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A Hucknall History

Religious Influences

Huthwaite Church Vicarage

Historic coverage of All Saints Church extends here from 1921 purchase of land to further construct the Blackwell Road vicarage.

03102008

1938 Sutton UDComparing prior maps with an established extended layout may firstly suggest initial freely gifted church plot had actually just been a suitably sized mid fraction of one larger original Unwin-Heathcote family corner allotment. Housing developments since filled southern half down Common Road reaching border opposite the Church of England All Saints School.

Parish intent to next site a vicarage managed to fully purchase entire top half corner along Blackwell Road. Payment of £350 made to Mr Taylor secured the vicarage plot November 1921. He's credited gifting back £25 toward that cause, after Simeon Watson significantly reduced full cost by personally making yet another very generous £150 contribution. Plans for construction however, were long delayed through inferred but unaccounted difficulties before recognising Rev W L Boulton as fourth Huthwaite vicar firmly asserting 1925 role.

A 1927 Church school bazaar raised over £548 towards project funding, which eventually afforded submitting plans to Sutton architects, Warner and Dean. Contract issued R Moore and Son, of Mansfield in 1929, can further recognise year behind other advancements.

Transferring oldest Church school to Nottinghamshire Council authority would save greater costly upkeep, while the church afforded introduction of internal electrification for its organ and lighting. Additional purchase of a remaining one acre of glebe could then claim entire current churchyard layout within extended vicarage grounds. This property then overcame past need for deep foundations, by being modernly built upon a reinforced concrete raft.

17060842 Reverend Boulton took residential charge Huthwaite Vicarage from Whitsuntide 1930. A claimed total cost £2,243 was revealed from 6d sales of a 32 page booklet printed 1933 by Brooklyn Press, Sutton. The vicar elaborated some deeper meaning behind most pages giving quotes contributed by wealthier names, who most likely afforded a sponsoring mention. His cordial thanks to Mr Robert Bailey Jnr was for writing this titled brief subject.

1933 Parish Church
Brief History of Church Life in Huthwaite

Over 100 years ago, the village of Hucknall-under-Huthwaite had its own Churchwardens, although there was no Church, or rather deputy wardens, as they were under the jurisdiction of the Sutton Vestry. In some years there was only one, some years two, and there were intervals when no one was elected. In 1826 and 1827, there was only one, nominated by the Vicar (of Sutton), and his name was B. Burton. In 1828 and 1829, no nomination is recorded. In 1830 and 1831, Richard Ward served, and was not elected again. From 1832-35, there was "no nomination." B. Burton was again elected in 1836, and in the following year a deputation from Huthwaite attended the Sutton Vestry, and nominated George Turner as people's warden. This was accepted, and B. Burton was nominated by the Vicar. These two held office for two years, and then in 1839 a Mr. Mellors took the place of G. Turner. Mr. Mellors was warden for one year only, and in 1840, G. Turner again joins B. Burton. For the two following years B. Burton is alone, and in 1843, Mr. Wm. Lowe takes office until 1845, when he is succeeded in 1846 by Mr. George Allsop as people's warden. In 1847, B. Burton is again alone, and from 1848 to 1851, there are no entries. B. Burton returns to office again alone from 1852 to 1854, and is joined in 1855 by Mr. B. Lowe, who only stays one year, leaving him to carry on up to 1859. This is the last mention of him: he had served well, and was eventually buried at Sutton. There was no warden in 1860 or 1861, although deputation has visited Sutton, but in 1862, T. Robinson presented B. Burton's accounts for Church rates, which showed that the latter was still interested. T. Robinson was B. Burton's son-in-law, and was warden for thirty years (1862-1892).

Previous to 1868, the Churchpeople had to journey to Sutton for service. In that year the Blackwell Road Schools were opened, and the south wing was at the same time licensed as a Mission Church. Henrietta, Countess of Carnarvon, had given the land and £600 towards the same. Before this the scholars had met in a clubroom of the Workpeople's Inn. The first name on the register of the new schools was Mary Ann Forrester. On January 13, 1868, 90 scholars were enrolled, their ages varying from 3 years 9 months to 15½ years. The school house was built at the same time.

