1882 – January – Mission Room opened in Smitham Bottom at a cost of £306
1886 – 8 November – Infant School opened in Smitham Bottom Mission Room at a further cost of about £29
1892 – ENTERTAINMENT. – A very pleasant entertainment was held at the Cane Hill Mission Room Infant School on Wednesday evening, November 23rd. It was intended as a public farewell to Miss Webb, the esteemed schoolmistress, who is leaving the school after six years of very praise-worthy and satisfactory work. The performers included Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Maddox, and Miss Starling, from the village, and the Rev. J. C. Crawford, Messrs. Beasley, Robinson, Starling, G. and M. Wood, and Stringer, from Cane Hill Asylum, the bandmaster of which, Mr. Muir, ably accompanyied. The comic songs…met with most applause, but all pieces were appreciated… In the interval the Rev. C. H. Coles…spoke of the regret felt by all at the loss of Miss Webb, who had given such general satisfaction, and was so deservedly esteemed. Miss Tucker, of Portnalls, then presented a handsome Singer sewing machine…as a small testimonial of regard for the retiring mistress. The latter returned thanks in a few hearty words, expressing her own regret at leaving, and pleasure in having such a…memento. The concert ended with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” by the…large audience.
26 November 1892 – Surrey Mirror
1893 – January – new infant school house erected in Smitham Bottom by Edmund Byron Esq. and the Mission Room altered into St. Andrew’s Chapel at a further cost of about £63
SUCCESSFUL CONCERT AT THE CANE HILL MISSION ROOM. – A very enjoyable concert was held at Cane Hill Mission Room on Thursday, May 4th. It was organised by the Rev. J. C. Crawford, Chaplain of Cane Hill Asylum, and carried through with his usual vivacity and skill. His recitations were most heartily appreciated… Mrs. and Miss Crawford sang with perfect accuracy and richness of voice in both solos and part songs. Miss D. Stride also won much applause by her skilful and tasteful violin playing. Mr J. Bowles’ euphonium solos were somewhat deprived of their effect by the want of accompaniment… Humerous and pathetic songs were supplied by Mr. R. Ryall and Mr. A. Adams respectively… The lately formed Village Choral Society rendered two glees, and considering want of practice were very successful. Mr. H. B. Sholl, organist of the Asylum Chapel…accompanied with precision and taste. Votes of thanks to Mr. Crawford and the other performers, and to Mr. Gardner, the station-master, who had given much useful assistance, concluded the proceedings. The room was quite full, and the sum taken was over £3. This will go towards the purchase later on of a piano for the room. The latter, it was announced, will shortly be called St. Andrew’s, after the opening of a chancel in it. This ceremony is to take place on Sunday next, May 14th.
Saturday 13 May 1893, Surrey Mirror
CANE HILL MISSION ROOM. – An interesting service was held here last Sunday evening, on the occasion of the re-opening after repairs and alterations, of the Cane Hill Mission Room. It was opened by the present Rector (Rev. Canon Stewart), on January 1st, 1892, and has since been in use for evening services and afternoon school on Sundays. It was also used for the past five years for an Infant School in the week, until a permanent brick building was provided for this purpose by the generosity of Edmund Byron, Esq., of Coulsdon Court. But now that school arrangements have not to be considered, the Rector has, very wisely, caused a chancel to be constructed in the room. This can be shut off by folding doors when not required, but will be available for the administration of the Sacraments, after the receipt of the Bishop’s license. The Rector himself officiated at the opening services and his appearance, after an absence of three years, at the Sunday evening service, was greatly appreciated. The rev. gentleman, in spite of increasing age, showed every sign of mental and moral vigour. He preached a very stirring and forcible sermon from St. Matthew II, 12. He pointed out the inestimable blessings offered by God to those who entered the Kingdom of Heaven. Yet the majority of men, even among professions Christians, ignored them. And they could only be obtained by those thoroughly in earnest. This earnestness was itself only to be obtained in answer to prayer. Hence the intense importance of constant prayer, private and public, especially at the season of Whitsuntide for the grace of the Holy Spirit. The service concluded with the singing of the well-known hymn, “What a friend we have in Jesus.” The harmonium accompaniment was played, as throughout, by the Rev. C. H. Coles, curate, who also took part in the service. During the singing of the hymn a collection was made, which amounted to £2 9s. Collections will also be made at Coulsdon Church, and at St. Andrew’s Chapel, as the room will now be called, on Trinity Sunday.
Saturday 20 May 1893, Surrey Mirror
HARVEST FESTIVAL. – Harvest thanksgiving services were held at Coulsdon Parish Church (St. John’s) and St. Andrew’s Chapel, Smitham Bottom, on Sunday last, when there were services at 11 am and 3.30 pm at the Parish Church and at St. Andrew’s Chapel in the evening… At the evening service in St. Andrew’s Chapel the Rev. C. H. Coles, curate of the parish, preached…. St. Andrew’s Chapel was very prettily decorated with flowers, fruit, and vegetables, sent by Mr. Tucker, of Portnalls, and by several of the neighbouring cottagers. The fruit and vegetables were sent the next day to the Croydon General Hospital. The collections were sent partly to the Church Missionary Society and partly to the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Society. Those at the Parish Church amounted to £13 10s. 8d., and those at St. Andrew’s Chapel to 13s. 6d.
Saturday 23 September 1893, Surrey Mirror
CONCERT AT S. ANDREW’S HALL, SMITHAM BOTTOM. – A concert was held at S. Andrew’s Hall, on Thursday evening last. The hall was fairly well filled, and the audience proved one of the most enthusiastic that it would be possible to get together, and the performers must be congratulated on the success which they gained. Amongst the ladies who came in for most applause were Miss Gilbert and Mrs. Crawford. The latter’s fine contralto voice was heard to great advantage in the “Better Land.” which she rendered with great feeling. Of the gentlemen, Mr. Morley was by far the most popular: his humourous songs evoking roars of laughter. The Choral Society gave a glee and chorus, which were both much appreciated. Mr. H. B. Sholl very kindly volunteered his services at the piano, and the admirable way in which he accompanied the singers deserves great praise.
