's now
probably approaches nearer to its original conception (if it does not,
indeed, surpass it) than it has ever done in recent times. Erected, as
it first was, in an age marked by "zeal" for church construction, even if
sometimes "without knowledge;" stimulated, perhaps in an unwholesome
degree, by the prevalent superstition and mariolatry, we yet feel bound,
considering the noble structures which those builders have transmitted to
us, (as Prior the poet says) to be "To their virtues very kind, and to
their faults a little blind." But, as to the restoration in the present
instance, few, save the older ones among us, who remember the condition
into which the fabric had lapsed, can realise the great changes which
were effected, or the advantages secured to present worshippers. The
space formerly wasted by a western vestibule, with its boarded partition,
and baize-covered doors, leading into nave and aisles, reducing by
several feet the length of sitting space; the basement of the tower shut
off, and occupied only by the bell ringers, who are now removed to the
chamber above; the chancel aisles unused for seats and partially blocked
up; the high square pews, rising in tiers westwards, roomy enough for
undisturbed slumber; above all, the heavy galleries, with pews, made by
faculty private property; all these arrangements so curtailed the
accommodation, that the congregation, at its best, could be little more
than half what it has been in recent years; while the _tout ensemble_,
not omitting the flat whitewashed ceiling, put up, it has been said, by a
kind lady, because the vicar, sensitive to cold, felt the draughts
through the fine wooden roof thus hidden above, had an effect the very
opposite of stimulating devotion, bad alike for minister and people.
Under the restored condition, with sixty additional seats provided in the
tower, the south chancel aisle also seated, and every available space
utilized, there is now ample accommodation for some 800 worshippers, and
on special occasions more than 1,200 have been seated (the late Mr. W.
Pacy counted about 1,250 passing out at the evening service at the
re-opening in April, 1861); while the services, and the surroundings, are
alike calculated to inspire feelings of reverence, with hearty
earnestness of worship; this is the result mainly due to the "decency and
order" effected through the care and self-denying efforts of the
restorers, for which all should be grateful.