On the first Sunday after the opening, January 19, 1868, the Rev. T.W. Bellairs, Vicar of Sutton, held a baptismal service, and 47 candidates, aged from 5 months to 16 years, were baptised. On the following Sunday, 25 more were baptised. The first entry in the register is William Ashley, aged 12 years, son of Caleb and Frances Ashley.

For some years the services were conducted by a layman, Mr. C.B. Beecroft, of Sutton, while the Sutton clergy administered communion and baptisms.

In 1868 the yearly Vestry Meeting was held in the new schools. There were two wardens now, Mr. Robert Wright having been nominated people's warden. In 1874, the apse, now a cloak room, was built and furnished by the same Lady Carnarvon at the west end of the wing, and this was dedicated by the Bishop of Lincoln, who also held the first Confirmation Service at the same time.

Mr. C.B. Beecroft did excellent work up to 1875, when the first curate arrived in the person of the Rev. J. Read, in December. He left in September, 1877, and was succeeded by the Rev. Walter Hall, who came in December and left in the following April. The next curate was the Rev. George Merrill, who started a private school in the house now occupied by Dr. Gaston, but he left in the following January (1879). The Rev. Forster Maynard Shaw arrived in March, 1879, and stayed until September, 1881.

In January, 1882, the Rev. Henry Grayburn came, and was fated to be the only curate who died in the parish. His fiancee was visiting him at Easter, and he was staying at the school house with Mr. Sharpe, schoolmaster. It was his intention to celebrate communion on Easter Sunday, and was heard to rise at 7 o'clock, but as he did not appear later, an entrance was made to his room, and he was found quite dead from heart failure. He was buried at his home town of Grimsby. During his short stay he prepared candidates for confirmation. The service was held at Sutton in Lent, 1882, and one of that small band is still a regular attender at Church.

The services were now carried on by a Lay Reader, Mr. R.H.E. Slacke, who was preparing for the ministry. He did noble work during his short stay, which lasted until Whit Wednesday, 1883, when he left to be ordained. He was appointed to Halbeck (Yorks.) until 1886, returned to Sutton as temporary curate-in-charge for three months, and then went ot India as a missionary, sailing form England on November 10, 1886 on the "Clan Mackenzie." He died of fever in India two years later. On the Saturday previous to his departure, another Lay Reader, Mr. Edmund Kelso, arrived, and stayed until October, 1885. He was succeeded by the Rev. Ashley Kemp Hawkins, who had just been ordained. He was an accomplished musician, and composed the tune, which he named "Huthwaite," to the hymn, "I was a wandering sheep." He left in September, 1888, and at Christmas, the Rev. Alfred Charles Style arrived and stayed until December, 1890. His brother, Dr. Style, was the second medical practitioner who came to Huthwaite.

The next curate, the Rev. Wm. J.B. Kerr, stayed longer than any other curate, from January, 1891, to December, 1895, and during his stay the Common Road Schools were completed and dedicated as St. Paulinus Mission by the Bishop of Southwell. The services were transferred from the Blackwell Road Schools on Friday, October 13, 1893, on the occasion of the Harvest Festival.

In 1893, Mr. Wm. Simpson was appointed Vicar's Warden, and in 1894 and 1895 Dr. F.K. Tweedie held the office until he went to Sutton. The Rev. F.M.S. Baylis officiated from January to April, 1896, and the Rev. Richard Trevor Roper followed until November 1896. During 1896-7-8, the Vicar's Warden was Mr. J.W. Hick, while in 1897, Mr. W. Lee was appointed people's warden. Mr. Wm. Simpson joined Mr. Lee, and they worked together for ten years, during which time the Church was built.

The Rev. W.H. Warrington took up duties in January, 1897, and stayed until Whitsuntide, 1898, when he was offered the living of Arreton, Isle of Wight. In the following month the Rev. George Royds was appointed curate-in-charge, and he stayed until May, 1900. In 1898, an attempt was made to buy the Recreation Ground, opposite the Wesleyan Chapel, for the purpose of building a Church and Vicarage. A deposit was paid, but the Ecclesiastical Commissioners saw difficulties in the conveyance of the land, and so the deposit was returned. The building fund grew steadily, and when the Rev. F.N. Beswick arrived, it was decided to carry on with the idea of building a Church; and, when approached, the Heathcote-Unwin family gave the land for the site.