Saturday 11 November 1893, Surrey Mirror
1894 – CONCERT AT ST. ANDREW’S. – A highly ?????-ful and enjoyable concert was given at St. Andrew’s, Coulsdon, on Thursday evening last, in aid of the funds for a new organ at the above place. Rev. J. C. Crawford arranged the programme, and contributed, as usual, largely to the enjoyment by his delightful singing. Mrs Crawford was the only female vocalist, but was quite sufficient to meet the requirements. The serio-comic and comic songs of Mr. Stuart Morley were also received with great appreciation. But the audience likewise gave a fair meed of praise to the tenor songs of Mr. Arthur Mortimer… The other vocal part was supplied by the village choir, who sung a glee with much spirit, and led the National Anthem at the close. Instrumental solos were played on the violin, flute, and clarinet, by Messrs. W. and G. Wood and Jordan respectively, and their quartette with Miss L. Crawford on the piano was also much admired. A word of praise is also due to this lady’s accompaniment, which showed much skill and judgment…
28 April 1894, Surrey Mirror
1903 – RECTOR’S NEW YEAR’S ADDRESS
The Rev. H. Granville Dickson in his address to the parishioners, remarks upon the circumstances and the needs of the parish. The area is 4,198 acres, a very extended area in itself, but the size is not the only or perhaps the main difficulty of working the parish satisfactorily. The difficulty rather arises from the fact that the increase of population is coming at the borders, and that in consequence there are now five distinct groups of houses, to three, at least, of which additions are continually being made. The Smitham Bottom district is the oldest and most important of these. It comprises 140 houses, with a population which cannot be less than 700. Between Reedham Corner and the Purley boundary on the Brighton-road there has sprung up, within the last three years, a second district, the centre of which will be found in Ellen Avenue, a single road, which contains over 70 houses, for the most part already occupied. A third district is that which gathers round Little Roke Avenue, between Purley and Kenley on the Godstone-road, a large increase to which may shortly be expected, now that a second parallel road has been formed and is already securing its own fringe of houses. The fourth district is that of which the upper part of Hayes-lane may be regarded as the centre, and which extends in a kind of parabola from the level crossing leading to Little Roke Avenue, with an excrescence in the direction of Firs Road, as far as Waterhouse Farm and Kenley. The fifth district – that of Coulsdon proper – may be described as extending from the southern side of Coulsdon Common, on the Caterham border to Stoat’s Nest Farm, with the Parish Church as its centre. This and the subsidiary districts of Old Lodge Lane and Hooley, are virtually stationary with regard to papulation. Such are, roughly, the conditions of the parish, conditions which the position of the Rectory – three-quarters of a mile from the church, two miles from Smitham Bottom, two and a half miles from Ellen Avenue and Little Roke respectively – tends to complicate yet further.
Mr. Dickson next refers to the provision for supplying the means of grace to this large and scattered population. First, of course, there is the Parish Church (St Johns), with all its venerable and hallowed associations, on which some of the most distant residents are the most regular worshipers. But there is only accommodation here for 225 persons, and if but half the parishioners were to clain their rights there they would fill it ten times over. At Smitham Bottom we have St. Andrew’s Mission Room, recently enlarged to accommodate a congregation of 250, a building largely appreciated, and in fact invaluable, as well for services as for Sunday School and numerous classes. In Hayes-lane we have St. Peter’s Hall, much smaller indeed, but very useful for Sunday School and classes, and for Sunday and week-day services in Advent and Lent. So far for what is complete. Further, in Little Roke a site for a third Mission Schoolroom has been secured, and over £400 raised for the building, while on the Brighton-road, with a view to serving the needs of Smitham Bottom and the population which is growing up between there and Purley, Mr. Vernon Watney has granted a site of half and acre for a church conditional on half the money for the building being raised within a certain period.
This says the Rector, describes our position in material things……….
To those living on Farthing Down, Smitham Bottom, and in the Brighton-road, I would especially commend the new church. It is for their convenience, and in the belief that a church would prove a great blessing there, that the site has been asked for, and so generously granted. I purpose shortly to call a meeting of the residents in the district, with a view to forming a committee and concerting plans for gathering funds.
Tuesday 13 January 1903 – Surrey Mirror
1905 – CHOIR SUPPER. – On Thursday last a choir supper was held at St. Andrew’s church, Smitham Bottom. The chair was taken by the Rev. Granville Dickson, and Mr. Bowmer was thanked for his kindness in collecting the necessary funds.
Friday 17 February 1905 – Surrey Mirror
The Easter season was well observed in this extensive parish, with its fast growing population. On Good Friday services were held in the morning and afternoon at the Parish Church and in the evening at St. Andrew’s Mission Room, Smitham Bottom, and at Roke Mission Church………
We hope very shortly to have a definite announcement to make as to the new church which is to take the place of St. Andrew’s Mission Room, and serve a district which will also embrace portions of the parishes of Woodmansterne, Beddington, and Carshalton.
Friday 28 April 1905, Surrey Mirror
Coulsdon Parish Council (usual monthly meeting, Commemoration Hall, Kenley)
COULSDON AESTHETICS.
Mr. Sell proposed that the name of Smitham Bottom should be altered, but not to Coulsdon. Coulsdon was a place of but few inhabitants, and this Council would bring down curses upon its head in the next generation if it applied the term Coulsdon to Smitham Bottom. At the same time the name must be changed. “Smitham Bottom” did not sound nice. Would it not be better to call it Smitham “Greenside”? Mr. Storey thought they had no power to alter the name. The Post Office had already altered it to Coulsdon so far as letters were concerned. “Smitham Bottom” was only a nickname. Mr. Gilbert knew that one result for calling it Coulsdon was that people who wanted to go to the “Bottom” went to the hill instead. He did not think Smitham should be altered, but it would be of more propriety to call it “valley” instead of “bottom.” – Mr. Storey must put both gentlemen right; he could not understand anyone being such an idiot to go wrong. The station was called Coulsdon, and if tourists did not like to ask their way that was their fault. – Mr. Bowmer reminded them that a new ecclesiastical parish was springing up, and a name was wanted for it. Why not call the whole of the district “Stoat’s Nest,” which would be a very fitting name. – Mr. Storey objected to public advertising (laughter). – Mr. Bowmer and Stoat’s Nest, was known from time immemorial, and they did not want so much of Smitham Bottom. Some of them would have the “Bottom” stretch right away to Croydon. Mr. Storey thought they were ignorant of the etvmology of the “Bottom.” Originally it was “Mr. Smith’s Bottom,” because he lived in the Bottom. – It was decided, after much careful discussion, that the Postmaster-General be asked not to change Smitham Bottom to Coulsdon, but to Coulsdon Valley. The resolution was lost.
