Frodsham Parish Magazines 1880–1925

1880

March

Annual Sunday Services

March 14th. Passion Sunday. Special services were preached in the morning and afternoon at the Parish Church with the evening services held at the Iron Church in aid of the funds for the Sunday School. Both services were instructive, enforcing the importance of the careful nurture and training of young children.

June and July

Sunday School Centenary Festival

A national celebration of 100 years of the Sunday School movement. All chief towns and cities held their celebrations. The fact that the Sunday School movement had lasted 100yrs. was in itself a lasting tribute to its founder — Robert Raikes.
Celebrations for local Sunday Schools were held on Mr Pickering’s field at the rear of the Iron Church. Preceding the celebrations, a procession took place along Main Street, up Fluin Lane to the Parish Church where they were joined by the late curate, Rev. William Smith. 700 children took part in the procession, arriving at the field at 2pm.

July and August

Church parade of the Frodsham Volunteers

Church parade of the Frodsham Volunteers took place, August 1st under the command of Major John Ashton and Captain Robert Ashton, to Divine Service at the Iron Church. Attired in bright new uniforms, looked exceedingly well presenting a quite martial appearance. The vicar preached. Offertory for Common Alms and Church Warden funds amounted to £3-12s-4d.

November

November 25th

Marriage at the Iron Church by the Rev. Henry Birchwood Blogg M.A. of Peter Dutton to Annie Griffiths, both of Frodsham.

1881

September and October

Harvest Festival Thanksgiving Service

… for the safe gathering of the harvest was held on Wednesday evening, October 5th. Harvest hymns were sung by the choir. The service also included prayers and readings. Offertory as in former years for the Chester General Infirmary amounted to £11-12s.

October and November

November 6th, Sunday morning, the preacher at the Iron Church was the Rev. F. A. Mallison, Vicar of Broughton-in-Furness.

The ringing of the Curfew Bell will commence November 1st.and continue until the end of February.

Christmas decorations

No pains have been spared to make our Iron Church compete favourably with many of its more elaborate neighbours. It is no mere figure of speech to say that a result has been arrived at, the decorations are quite up to their usual standard of excellence.
A large crimson scroll high up on the chancel wall runs the inscription of “There shall come a Star out of Jacob.” Either side of the chancel window on rich flowing streamers are the words “The word was flesh and dwelt amongst us.” On the aisle wall, the text “The Son of Righteousness shall arise with Healing in His wings” attracts attention by the extreme delicacy of the letters which are all wrought with consummate skill in a mixture of evergreens. At the west end of the Church, on a large scroll is inscribed the words of the Angels of old, “Behold, I bring you glad tidings of great joy.” The Church was further adorned with bannerets suspended from the ceiling.

1882

January

January 18th

At the Iron Church by Rev. A. P. Reynolds — curate: Major Corker to Mary Ellen Jackson — both of Frodsham.

May

Included in the Churchwarden’s accounts. Iron Church Choir £5-0s-0d; Ground rent of Iron Church 2s.6d.

September

Choir trip to Llandudno

The members of the Iron Church choir, and the two organists, Messrs. T. Riley and H. Tiley, spent a very pleasant day at the sea-side on Tuesday July 18th accompanied by the Vicar and Mr. Grier. The party first travelled by train to Chester and on to Llandudno. Some of the party visited Betwys-y-Coed and some to the Great Orme. Departing Llandudno by train at 9:10p.m. they eventually arrived back in Frodsham at 11:30p.m.

Girl’s Friendly Society

Account of Girls Friendly Society Warrington Branch visit to Frodsham on Saturday afternoon 29th. July. On reaching Frodsham, proceeded at once to the Iron Church where a short service was held. The Church was nearly filled by Society members who seemed to thoroughly enjoy the service after which they went up to Mersey View where tea was provided. A hearty vote of thanks was given to the vicar for allowing the use of the Iron Church, and also for his address.

1883

Iron Church Services

Every Sunday (except the 1st. Sunday in the month), service in the afternoon will be at 3p.m.
Service in the Parish Church will be at 11a.m. on Saints’ Days.
On Wednesday and Friday each week the Litany is said.
There is a celebration of the Holy Communion on the first Sunday in the month after the morning service, also on the third Sunday at 8a.m.
The sacrament of Holy Baptism is administered on the first Sunday of each month during afternoon service.

Alvanley

The Harvest Thanksgiving will take place (please God) about the middle, or, towards the end of the month of October.

1888

February

The Parochial Nurse

Nurse Baker, whose services have been so acceptable to many of the sick, is about to leave Frodsham in consequence of her about to be married. We shall part with her with much regret but we are glad to say we have secured the services of Nurse Stanley, who has already commenced her work and comes with high recommendations.

