St Michaels Peasenhall
History
The print on the south wall of the nave by Henry Davy of Ipswich
illustrates the church before it was substantially rebuilt in
1860-61. The print is dated 1845 and Whites Directory of Suffolk
1855 describes the church as “….small ancient edifice with a tower
and five bells”. Of the “ancient edifice” the only significant
parts that remain are the tower (15th century with the exception of
the upper portion which is Victorian) and the north porch which is
reputed to be 15th century all earlier.
Fortunately the major rebuilding of 1860-61 is well documented.
The church minute book for the period records the following :-
“May 22nd 1860. At a vestry meeting held this day for the
purpose of giving J W Brooke Esq. an opportunity of laying before
the meeting his plans for the restoration of the church; when that
gentleman stated that he was most desirous of restoring the church
according to the plans then submitted and of doing so at his own
expense whereupon it was proposed by the Revd. S Westhorp curate,
seconded by Mr Thomas White churchwarden and unanimously agreed by
the meeting that a vote of thanks be accorded him for his
liberality and that he be allowed to take all the materials arising
from the edifice towards its restoration.
Harrison Packard Incumbent
S M Westhorp - Chairman
Thomas White & James Josiah Smyth - Churchwardens”
Confirmation that the restoration was carried out is provide by
an entry in Kelly’s Post Office Directory of Cambridge, Norfolk and
Suffolk 1869 “Peasenhall. The church of St Michael is a handsome
Gothic building, principally of flint and quoined with stone; it
consists of nave, chancel, north porch and tower; through the
liberality and at the sole expense of J W Brooke Esq. of Sibton
Park, the nave and chancel were taken down and rebuilt in 1860 and
1861. At the same time the tower was repaired and heightened by
voluntary subscriptions”
Robert Dennis Chantrell (1793-1872)of London was the architect
of the 1860-61 restoration; construction was in the hands of Henry
Ringham (1806-1866) of Ipswich, who has been described as a master
joiner and carver whose speciality was roofs and benches; he worked
on a great many Suffolk churches. Henry Ringham was assisted by
Daniel Fulcher (1805-c. 1872), surveyor, of Lowestoft.
Alterations within the church have continued over the years. The
following extracts from applications for a faculty (consent)
illustrate some of the changes or additions that have occurred
:-
10th December 1894
“To replace the existing organ (in bad condition) with a new
organ and also to erect a gallery at the west end of the nave for
the purpose of placing the new organ there and for the
accommodation of the choir thereby giving extra seats in the
church”
The new organ was the gift of Ralph Alexander Mac Smyth a managing
director of Smyth and sons Ltd whose seed drill manufactotory
adjoined the south part of the churchyard. Clearly the seating
capacity of the church was insufficient notwithstanding that the
1860-61 rebuild had increased the nave by some ten feet.
18th September 1899
1) “to remove font from its present position in the tower of the
church…to a position in the west end of the nave”
2) “to move the pulpit from its present position in the centre
of the nave to the south end of the nave close to the wall of the
chancel arch”
These alterations also involved the rearrangement of some of the
seating. An estimate from Howard Bros. builders and contractors of
7 New Cut, Halesworth for the work described which include a new
base for the font, a new set of steps for the pulpit and a polished
brass rail and the resiting of a number of seats in different
locations within the nave, amounted to the sum of £18.10.0.
2nd April 1947
“To remove the organ from the nave to the balcony and to install
electric blowing apparatus”. Whether the organ was sited in the
gallery around 1894 as proposed is unclear. However, it is believed
that it was the Reverend E A Cooke (vicar of St Michael’s
1892-1925) had the organ resited to the north side of the nave near
the chancel wall, as he is reputed to have both officiated at
services and to have played the organ! The organ was made by Alfred
Monk of 550 Holloway Road, London.
8th February 1954
“To replace the existing pulpit with a new oak pulpit, in memory
of the late vicar Samuel Woodard Chorlton. Vicar from
1926-1945”.
5th June 1961
1) ”to erect an Old Oak Screen in 3 parts (14th cent. removed
from the Swan Inn, Peasenhall) in the Parish Church of
Peasenhall”.
The screen or panelling is the style known as “linen-fold”. Two
parts of the panelling are fitted in the sanctuary, with the third
section in the meeting room at the west end of the church.
4)”To install an Ancient Brass Alms Dish c. 1600 with the words
“To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of Robert Wemyss Symonds,
FRIBBA FSA of the Ancient House, Peasenhall, Dec 31 1889 – Sept 5th
1958”.
There is an interesting link between St Michael’s and St
Margaret’s church Lowestoft. The parochial church council minute
book for the period 1909-1952 contains the following entry for a
meeting on September 14th 1918:-
“Rev. Cooke reported that through Mr Thirtle a new alter had
been given to the church by the churchwardens at St Margaret’s
church, Lowestoft. It was proposed by Mr H Pepper seconded by Mr W
Nicholls and carried that a vote of thanks be sent to the
Churchwardens and Church Council for their gift”.
The Mr Thirtle referred to undoubtedly was Thomas Henry Thirtle
a Lowestoft man who for some years was Rector’s warden at St
Margaret’s church. He had married one of the Smyth family, the seed
drill manufacturers and from around 1919 to his death in 1938, he
was managing director of the company.
In 1912-3 the west end of the nave was utilised to create a
meeting room by the provision of a sliding / folding wooden screen
which replicates the linen fold design of the panelling from the
former Swann Inn. The project included extending the gallery (the
metal balustrade of the Victorian gallery was retained) and
providing toilet facilities. At the same time the font was
re-located to its present position on the south side of the
nave.
Like many churches St Michael’s has been altered and adapted to
meet changing circumstances and the needs of a particular time.
The above history is taken from the pamphlet - The Church of St
Michael and all Angels Peasenhall – a History and Guide.
The Methodist Chapel
Peasenhall Methodist Church was built in 1809 and opened by Dr.
Thomas Coke, the pioneer of home missions as well as of the work
overseas. Plans are under way to celebrate the Church’s
bi-centenary in May 2009.
Currently, Sunday Services are held at 11.00am, except for the
first Sunday in the month, when a Communion Service is held at
9.00am. Mid-week Communion Services have now commenced, being held
on the third Wednesday of the month at 10.00am.
United Services with the Parish Church are held on the fourth
Sunday of every month.
From time to time the Ladies Group arrange a morning of Fun,
Food and Fellowship, which include children’s activities,
fellowship for adults with quizzes and cup of tea/coffee, buffet
lunch and a short time of worship.
Since its extension and refurbishment in 1999, the Church room
is now being used regularly by various community groups. Monthly
lunches on the first Wednesday of the month are also held in the
Church room.
The support given to all fund raising events held at the Church
is very much appreciated. These also provide an opportunity for all
visitors and new comers to the village to come along and meet
Church members and a warm welcome is given to all. The fund raising
this year is going towards the cost of replacing the heating system
in the Church.
For any further information please telephone the
Minister, Rev. Mark Booth on 01728 830733, or the Church Council
Secretary, Dulcie Cole on 01728
660201