Friday 7 July 1905 – Surrey Mirror
CHANGE OF NAME. – It will be remembered that at the last meeting of the Coulsdon Parish Council it was suggested that another name should be selected for Smitham Bottom, and that Coulsdon was objectionable. Rumour has it that the only change which will be acceptable to the authorities will be a return to “Smitham.”
Friday 21 July 1905
Coulsdon Parish Council
A LIVELY MEETING – SHALL THE HISTORIC NAME OF COULSDON BE LOST?
The Postmaster-General wrote, saying that having received many complaints, he was now prepared to alter the names of the Post Offices. At present the one at Broadmore Green is called by that name, and the one in Smitham is termed Coulsdon. It is now proposed to give back the name of Coulsdon to the one at Broadmore Green, and to call the new one Smitham. – Mr. Storey felt very strong about this. He had a decided objection to the change. It was a wrong thing for a few people to get up this pettifogging agitation. The majority of the inhabitants of Broadmore Green could not write a letter. There were only about six houses there altogether, including the Rectory. At Coulsdon there were any number of shops and the asylum. If Broadmore Green wanted anything, let there be a proper petition got up. The last petition was signed by a hundred, and he was quite prepared to get up another. Why should he and a number of other tradesmen lose 24 hours on their letters for a few people up at the top? He moved that the Clerk write and tell the Postmaster-General that in the opinion of this Council no further step should be taken. – Mr. Sell thought the Postmaster’s idea was a good one. He could not agree with Mr. Storey that Smitham should be called Coulsdon, and he had much sympathy with Mr. Byron and his family, who had lived at Broadmore Green for generations; and to have the name of his estate taken away and appropriated by a district miles away was distinctly unfair. – Mr. Storey thought Mr. Sell was not quite right. Why should they study Mr. Byron? Mr. Sell had talked about this change being good for the travelling public. If the travelling public chose to go about with their eyes shut they deserved to lose their way. – Mr. Gilbert said he would second Mr. Storey’s proposition. He did not agree with Mr. Sell that the name of Coulsdon should be appropriated by only a corner of the parish. Surely if there was such a thing as a greater London there should be a greater Coulsdon (murmurs of applause). – Mr. Sell moved an amendment that the Postmaster-General’s intention should have the support of the Parish Council. – Mr. Carter seconded the amendment. He did not think it was right for a handful of newcomers, directly after their arrival, to absorb the names belonging to other people, although he knew the new people thought themselves of greater importance (smiles). The grand old name of Coulsdon should be retained for Broadmore Green; the Rectory was there and the Court was there. As a matter of historic value it was important to keep to the old name. – Mr. Storey repudiated the idea of wishing to rob any old inhabitant of the name of Coulsdon, but the part he represented had always been called Coulsdon until Smitham came in. The principal post office was at Smitham and it was called Coulsdon, and most of the tradespeople had ordered their notepaper. Were they now to be called upon to throw away their notepaper for a few rich people? (applause). – The voting on the amendment was equal, and the Chairman gave his casting vote against. It was therefore lost. The original resolution was then put and carried by the Chairman’s vote, as before. – Mr. Sell asked that the Postmaster should be informed as to the voting. – Mr. Storey: I object! I object! It would be most unusual. – Mr. Harper: He will know the feeling of the parish by the petition.
Friday 8 September 1905 – Surrey Mirror
Coulsdon Parish Council
THE BATTLE FOR A NAME – THE POSTMASTER-GENERAL’S SINS
The Postmaster-General wrote to say that, in regard to the designation of the Post Offices at present known as Coulsdon and Bradmore Green, he hesitated to adopt the resolution passed recently by this Council. Weighty objections had been given against the present appropriation of the name Coulsdon by Smitham Bottom and there seemed to be strong reason for restoring the name of Coulsdon to Bradmore Green, and altering the name of the office at Smitham to something else. The Post-master understood that the recommendation that Smitham should still be called Coulsdon was passed at a sparsely attended meeting, and only by the casting vote of the Chairman. He wanted the Council to give him its opinions.
Mr. Storey thought as a business man the Postmaster-General should come down and make his own inquiries. An enormous expense had been incurred by the Smitham people. They had ordered large quantities of statonery to be headed Coulsdon, and he proposed that the Postmaster-General should find out through his detectives what the people wanted, and, if not, that a petition should be got up to inform him. All this inconvenience to Smitham was proposed for the sake of about 20 cottages at the other end of the parish. He and the County Council had both spent large sums of money on stationery, and this ought to be considered. Had the Postmaster-General been a man of his word this state of things would not have happened. He felt very strongly about this, in fact, was obliged to (hear hear).
The Chairman said he had consulted several people, and they all agreed that it was perfectly preposterous to make any alteration. He gave his casting vote in favour of Smitham being called Coulsdon because he knew the stationery for a large place like Canehill was a considerable item, and would have to be altered if any changes were made. This applied to others. Why should Mr. Tucker suffer the indignity of having his house called Smitham Bottom? He had written to the Postmaster-General saying that he would be willing to entertain him for the day if he came down, and to take him round the district.
Mr. Carter felt they were all forgeting that Coulsdon was the name of the parish, and he objected to any part of the parish monopolising it. He suggested that there should be Upper and Lower Coulsdon.
Mr. Sells was surprised to hear that Smitham had spent thousands of pounds on stationery. He was delighted to know that business was so good there. He thought Smitham might be called “Coulsdon Valley.”
Mr. Storey considered that Mr. Byron had no grievance. His letters were now addressed Purley, and he got them from there. To call Smitham a “valley” or otherwise would not better things. All the Postmaster now wanted was to get out of his difficulty, although in doing so a few people might suffer inconvenience. His (Mr. Storey’s) letters had gone astray, and they were of more importance than the Vicar’s. They were on business matters, whereas Mr. Dixon’s, like most clergymen’s letters, were no doubt simply requests for subscriptions.