In 1901, a three days' bazaar was held in the Town Hall at Sutton. This was opened by the Duchess of Portland, and realised over £500; of this amount the Vicar's Stall took over £100. Plans were now prepared by Mr. G. Ford Whitcombe, architect, of London, and in May, 1902, the contract was let to Mr. A.B. Clarke, of Nottingham. The New Hucknall Colliery Company, Ltd., gave the rock of which the Church is built, and also a donation of £275. The Church is believed to be the only one in the country built from rock taken from a depth of 400 yards below the surface. The pillars and facings are of Mansfield stone.

The Foundation Stone was laid on November 22, 1902, by Her Grace the Duchess of Portland, accompanied by the Duke, the latter being so impressed that he increased his subscription of £150, given in 1898, by another £350, making a total of £500. Other donations were: £100 each from Sir Charles Seely, Lady Carnarvon, and the Bishop of Southwell; £50 each from the Rev. J.B. Hyde, Mrs. Hyde, Mrs. Lowe and sons, Miss Collinson, and Mr. F.W. Neale; and £25 each from the Rev. Canon Pavey and Sir Richard FitzHerbert.

The first stone leading into the tower was laid by Mr. S. Watson, J.P., who also gave £190 and the pulpit, and another £100 towards the Mission site. Other stones were laid in the pillars by Mrs. W.O. Boot, Mrs. W. Lee, and Mrs. T. Trigg, while the topmost stone in the east end of the Chancel was laid by Mr. W. Lee, warden, who had worked so hard for the cause.

The Church was dedicated to "All Saints" in December, 1903, by Dr. Ridding, Lord Bishop of Southwell. The actual cost of the Church and furnishings was £4,572 11s. 1d., the building itself costing £3,097 owing to the deep and solid foundations. The architecture is of the Norman transitional type, the arches and windows being of simple pointed design with the exception of the north windows, which are square headed. The building seats 500, and consists of nave, north aisle, choir, baptistry, and vestry. The tower was not built at the time.

In November, 1905, the Church was consecrated by Dr. Were, Bishop of Derby, who also inducted the Rev. F.N. Beswick as the first Vicar of Huthwaite when the separation from Sutton took place in 1906. The living was endowed by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners at £200 per annum, and placed in the gift of the Vicar of Sutton.

The music was supplied by the old harmonium, which was played by Mr. T. Allsop, who was effectively assisted by his sister on the violin. In 1906 an organ fund was opened, and in 1910, an organ, costing £450, and built by Messrs. Compton and Co., was opened free from debt by Mr. R.W. Liddle, organist of Southwell Minster. Mr. Alban Wilders, of Blackwell, was appointed the first organist and choirmaster.

In 1908 the Vicar had the help of the Rev. E.A. Jordan as curate for about a year. Mr. W. Lee resigned in 1909, owing to overwork, and his place was taken by Mr. T.H. Garnett, schoolmaster, who had served for two year as people's warden. In November, 1911, 44 trees were planted round about the Church by members of the C.E.M.S.

Mr. Lee was nominated as Vicar's warden on the death of Mr. Wm. Simpson, who had served for 20 years, and who had, with Mr. Lee, been admitted as the first legal churchwardens on the separation of the parish from Sutton. Mr. A. Taylor joined Mr. Lee, and together they served until 1919, when the latter again resigned. Mr. A.C. Dickens was nominated as Vicar's warden, and Mr. T. Goodall, schoolmaster, was elected as people's warden. After 20 years of hard work, the health of the Vicar broke down, and he had to be found an easier parish, that of Thorney, near Lincoln. The task of being correspondent of the Church Schools, which had been performed by the Rev. F.N. Beswick, was now taken over by Mr. W. Lee. For nine months the services were conducted by Mr. T. Goodall and Mr. H.A. Simpson.

The Rev. W.E.A. Middleton was the next vicar, and in his first year a bazaar was held in the Blackwell Road Schools, which realised £150, and wiped out the Church debt, the Church having been opened with a debt of £1,000. The living was increased to £250 in 1920, and there were also other gifts, such as £40 per annum from the Duke of Portland and £25 per annum from the New Hucknall Colliery Company, Ltd.

