religious duties. Let us also congratulate each other on seeing so goodly an assemblage of fellow-christians here to-day, notwithstanding the unfavourableness of the weather. This shows their readiness to co-operate in this blessed work, even the extension of Christ’s Kingdom here on earth. But, lest some of you should be tired with my humble attempt to address you, I would simply add an account of the present state of our funds. The Church-building Society has made grants to the amount of £390; and we have collected in sums varying from £50 to a halfpenny (hear), nearly £1000; and we still want, as the High Sheriff has kindly told you, nearly £500 more. I trust then that you will continue to help us with your prayers, your heads, your hands, and your purses, till this holy work that we have commenced this day, be finally completed (applause). I thank you for the indulgence and patience with which you have listened to me, and will now withdraw.
The Choristers then sang the Doxology, but, unfortunately, to music strange to the assembly, and consequently there were unable to join in it as undoubtedly they would gladly have done had it been sung to a familiar tune, such as the Old Hundredth.
The service was concluded with a Benediction, by the Rev. P.E. Wrench.
Donations in aid of the Building Fund, were taken by members of the Committee, and other gentlemen; and inclusive of £5 from the High Sheriff, the sum of £23 18s. 6d. was collected.
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