The Chairman thought, before anything was settled, the Postmaster should send a man down to see things for himself.
Mr. Borer was born in Caterham Valley, and as he was in the Post Office there when a boy he happened to know all about the inside working and judging by the satisfactory way the term “valley” had served Caterham, he was convinced it would do for Coulsdon.
Friday 10 November 1905 – Surrey Mirror
In 1906 the post office changed the name from Smitham Bottom to Coulsdon
1906 – 1 June – Formation of a separate district of St. Andrew’s Church, Coulsdon, including portions of Beddington, Carshalton and Woodmansterne. The Rev. Francis H. Roberts placed in charge and St. Andrew’s handed over to him as temporary church.
1906-1920 – Vicar: Rev Francis Henry Roberts
Rev Francis H Roberts was born in 1870, came to St Andrew’s aged 36, left in 1920, and died in 1952. His wife Eileen was born in 1887 and died in 1946. They were instrumental in getting our church built and there is a commemoration in the Lady Chapel.
THE SITE OF S. ANDREW’S.
The statement in the July issue that the site of the present building was held on lease proves to be incorrect, but the freeholder, Mr. G. Tucker, met me most generously in the matter, and I hope to be able to announce shortly that a lease is actually in existence, with the option of purchase for a stated sum at the end of the time. It seems very probable that it will always be most helpful to hold this very central plot of land for parochial purposes.
THE CHOIR.
Will some gentlemen volunteer to join our choir? Both tenors and basses are needed. We have begun a determined effort to give more training to the boys, and just now more adult voices would be a timely help.
WANTS.
1.-An electro-plated Chalice and Paten of larger size than those at present in use.
2.-A brass Book-desk for the Altar.
3.-Fifty Bibles for the Sunday School.
4.-Hundred copies Hymns, A. & M. (words only).
Will anyone help us in one of these ways?
FRANCIS H. ROBERTS
From COULSDON PARISH MAGAZINE – SEPTEMBER 1906
THE NEW FONT.
At Evensong on Sunday, July 29th, the New Font was dedicated by the Rev. F. H. Roberts. A space had been set apart in the “south west” corner of the Church, and thither the choir proceeded before the service, hymn 242 being sung, and collects of dedication offered there. The church was quite full and the opportunity was taken to preach a sermon on the significance of Holy Baptism after the Evensong which followed.
The New Font is of fumed oak with removable basin, and was supplied by Messrs. West and Collier, London. It has been surrounded by hangings of dark green, and is a very great improvement to the Church.
THE FURNISHING OF THE CHURCH.
During this month a start has been made with our scheme of improvements. The structural alterations have been made, and the result is a great gain both in dignity and convenience. There is also a small gain in seating room in the nave. The woodwork is (at the time of going to press) still undecorated, but it is hoped that funds will be forthcoming to paint the interior of the Church. Meanwhile I have accepted a tender to both heat and light the building with gas, thereby abolishing the unsightly coke stove and the oil lamps at present in use. And of course, there are yet chairs, kneelers and cassocks and surplices to buy!
Funds have not been flowing in very fast, but our scheme is so very necessary and I feel so confident that help will be forthcoming, that I am making a venture of faith and proceeding with the work.
I gratefully acknowledge donations from Mr. J. Saltmarsh, Mr. and Mrs. White, Messrs. C. Meierhoff, J. Carpenter, B. Beckwith, J. Walters, E. H. Hecker, W. Geary, C Fischer, and Mr. and Mrs. Ebbutt. The amount at present contributed is £13 15s.
HARVEST THANKSGIVING.
The Harvest Services will be held on Sunday, October 7th. Gifts of flowers, corn and grpes will be gratefully received at the Church on October 6th, about 10.30 a.m., when it is hoped that many friends will join in the work of decoration.
It is asked that no fruit other than grapes, and no vegetables be sent.
FRANCIS H. ROBERTS
From COULSDON PARISH MAGAZINE – OCTOBER 1906
THE FURNISHING OF THE CHURCH.
I am glad to be able to report progress, under this now familiar heading.
There has been progress in the work – for the oil lamps and stove are no more, their place having been taken by incandescent lights and a gas heating stove. It is now possible to read easily all over the building, and the air is much purer at the Sunday Evensong……
But we are still a very long way from having the needed sum, and I earnestly ask those who read these lines and are interested to help. A sum of £40 is needed for chairs and kneelers; and the recent increase in our congregations, especially on Sunday nights, makes the provision of this new seating (which will accommodate 50 more persons) and all the more urgent need. It seems hard to have to tell would-be-members of the congregation, that there is no seat left for them.
FRANCIS H. ROBERTS
From COULSDON PARISH MAGAZINE – NOVEMBER 1906
THE HARVEST.
Special Services of Thanksgiving for the mercies of Harvest were held at S. Andrew’s, on Sunday, October 7th. The Church was prettily decorated with flowers, corn and grapes – a labour of love which was undertaken by Mrs. Chapman, Mrs. and Miss Ebbutt, Miss Mason, Miss Potter and Mrs. Roberts.
The congregation were excellent throughout the day and in the evening, despite the fact that the whole floor space was uncomfortably crowded, many had to be turned away for want of room.
The collections, which were given to the Furnishing fund realized £4 14s. 4d.
Our hearty thanks are due to the donors of the flowers, grapes and corn, and also to Mr. White, Hon. Sec. To the Workman’s Club, by whose kindness many additional chairs were placed at our disposal for the day.
A WANT.
Considering that at present the chants for the Psalms have to be “taught by ear,” all will agree that the boys and girls of the choir manage remarkably well. But we can never get them beyond a certain point without sufficient copies of the music.
Experience in other places tells me that the best and (in the long run) the cheapest way of supplying the need lies in the purchase of “Cathedral Prayer Books.” There, in one volume, is contained the words and music of everything to be sung at every service – excepting only, of course, the hymns.
Will anyone give us some or all of these books? About 30 are required, and each copy costs 4s. 6d. net. This means a heavy expense, but I am sure the abundant justification for the outlay would be seen within six months.
