Restoration
Much restoration has been carried out over the centuries. In 1845 the chancel was repaired and a new stained glass window was presented by the Reverend Nares at a cost of £600.
In the top sexfoil the Ascension is depicted, below which are the two symbols of Christ, the lamb Restoration with Nimbus cross (the symbol of sacrifice) and the cross adorned banner (triumphant symbol of the Resurrection). Then there is a pelican feeding its young with its own blood (my blood is their blood). Lower are the symbols representing the Four Evangelists, winged man of St. Matthew, winged lion of St. Mark winged ox of St. Luke and an eagle of St. John.
There was a fatality during restoration work on the tower in 1850. Matthew Tumble fell from the cradle he was working from. A stone at ground level on the south side of the tower marks the spot where he fell.
In the six years from 1909 to 1915, the Rector (the Reverend George Brocklehurst) and his wife had some major restoration work carried out. A plaque on the south wall of the chancel tells us that the pews were taken out to repair the roof, plaster taken down from the roof, the floors covered with red and black tiles in the nave and rush bottom chairs were brought in for seating. This cost about £290.
Click here to view a larger picture of the Church Window
Treasures
The treasured possessions unfortunately now have to be kept in a bank vault. Of particular merit is the silver Elizabethan chalice, some six inches high and marked so as to date it as 1568-9. Matching this is a silver paten-cover engraved ‘Newchurch’ with the date letter for 1727-8, and another made in 1766-7. Another chalice and paten was presented in memory of the Reverend Benjamin Cobb, who was rector and Vicar until 1875.
There is also a 19th century brass alms dish resting on the piscine with a monogram of I.H.S. in the centre and the inscription ‘God Loveth a cheerful Giver’ around the rim.
In June 1966, the Rev. Nigel O’Connor received and dedicated a new processional brass cross in front of a large congregation. This was to replace the old wooden one and had been made by two local 15 and 17 year old brothers, Melvyn and Lance Beeching, at their school workshop and evening metalwork classes.
Brass Candlesticks © D.Chiverrell
Church Silver © D.Chiverrell