1889

October

Sunday afternoon services at 3pm at the Iron Church were resumed

1890

January

The proposal (to build Parish Rooms) is no doubt beset with many difficulties, but we surely need not be daunted by them when we consider how far greater the work of restoring the Parish Church, a few years ago, brought to a successful issue by those who had the interests of the Parish at heart. The Vicar

June

The Sunday afternoon service was discontinued after June 8th. Holy Communion was on the third Sunday at 8am and Wednesday evening service at 7.30pm. The Iron Church exterior needed painting. The estimate was £20.

September

During August the exterior of the Iron Church was painted. It was now found advisable to varnish and paint parts of the interior. Other furniture needed reviewing so as to be in keeping with the newly decorated building. The vicar promised £37, but more than double was needed.

October

The Iron Church to reopen on Sunday Nov 2nd. A Sunday evening service was intended and it was hoped that many not in the habit of attending would avail themselves. The renovated Iron Church was more fitting for the worship of God.

December

Week of special services for reopening of Iron Church. Two Sunday afternoon services for men, one for women on Wednesday. Weather very inclement but good attendance. Renovation expenses £100. Evening prayer every day at 4pm during Advent and services at 7pm on Fridays.

1891

March

Special services during Lent, evening prayer daily at 5pm and 7.30 service on Fridays.

June

’The mysterious epidemic known as influenza has visited Frodsham again this year with much severity.’

August

’We are happy to state that the baneful epidemic has now disappeared and we trust it may never return.’ Both doctor and nurses were strained by the epidemic and a special sick fund was raised. 400 cases were attended and 1045 visits made. Soups, puddings and jellies were distributed from the fund.

November

’This year the Iron Church as well as the Parish Church was decorated and looked very brilliant and festival-like, with a temporary wooden screen between the choir stalls and the body of the church, tastefully decorated.’ This was the most popular festival of the year.

1892

January

’… it is encouraging to observe from the increasing number of the congregation at the Iron Church that the benefit of a Sunday evening service has been appreciated.’

July

For the first time the two choirs (of the Iron Church and the Parish Church) went on a joint annual outing treat. They went to Rhyl and walked to the Marble Church and St. Asaph.

1893

May

Parish Church offertories for year, £252/17/2. Iron Church offertories, £30/4/11

August

’It does not seem generally understood among parents that the sacrament of Holy Baptism is administered at the Iron Church on the 3rd Sunday of every month at a quarter to six, notice being given to the Clergy or the Vicar. In order that no inconvenience may arise we would ask those bringing children to be baptized at the Iron Church, to be there punctually at the times appointed.’

1895

August

On Wednesday 10th July adult members of the choirs of the Parish Church and Iron Church with teachers and scholars over 10 of the Overton and Church St. Sunday Schools went for their annual treat to Southport. They were joined by many friends and 660 travelled altogether by special train at a cost of £70 18s.

1896

August

438 travelled to Blackpool by special train for the annual outing. The journey took 2 hours.

October

Iron Church Harvest Service:- oats, wheat, flowers, fruit, vegetables and grapes used for decorating purposes. At his own request for ill health, Mr. Tiley resigned as organist after over 23 years. ’It is largely due to him there is such a good and hearty service at the Church.’ Mr. Charles Hibbert took over.

1897

June

A Clergy Sustentation Fund was established for Clergy in the diocese because of the great depreciation in the values of agricultural products.

1898

February

On Thursday 13th January the Misses Ashley lent their house for a presentation to Mr. Dickinson, the Assistant Curate who was leaving. The presentation was made by Mr. Thomas Riley on behalf of the Iron Church Choir and friends. It was a silver pocket communion service and a bag containing 20 sovereigns.

October

’On the following Sunday evening the Iron Church was crowded to its utmost capacity, though it can hardly be said that the offerings were in proportion to the numbers present.’ (The collections for all the Sunday evenings in the month totalled £5/2/8)

1899

April

Miss Mary Ellen Ashley died aged 55.

October

Mr. Tiley took over again as organist from Mr. Ben Rigby.

1900

January

New Parish Room opened on 26 October 1899.

May

Sidesman at Iron Church, Messrs Wilkinson, Borrow, Garner and Robinson.

June

Iron Church a/cs:- Offerings £36/9/0, total income £49/18/2.

August

554 on special train to Blackpool for the outing. Journey took from 7.30 till just after 9.00. Returned at 8.30. Weather was beautiful.

1901

January

New Drill Hall opened — because of the Boer War

March

Mourning for Queen Victoria. A tea in the Parish Rooms in aid of funds for the Iron Church on Tuesday 12th Feb. Concert afterwards in the Town Hall by the Iron Church Choir and Mr Tiley, £19/10/0 raised.

May

Annual trip with now three choirs, Bridge Mission Church also.

August

’NB Parents wishing to have their children baptised at the Iron Church before the service on the 3rd Sunday of the month, are requested to give notice to the Apparitor, Mr Smith, a day or two before in order that he may make the necessary arrangements.’

1902

January

Overton Memorial Hall opened, 3 October 1901.