FRANCIS H. ROBERTS
COULSDON PARISH MAGAZINE – DECEMBER 1906
N.B. – From January 1st 1907, there will be a daily service at S. Andrew’s, and a sung Evensong every Wednesday, and on the Eve of every Festival, at 8.0 p.m. Full particulars will be given later.
THE FURNISHING OF THE CHURCH.
By the time that these lines reach our readers, the re-furnishing of the church will be (D.V.) an accomplished fact. The Re-opening Services being fixed for the Eve of S. Andrew.
The building has had to be in part re-floored, the walls have been re-varnished, and a dado of green to match the chairs has been painted. The other woodwork, the doors, windows, choir stalls, pulpit, &c., have all been treated in harmony with the general colour scheme, and the effect is very good. Outside, gutters and soak-aways have been provided, which it is believed, with the improved system of ventilation, will obviate the dampness which has been so marked of late. Cassocks and surplices have been provided for the choir, and last but not least, new kneelers have been purchased.
THE NEW MAGAZINE.
On and after January 1st, S. Andrew’s will issue its own magazine…..
In announcing this new issue, I desire to publicly acknowledge the real debt of gratitude we owe to the Rector of Coulsdon, for so generously giving me the use of this page for the past six months.
FRANCIS H. ROBERTS
1907 – S. Andrew’s (Coulsdon) Parish Magazine Vol. 1., No. 1. January 1907
Clergy.-Rev. Francis H. Roberts, S. Andrew’s Cottage, Coulsdon, Surrey
Reader (Honorary).-Mr. W. A. Kelk, Osgathorpe
Wardens.-Mr. A. T. Chapman, Trevista; Mr. W. Geary, 1, Argyle Villas
Organist.-Mrs. Weston, Hayes Lane, Kenley
Choirmen.-Messrs. H. Barton, L. Bearman, A. Bonwick, H. Bonwick, S. Bourne, P. Muir, R. Muir, and W. Wood
Choirboys.-B. Bayfield, E. Bonwick, A. English, J. Geary, H. Hayes, J. Hayes, F. Hill, H. Hill, G. Payne, G. Pogmore, I. Ratcliffe, E. Vaughan, and R. Wood
Caretaker.-Mrs. Bushell, 10, Cane Hill Cottages
Seats.-All the seats in the Church are free and unappropriated.
Music.-Hymns A. & M. and the Cathedral Prayer Book are used.
The church is open daily till 7 p.m. (or till dusk, if earlier) for Rest, Meditation, or Private Prayer.
S. Andrew’s Cottage, Coulsdon – Jan. 1st 1907
My Dear People,
A few words, first of all, to introduce this, the first number of our own Parish Magazine…..
It is only seven months today since we began our work together, but I thankfully chronicle that you have already furnished, re-lit, re-heated, and re-painted the Church and surpliced our choir.
Helpers in other ways have also come forward, and we are able to begin this New Year both with a staff of wardens and sidesmen, and with a greatly augmented list of district visitors.
Owing to our lack of a Parish Room, the only organisation we have been able to start is a Mothers’ Meeting – this by the kindness of the Trustees of the Workmen’s Club. But I know, we all hope and pray, that the provision of a Hall to serve as a home for further organisations will not be long delayed.
FRANCIS H. ROBERTS
REOPENING OF THE TEMPORARY CHURCH
On S. Andrew’s Eve, the refurnished, repainted, and in part reconstructed Church was opened by the Ven. The Archdeacon of Kingston.
On the evening previous twenty-one men and boys had been admitted into the Choir at a short Special Service, and these – vested now for the first time in cassocks and surplices – led the praises of a large congregation.
After Choral Evensong the Archdeacon, taking as his text S. John i. 40, spoke very warmly of the great improvements that had been carried out in the building…He thought it was as beautiful as a temporary Church could well be made, and he hoped that this “right spirit” would continue to band the worshippers together throughout the yet greater tasks which lay before them…
A Special Service of Dedication (authorised by the Lord Bishop of the Diocese) and a solemn Te Deum brought a memorable service to a close.
FRANCIS H. ROBERTS
A letter to my parishioners
……If I may suggest an object to which any Lent savings might very properly be given it would be to devote these to the Building Fund of the new Parish Room. For until that room is erected it is impossible for the work of the church in this place to go on efficiently. I shall be glad to supply Lent savings boxes to any parishioners who feel moved to try this Lent to save up a small sum for this or any other good object. A certified statement of the total amount thus sent in will be posted on the board in the church after Easter. But no details of the names or separate amounts contributed will be divulged either by myself or the auditor. This has been arranged not only in the interest of those who can give but little, but because sums put in by in the way of Lent savings should be as far as possible “in secret.”
Please remember, too, in this connection what I have said above about a frequent rule. The smallest possible sum set aside each day, or each week, means you are observing Lent. A lump sum put into the box just before it is handed back, is not at all the same thing, and it is the observance of Lent that I entreat, far more than any money that may be thus realised for church work.
Your sincere friend,
FRANCIS H. ROBERTS
THE PROPOSED PARISH ROOM
Good progress has recently been made in the scheme for providing a Parish Room for S. Andrew’s. Capital plans have been prepared by Mr. S. Knight, F.R.I.B.A., with a view to the fullest possible use being made of the vacant land behind the present church, and these have been examined with care by the Church Council, and provisionally accepted. A copy will be hung up at the west end of the church.
The building is designed to be built of brick and roofed with slate, the walls being 15-ft, 6-in. High to the eaves. The main room is shown as 48-ft. long by 27-ft. Broad, and as containing a platform at one end across the whole width. The main entrance is shown as through a porch on the north-east corner, and also on the north side are the lavatories, &c., and a classroom about 22-ft. By 13-ft., which a moveable partition will divide into two separate rooms when needed. On the south side an “emergency exit” is provided for.
The building thus planned would, for Sunday School purposes, accommodate a total of 325 – including platform and classrooms. For public meetings, &c., the number provided for would, of course, be less. The cost is estimated by the architect at £825, exclusive of the price of the freehold of the site, which is £175 – which price, by the kindness of Mr. Tucker – is only half the actual value of the ground.