The Vicarage site was bought from Mr. A. Taylor for £350 in November, 1921, and of this amount £150 was contributed by Mr. S. Watson, and £25 was given back by Mr. Taylor. At the Vestry Meeting of 1922, Mr. A.C. Dickens, Vicar's warden, resigned, and Mr. W. Lee was nominated by the Vicar, and Mr. T. Goodall was re-elected people's warden. These two have worked together through very troublous times, and still hold office. The Rev. W.W.A. Middleton resigned the living in 1924, and went to Tasmania. The Rev. R.H.S. Currey took charge until March, 1925, when the present Vicar, the Rev. W.Ll. Boulton, arrived. As there was no Vicarage a fund was opened for this object, and a bazaar was held in the Blackwell Road Schools in 1927, and this realised £548 12s. 4d. Plans were submitted by Messrs. Warner and Dean, architects, of Sutton, and the contract was let to Messrs. R. Moore and Son, of Mansfield, in 1929. The total cost of the Vicarage was £2,243 8s. 4d., and it was occupied by the Rev. W.Ll. Boulton at Whitsuntide, 1930. The whole building is built on a raft of reinforced concrete. Annual bazaars have largely contributed to the cost, and it is now free of debt.

Owing to the heavy expense and cost of repairs, the Blackwell Road Schools were handed over to the Notts. Education Committee on November 1, 1929. In that year, electricity was brought into the parish, and the lighting of the Church was converted from gas. The water-driven engine for blowing the organ was also taken out, and an electric motor blower installed. The present debt is £170, and it is hoped that the coming bazaar and the sale of this book will free us from it.

Noting how 1934 merger of smaller Urban Districts seemed to also infer returning a separated Huthwaite parish back under Sutton-in-Ashfield clergy, cannot however, determine any difference keeping independent parish church roles inside boundary changes. No plausible explanation was ever offered for loss of savings or any consequential result. Will of the aforementioned Mr Watson had bequeathed £200, specifying wish to add peal of five bells. He couldn't have realised the tower never would reach full planned height. Tales they'd run out of cash and or colliery stone only retold easily overcome notions. Although it must imply the church hid initial embarrassment, its reasonable determining an insurmountable problem lay beneath need for deepened foundations. Unable to find a sufficiently supportive base for entire expected weight best explains why building work stopped and never would exceed setting an improvised lowered limit. Construction advancements can compare later concrete use for the substantial sized vicarage.

Huthwaite Parish Church Council 1936

  The annual meeting of the Huthwaite Parish Church Council was held on Tuesday in the Common Road School, the Rev. W.L. Boulton presiding over a moderate attendance.
The Chairman thanked his workers for their devoted labours during the twelve months. The Churchwardens were re-elected, Mr. W. Lee (Vicar's) and Mr. T. Goodall (People's), and were thanked for their long period of service. Mr. W. Rockley was re-elected secretary to the Church Council and the whole of the sidesmen were reappointed. Ruridecanal representatives were Messrs. Rockley and T. Hill, and Messrs. Rockley and Goodall were appointed to the Diocesan Conference.

Statement of Accounts.   The statement of accounts showed an expenditure, including a deficit of £493 16s. 2d. from the previous year, of £853 16s. 8d. The income was £429 3s. 9d. leaving an adverse balance of £424 12s. 11d.

Chief items of income were £156 from offertories, and £177 from the Bazaar. Harvest collections outside church were an additional £16 15s. 8d., and there was £8 from an entertainment at the Common Road School (per Miss Kitchen). Free-will offering boxes produced £5 5s., and there were donations of £5 from the Vicar, and £3 3s. from Mrs. Irvine.

Huthwaite All Saints

Displaying a second Role of Honour reflecting World war Two Huthwaite cemetery memorial listing has 1938-1945 to predate almost all other randomly selected window replacements with stain glass saint depictions.




Centrally depicting St Francis of Assisi is a trio of west nave windows, lovingly presented;

TO THE GREATER GLORY OF GOD IN THANKFUL AND LOVING MEMORY OF FRANCES ANN BEASTALL FEBRUARY 27TH 1889 DECEMBER 8TH 1964 GIVEN BY HER
HUSBAND AND SON

Following prewar fitments with reference to detailed walled locations afforded devoted members, All Saints Church glass dating may not readily relate exact order of fitment years.

St John

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

THOMAS HILL
St Elizabeth

AND HIS WIFE AGNES.