February

Iron Church tea and concert on 1st Jan with the choir in the Town Hall. £7 raised.

August

’Mr John Garner has kindly placed in the Iron Church a small font, the gift of the Rev W H Stables, for many years at Weston, now at Over (Winsford).’

1903

January

Tea and concert by Iron Church choir on 10 Dec. Proceeds higher than last year.

April

Exterior of Iron Church painted. Paid for out of current receipts.

June

An evening service in the Iron Church on Ascension Day at 8.00. A higher attendance than on any previous Ascension Day. Iron Church a/cs, Offertory £35/0/9, total income £61/7/4, in profit by £5/12/7.

1904

October

Children’s Service in the Iron Church resumed on Sunday 9th October at 10.15.

December

A week’s mission at the Iron Church. Daily evening services plus two for women on Monday and Thursday which were well attended. A meeting for men on the Wednesday (St Andrew’s Day) with about 400 assembled in the Drill Hall. It was desired to have a similar meeting every year.

1905

August

’It is certainly to be wished that a large swimming bath could be made in Frodsham.’

1907

May

Iron Church a/cs, Total income £55/17/5. Repairs to the roof cost £3/7/4.

November

’Of the committee appointed in 1879 to supervise the restoration of the Parish Church only three are left alive, the Vicar, Mr Charles Reynolds and Mr Charles Linaker. The architect, Mr G F Bodley, who, with Mr Garner, did the work has just died.’

1908

June

A service at the Parish Church with the three choirs together.

Iron Church a/cs

Total income £107/16/7, offertory £40/9/0, sale of work £40/0/0

September

’Mr Winston Churchill has recently visited Uganda. He said he saw clothed, cultivated and educated natives with 200,000 who could read and write. He said it was a state with everyone in his place and a place for everyone.’

1911

January

Services at the Iron Church:- Holy Communion on 2nd and 4th Sundays at 8am. Baptisms on 3rd Sunday at 5.45 (Notices to Apparitor, Mr Smith, the previous Sunday). Evening Prayer 6.30

December

Canon Blogg, the Vicar, died on 29th Nov 1911.

1921

St. Dunstan’s Clergy

Rev M. A. Myres.
Vicar Rev T. F. Trower-Foyan.
Lay-reader Mr. J. M. Bower.
Sidesman Miss Ashley, Mr. J. J. Wilkinson, Mr. J. Illidge and Mr. G. S. Mckee.
Organist Mr. T. Youd.
Caretaker Mr. Smith.

Services

Holy Communion 2nd. and 4th. Sundays monthly at 8a.m.
[It is interesting to note that included in the annual expenditure Church receipts can be seen an amount payable for the organ blower’s salary, £1-4-0d.
Also for carting coke £1-4-0d
Frodsham Gas and Water £17-3-5d
Water Rate 2s 6d
Waifs and Strays Society £4-0-4d]

1923

July 23rd

St. Lawrence Church

Mr. Arthur Turner has given long good service to our Church, is about to retire. Mr. Turner has performed the most essential task of organ blower for 30yrs, no light task. Now that an electric organ is to be installed, his help will not be required. Once the above is completed, payment for the organ blower will cease. Whilst at St. Dunstan’s, this task was performed by a worshipper at the Iron Church.

December

Account for choirs outing to Llandudno

The committee desire to thank the subscribers for their appreciation of the services of the choir, ringers and Sunday School teachers.

1924

February

The attendance at the weekday evening service has been so small that Miss Ashley advises its discontinuance. The matter will be brought up at the next meeting of the Church Council.

St. Dunstan’s annual a/cs.

April

Easter celebrations will be at Holy Communion at 7a.m. At the Parish Church at 7a.m., 8a.m. and 10:30a.m. and the Bridge Mission at 8a.m.

May

The weeknight services at St. Dunstan’s are not being held during the summer. It really seems they are not wanted there, for the congregations have been exiguous, and the cost of maintenance has not been met by contributions. We have had a scheme suggested to us for enabling those few people who care to do so, to attend service at a less cost.

September

A meeting of the P.C.C. has been held this last month and among various matters that came up for discussion, it was decided to discontinue weeknight services at St. Dunstan’s except during Lent. The matter of the seating accommodation was also referred to, it is now obvious to all who enter the Church that something is being done in this matter.

1925

January

Sidesman Mr. G. S. Mckee.
Caretaker Mr. A. Turner.

Half yearly accounts ending 30th June

It is also interesting to note that for many yrs. Rev. M.W. Myres was Vicar of St. Lawrence. At St. Dunstan’s, Mr. A. Turner remained the caretaker and Mr. G. S. Mckee the sidesman.

1929

November

The Church Army van, after doing good work here for a fortnight, has gone on to Manley for a further fortnight. It was impossible to announce this beforehand because the arrangement had to be made in a hurry in order to employ the van until some further plans could be made for it. This is our gain. We bespeak the same cordial welcome for its workers that has been given before.