A determined and sustained effort must be made if we are to raise this thousand pounds. Applications for grants in aid, both of the site-purchase and the building fund, have already been sent in to the South London Church Fund; and we are at present trying to put ourselves, technically, in a position to ask for a grant also from the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. But whatever help we may be fortunate enough to obtain in these ways, there will still be a (for us) very large sum to collect in and around the district.
As soon as we know more how we stand in this matter all the facts will be embodied in an appeal for funds, now in active preparation. A Bazaar in the summer is also in contemplation. It is hoped to give some further details about these things in our next issue; meanwhile let all our readers make up their minds to “put their shoulder to the wheel” when the time comes. Let them remember that the work of the church is being actually crippled now by the lack of such a building; let them remember also that the building, when provided, will be a permanent part of the plant of the parish, and that the course will then be clear to take up the question of the new Parish Church.
THE SITE OF THE PROPOSED NEW PARISH CHURCH
It will be known to our readers that the Rector of Woodmansterne gave much time and consideration to this question before the S. Andrew’s District was separated, and that his efforts resulted in the free gift, by Sir E. Durning Lawrence and others, of a plot of land situate in the Woodman Road.
Since this land was given and conveyed for this purpose to the Diocesan Trust, the growth of houses up the hill, and the decision not to abandon the present temporary church in the valley, have both pointed to the advisability of building the new church at a greater distance from the old one, than the site in Woodman Road. Thus a very difficult and delicate point arose, but the donors of the land and Rev. H. F. Hamilton met the suggestion of an exchange of sites with the greatest practical kindness. And their sanction having been obtained, the Charity Commissioners have consented to “consider a scheme” for the selling of the Woodman Road site, and for the application of the money thus realised to the purchase of another site, which has been provisionally approved by a Commission appointed by the Bishop.
The site now proposed being of a less area, the exchange would also mean the carrying over of a balance to the new church building fund.
If this scheme is carried through, inasmuch as the sale of the one site buys the other, we shall not fail to remember with gratitude, that both the new site and any balance in hand that there may be, we owe to the donors of the site in Woodman Road, through the active interest of the Rector of Woodmansterne.
ITEMS OF INTEREST
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL has been moved from the temporary church, the Workmen’s Club having kindly provided it with a home for the time being.
THE MID-DAY CELEBRATIONS OF HOLY COMMUNION will for the future be enriched by the addition of Hymns. A simple setting of the service is now being learnt by the choir, and will, it is hoped, be ready by Easter Day.
THE COMMUNICANTS at S. Andrew’s on Christmas Day numbered 75. This is a very encouraging figure.
THE SITE OF THE PRESENT CHURCH on the Brighton Road has now been conveyed to the Diocesan Trust to hold for us on Lease for fifteen years. Mr J. Tucker of Portnalls has granted the ground on very generous terms, and we are very grateful to him for his kindness. It is proposed to try to raise the sum needed to purchase the Freehold of this ground, and to erect a Parish Room upon it behind the present church.
PARISH MAGAZINE – MARCH 1907 THE CHOIR.-Two new boys, William Bryant and Edgar Potter, have been admitted. More adult members are badly needed. Will any Communicants volunteer for this interesting work?
PARISH MAGAZINE – APRIL 1907 THE PROPOSED NEW PARISH HALL
A detailed statement concerning this most important piece of parish machinery is in the press, and will be issued with an appeal for funds shortly after Easter. Meanwhile our readers will be glad to know that good progress has been made.
The Bishop has warmly espoused our cause, and writes under date March 9th:- “I fully feel the strength of the case which you have carefully put before me for the erection of a Hall on the site in the Valley, and if the freehold be obtained, I will recommend it to the Commissioners for a grant of £250, being the quarter of the total estimated cost, payable when the work is carried out and the rest of the money is in hand.
“I am heartily glad to help you in this way, and I hope that you will be warmly supported by many.
“I was greatly struck a few days ago, when travelling down to Reigate, by the extreme rapidity with which the extension of building is going on in your parish.”
To this great assistance through our Bishop we have to add a generous promise of £100 from Mr. Harry Lloyd, and also (beside the grant of £100 towards site purchase reported last month) the permission to apply for a further grant for building to the South London Church Fund.
We can thus see our way to about half the total cost of site and building. Laus Deo.
The question of the raising of the remaining £500 will have to be seriously tackled. The Church Council will have recommendations to make on the subject at the Easter Vestry meeting, when it is hoped that a goodly number of parishioners will be present.
NEW CARETAKER
At the meeting of the Church Council held on Friday, March 22nd, Mrs. Wood, of 20 Railway Approach, was appointed caretaker of St. Andrew’s. She enters upon her duties on April 1st.
PARISH MAGAZINE – MAY 1907
MY DEAR PEOPLE I thank you very much indeed for the handsome Easter offering you have given me. And may I add, that it was no small addition to the joy of the Festival to find 130 persons making their communion on this, our first Easter Day together?…
Your sincere friend FRANCIS H. ROBERTS
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER AT S. ANDREW’S.
…On Easter Day Holy Communion was at 7.15 and 8am, while at noon the first Choral Eucharist ever offered at S. Andrew’s was sung. At these services 130 persons made their Communion, and the other services were also well attended. The Easter offering amounted to £9 15s. 5d.
THE CHOIR – One thing that stands in the way of greater efficiency is the want of an adequate number of tenors and basses. Will no one volunteer to swell our ranks? PARISH MAGAZINE – JUNE 1907
S. SAVIOUR’s CATHEDRAL, SOUTHWARK
The Bishop…says “The Cathedral is, as I have already said in public, insolvent…..”
THE VENTILATION OF S. ANDREW’S
The sudden burst of hot weather on May 12th caused much inconvenience to worshippers at S. Andrew’s on that Sunday. Since that date, however, half the big “West” window has been made to open, and a new window has been cut over the Altar, at the other end of the building. By these means it is believed that efficient ventilation has been secured for the warm weather that is to come.
THE MUSIC AT ST.ANDREW’S
A great gain will result from the purchase of a two manual harmonium, with pedals, which has been obtained for a nominal sum. The instrument, which is not new, is at present undergoing a thorough cleaning and repair. The cost of the instrument, its renovation, and removal here (together with the price of some much needed Psalters and Hymn Books for the Choir) will amount to nearly £25…The new instrument will be used for the first time on Sunday, June 16th, when the newly appointed organist will begin his work at S. Andrew’s.