GIVEN BY THEIR FAMILY 1954
St Cecelia
St CeliaTO THE GLORY OF GOD AND THE BEAUTIFY THIS HOUSE GIVEN BY THEIR SISTER IN LOVING AND GRATEFUL MEMORY OF AGNES PRITCHETT DIED FEB: 1961 – SACRIST 1921-1961 AND HILDA PRITCHETT AUG: 1963 FULWOOD FARM 1928-1954
Virgin Mary
Virgin MaryGiven to GOD and this Church, A.D. MCMLXIII By the Mothers' Union whose labours contributed much to its building A.D .MCMIII LAUS DEO
Dorcas
Dorcas a discipleTO THE GLORY OF GOD GIVEN BY THE LADIES WORKING PARTY

St Matthew
St MatthewGIVEN BY THEIR DAUGHTER HILDA IN UNFADING LOVE AND MEMORY OF HAROLD COWEY OBIIT A.D. MCMLIX ALSO OF HIS WIFE ELIZABETH OBIIT A.D. MCMLXII GRAND-DAUGHTER OF T. ROBINSON RATING-WARDEN A.D. MDCCCLXII-XCII AND GREAT GRAND-DAUGHTER OF B. BURTON RATING-WARDEN A.D. MDCCCXXVI-LXII
Christ
ChristIN MEMORIAM
WILFRED AUSTIN BROWN
ACCIDENTALLY KILLED AT
B. WINNING COLLIERY JULY 18TH A.D. MCMXLVI DE PROFUNDIS DOMINE CLAMAVI AND OF HIS PARENTS ALFRED BROWN WHO DIED SEPT. 19TH A.D. MCMLVII + BEATRICE BROWN WHO DIED NOV. 24TH A.D. MCMLXI GIVEN BY THEIR FAMILY DOMINUS VOBISCUM
St Paul
St Paul

IN MEMORY OF

WALTER LLEWELLYN BOULTON

Vicar of this Parish
1925-1971
Angel & Choir
ChoirIN MEMORY OF
ROBERT BAILEY 1896-1983
Chorister here for 67 years
Sometime Churchwarden
And his dear wife
EVELYN HILDA 1897-1982
Lifelong worker for the Church
Also 12 Choristers - members of his family
Hope Faith Love
Hope Faith LoveGIVEN BY THE FAMILY + IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF FRANCIS NEWBOLD BESWICK : UNDER WHOSE VICARIATE THIS CHURCH WAS BUILT & DEDICATED IN THE NAME OF ALL SAINTS DECEMBER 12th 1903. ENTERED INTO REST AUGUST 25th 1941 AGED 81.

Departure of 1971 Rev Walter Llewellyn Boulton recognises term of the fifth Huthwaite vicar. Reverend Gordon Oliver hosted 1983 Church unveiling of a bronze plaque by Mr Norman Siddell, NCB Chairman, to commemorate past era of Huthwaite coal mining.

UnveilingMiners Plaque

This church was built with stone taken from the deep hard seam of New Hucknall Colliery and this panel placed here to the glory of god by miners and their families to commemorate those who laboured there from 1876 to 1982.

All Saints Church Hall

Rev G Oliver would have inherited use of a large wooden Church Hall sited c1960 below vicarage grounds. Our family album can at least assure youngsters attended one hall party, before Rev Oliver conducted my 1980 marriage. Main church doorway framed most wedding scenes. Some couples chose to exit hearing a peal of bells, using taped recordings played through tower speakers.

Xmas HallWeddingWedding

Rev Charlie Maiden next took charge the 1996 vicariate, since retaining long serving role as the current Huthwaite vicar. Charlie has thus witnessed some significant events, beyond retirement of an aged Mothers Union showing longer use of the Church Hall.

Rev C MaidenLH221

Viewing devastating result of the 2002 hall fire could not halt plans marking the Huthwaite Church 2003 centenary. 02060909 The Huthwaite Online Gallery already features related events between four year juxtaposed scenes spanning replacement with superior ASC Surestart facilities.

LH223 06061501

Briefly noting some later family fitment of stained glass may have been finalised by historic memory to F N Newbold. Simple reason being, it features two crests above. They potentially acknowledged when the Church of England approved November 2005 ministerial renaming, incorporating both titles into one Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham


26 Oct 02     by Gary Elliott       Updated 03 Apr 22