Coulsdon Parish
“SMITHAM BOTTOM”
Mr. Gilbert called the attention of the committee (Coulsdon Parochial Committee) to a finger post between Coulsdon Church and Smitham Bottom. He thought the wording upon it should be altered to Coulsdon-road, late Smitham Bottom in parentheses and small letters (laughter).
The Chairman observed that Mr. Gilbert wanted to show the people how to get to church.
Mr. Densham: Be content with the name, “Smitham Bottom.”
It was agreed that the arms upon the post should be altered as desired.
Friday 5 July 1907 – Surrey Mirror
PARISH MAGAZINE – JULY 1907 – THE MUSIC AT S. ANDREW’S
Mr. A.H.Barnes, late organist of Holy Trinity, Southall, has begun work as organist and choirmaster at S. Andrew’s; he is hoping to reside here in a few weeks’ time. The new instrument will be in place before these lines reach our readers, and the new choir books have been ordered. In response to the appeal for £21 3s. needed to properly equip our choir and obtain and repair the instrument, donations amounting to £17 have been paid or promised by the following kind donors:- Messrs. “W.B.B.”, J.Carpenter, A.T.Chapman, R.S.Meierhoff, “F.H.R.,” J.Saltmarsh and J.Tucker. The balance needed (£4 3s.) has been granted from the Cake Fair profits as stated above.
PARISH MAGAZINE – AUGUST 1907
MY DEAR PEOPLE…Now the largest charge upon our income is one of £25 per annum for organist and about £10 a year for choir expenses. Next comes the sum due for rents, made up as follows:-Ground rent (S. Andrew’s site), £7; rents of schools and club (for Sunday School), £11 14s.; total, £18 14s.; caretaking accounts for £13; gas and water cost £10 18s. 6d.; printing and postage cost £8; Sunday School expenses (not rent) reach £2 10s.; insurances cost £1 2s. 6d.; Communion wine will be used to the value of £1 13s.; repairs to building, etc., will probably cost not less than £5; and we may count on sundry other necessary outlays in small matters totalling up to about £6.
If these figures be added up it will be seen that the grand total of the yearly sum which the general offertory has to find is £101 18s…..
Sincerely yours, FRANCIS H. ROBERTS
THE CHOIR
Now that our new organist is in residence, and our new choir books are in order, it is much hoped that some more tenors and basses will see their way to join the choir…..kindly communicate with Mr. Barnes, who has come into residence amoung us at Lavant House, Chipstead Valley Road.
A MATTER OF INTEREST
We are glad to hear that a testimonial to the lately resigned organist, Mrs. Weston, is in contemplation. Messrs. L. Bearman and P. Muir are kindly acting as treasurers, and will be glad to receive contributions from any who may wish to join in offering to Mrs. Weston a little token of their esteem.
PARISH MAGAZINE – SEPTEMBER 1907 – SUNDAY SCHOOl TREAT
Monday, August 26th, will long be remembered by the children in our Sunday School. For it marks the new and welcome step of taking our youngsters over seven years old to the sea for their Summer Treat. Parading at Coulsdon South Station at 7.15 nearly 130 strong, the party – after a slow and somewhat unpuntual journey – arrived at last at Margate. Here, a rallying place having been pointed out, the children were set free to ramble where they would till 4.30pm. Then, after a capital tea served by a restaurant on the sea front, the children had another hour to wander, assembling at the station shortly after six p.m. for the return journey.
A good proportion of the teachers, and some of the parents, accompanied the children, and though the weather was not all that could have been desired, all seemed to spend a most enjoyable day.
PARISH MAGAZINE – FEBRUARY 1908 – ALTAR SERVICE
The time has come when it would be helpful to organise a band of Servers at Holy Communion. Hitherto this work has been performed entirely by our Honorary Reader, or (in his absense) by one of the choir boys. Now there must be a number of persons among our male Communicants who would value an opportunity of rendering help of this kind, and who would like, therefore, to claim this undenible privilege of the laity in the service of God….
THE CHOIR
By the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. A.T. Chapman, the boys of the Choir were entertained to supper at their house on Tuesday, January 11th. Fouteen boys did ample justice to the good things prepared for them, and spent the rest of the evening in games. During the evening songs were given by Mrs. Foster and Mr. Chapman, recitations by Mrs. Chapman, and conjuring tricks by Mr. C. Meierhoff. The boys all enjoyed themselves immensely, and gave hearty cheers for their host and hostess when departing for home at 10.30 p.m.
The girls of the Supplementary Choir had not been forgotten – they each received a gift from the same kind source on Christmas Day.
1909
CONCERT AT COULSDON. – On Wednesday a concert was held at St. Andrew’s Parish Hall on behalf of the Hall Furnishing Fund. The programme, varied, vivacious, and most attractive, had been kindly arranged by the Rev. J. C. Crawford and family. At the opening Mr. Reginald and Miss Margaret Crawford joined in a delightfully rendered duet, and was followed by a song, “A Jolly Old Cavalier,” by Mr. J. N. Crawford, a fine baritone, who afterwards gave “Three for Jack,” and received an encore. Miss Audrey Crawford, a pleasing soprano, gave “Sleeping Tide,” and “A Spring Song.” The humerous part was well represented by Mr. V. F. S. Crawford in “The tears rolled down his cheek,” and “The Sergeant of the Line.” Mr. Reginald Crawford sang with much expression, “Thora” and “I hear you calling me,” and was also encored. Miss Aimee Seale gave “My Treasure” and also indulged the audience with some graceful dances. As a relief Mr. Douglas Dexter gave some interesting “Problems in Magic.” Last, but not least, were the humerous and quaint stories contributed by the Rev. J. C. Crawford. There was a large audience, the building being crowded.
Friday 12 February 1909 – Surrey Mirror
A Lady Who Cannot Be Kept Down. CHARTERED AN AIRSHIP.
Miss Muriel Matters, known to fame as one of the ladies who chained themselves to the grille in the House of Commons gallery, chartered an airship – or, to be accurate, a dirigible balloon – on which she intended, armed with a megaphone, to travel the route of the Royal procession at the opening of Parliament yesterday, and entertain the crown with exhortations to support the demand for “votes for women.”
In its fulfilment, this ingenious programme fell somewhat short of expectation. At half-past one Miss Matters was duly hoisted into the basket of the balloon at Hendon, in the presence of a large crowd. She was surrounded by parcels of Women’s Freedom League flags and 56lb of handbills, and attached to the car were streamers 40ft. In length, with the ubiquitous inscription “Votes for Women.”
Things went wrong at the start, however. For almost half and hour the engines refused to work, and it was after two o’clock when the balloon, which was under the direction of Mr. H. Spencer, rose into the air. The flight towards London was rapid, but the wind was so strong that Westminster was passed at an altitude that caused Miss Matters’ streamers to go unseen and her megaphone unheard. She alighted at Coulsdon, near Croydon.
Miss Matters said she was not nervous at all… “I think we can say now we are well up to date,” she observed. “If we want to go up in the air, neither the police nor anyone else can keep us down, and if we could throw handbills we could easily throw anything else.” Miss Matters is an Australian.
Wednesday 17 February 1909 – Hull Daily Mail
Suffragette lands in Coulsdon!
In despair at the stalled progress of women’s emancipation, Emmeline Pankhurst, the widow of a Manchester physician, founded the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1903, the suffragettes. With a nose for publicity that would shame a Blairite spin doctor, Pankhurst moved the WSPU HQ from Manchester to London simply because stunts in the capital would get the notice of Parliament and the national papers. Henceforth London was to be Suffragette City. It was in London, especially, that suffragettes chained themselves to railings to publicise their cause. It was over London that, in 1909, Miss Muriel Matters sailed in an airship emblazoned with the legend Votes for Women. En voyage she dropped leaflets demanding suffrage. It was the first blitz. Sadly, the airship went off course, missed the House of Commons and landed in a tree in Coulsdon.
Miss Matters’s airship was almost symbolic. The WSPU also veered in a strange direction to become wreckage. Under Mrs Pankhurst’s dominating leadership, the WSPU moved from such non-violent tactics as Muriel Matters in an air ship to militant street theatre. Pankhurst discovered “the argument of the stone”, ordering the WSPU to chuck rocks at the windows of No. 10 Downing Street. There were mass arrests of suffragettes. Put in prison, suffragettes went on hunger strike, only to be force-fed, usually with rubber hoses via the nose. Tragically, one suffragette went mad because of this brutal administration of food. To avoid the martyring of suffragette hunger strikers, the Liberal government of Herbert Asquith introduced the Cat and Mouse Act, whereby hunger strikers were released before they died. As soon as they were well they were rearrested, ad infinitum.
John Stempel, Sunday Express, February 2014
1911 Census – Living at St. Andrew’s Cottage [6 Bramley Avenue] were:
Francis Henry Roberts 40 Incumbent S. Andrew’s Coulsdon, Chaplain of Surrey County Asylum
Eileen Mary Roberts 25 Wife
Mary Eileen Frances Roberts 4
Monica Lilian Roberts 5 months
Louise Emma Bedlow 23 Nurse (domestic)
Ivy Evelyn Mitcham 16 General Servant (domestic)There were 7 rooms in the cottage.
1913 – 13 October – The Lord Bishop of Southwark dedicates the site, and cuts the first sod…..
Built: 1911 – 14, extended 1962
Architect: F H Greenway & J E Newberry, extended by J Stammers
Listing: not listed. The Church is built on a site that slopes steeply to the south east, which allows an undercroft at the east end entered from ground level; the main, west door is at the higher ground level. The main body of the church remains much as built although it was extended at the west end in 1962 by John Stammers, forming a narthex with balcony seats above. The narthex in divided from the nave by a sliding-folding fully-glazed screen. Also leading from the narthex are an office and a stairway leading to the balcony above, and the sacristan’s store. Above the balcony there is a large timber-framed west window, double-glazed with clear glass units. The structure is of load-bearing brick construction with stone decorations and dressings externally. The roof is covered with plain clay tiles in a continuous, but double-pitched slope each side. The roofs of the tower, and the two 1963 western turrets are asphalted. The nave is separated by columns from aisles on both sides. The aisles are lit by tripartite windows with pointed heads and faintly tinted hand-made glass, in each bay. There is no clerestorey. There are two short transepts, less lofty than the nave. Both transepts have large “Gothick” traceried windows with three stone mullions and faintly tinted handmade glass. There are north and south doors. The south transept houses the baptistry, with stone font with timber cover. The chancel and sanctuary are conventional. The chancel is raised two steps above, and divided from, the nave by a low metal gated railing; it has tiered, raised choir stalls of timber. The sanctuary is raised one further step at the rail. The altar is raised upon three steps; it is of carved timber, and set against the draped reredos, which is surmounted by a full width painted panel showing 11 saints on a black background with gilt surround, the work of Sebastian Cooper (Comper??), W Butchard and Isolde Wigram in 1959-60. The east window above (and that of the Lady Chapel) are of decorated coloured glass, believed to have been designed by Arthur Bucknall, Sir Ninian Comper’s nephew and assistant, who also designed the pendant light fittings at the east end, all in the mid-1920’s. The Lady Chapel is on the north side of, and level with, the chancel and is approached from the north transept and the sanctuary. There is a similar metal railing to separate it from the north transept. The south-east corner of the church comprises a group of attached structures, in the arms of the chancel and south transept. A short, straight ambulatory, south of the chancel gives access to a semi-octagonal east stairway. This joins the three floors there, which contain a chapter room beneath the sanctuary, the choir vestry and a WC, all at lower ground floor; the vicar’s vestry and sacristy above; and the organ in a loft above the ambulatory, and the tower at first floor level. The architectural style of this part is late Art Nouveau, especially its fenestration. The vicar’s and choir vestries are within the tower’s structure that abuts the south transept. Above, there are two spaces, one containing the organ blower and the next above, general storage. The belfry, above again, contains a single, tolling bell in a timber bell-frame, and an access ladder to the roof. The roof has a battlemented parapet, a flagstaff and a cross, illuminated at night, which is a local landmark serving also as local reminder of the church’s presence. Southwark Diocese Website
Jo Richards - 01603 960171 