The Church Index Part 2

CHRIST CHURCH, SOUTH KENSINGTON.

THIS church, which stands at the foot of the Victoria road, might have been much better placed, so as to be seen in perspective, which indeed its near appearance would warrant. Its fair and well-proportioned tower and spire would then have formed a striking object, and might have been visible even from Kensington-gardens. Could it be lifted out of the pit in which it seems to nestle at the dark end of a road which is no thoroughfare, and out of its unsightly surroundings in Cornwall-gardens, it would be an immense benefit to the mere appearance of the building.

The building in itself is generally very simple, but not without effect.

It is built of ragstone with bath-stone dressings, and covered with slate. The enclosure is nicely planted, neatly kept, and fenced with dwarf walls. Internally the church is unimposing. The nave and aisles are surmounted by a heavy-looking but plain roof-without clerestory lights. The tower s.p.a.ce on the north side of the chancel, is occupied as an organ chamber. The chancel is quite plain and without aisles. In the windows, which are of good design and filled with gla.s.s of geometrical patterns, there is an absence of stained gla.s.s and decoration; which in reality the church requires, to relieve that tame and cold look, which some day might be slightly altered with advantage. A large gallery at the west end does not tend to lighten the interior aspect of the church; nor do the exposed heating pipes, which it would be better to conceal from view. The font, pulpit, and pewing are of plain design, and the pa.s.sages are paved with red and black tiles, laid diagonally. Christ Church is a chapelry of ease to the parish church of St. Mary Abbotts, Kensington, or rather a trust chapel, served by the Venerable Archdeacon Sinclair, Vicar of Kensington. It was opened and consecrated July 23, 1851, by Bishop Blomfield. The present officiating ministers are the Rev. W. Wright, the morning and evening preacher, who has been curate since 1855, and is now termed the "senior curate." The Rev. E. T. Carey is the second curate and afternoon preacher, and entered upon his duty in 1869. Both ministers are much esteemed; and from the impressions of our visit the estimation in which they are held is well founded. Mr. Carey read the prayers and lessens in good voice, and with an evident mental appreciation of their religious sense and application. Mr. Wright officiated in the Communion Service and preached the sermon. His voice is penetrating, if not full, and leaves the most dull-eared without excuse. His sermon was an able and faithful exposition of Psalms 142 and 4th verse-"Refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul." The distinction between the circ.u.mstances of the Psalmist and his times and our own was finely drawn. In the former case every incident of temporal life-adverse or favourable-was interpreted as a certain indication of the Divine favour or displeasure. With us it was not so much so. We had in general every spiritual advantage; although there were yet some, as at the East-end of London, who, from the scarcity of religious provision, might still say, "No man careth for my soul." In short we quite thought we were listening to a charity sermon; and after so touching an appeal on behalf of the spiritually dest.i.tute, prepared ourselves for a collection.

Mr. Wright, however, has our best thanks for touching in so delicate a manner a very sensitive chord in our moral nature.

The chapel is capable of holding 700 persons, and there are less than 100 free sittings; but although it was supposed to have not only its own, but also many of the congregation of the parish church-which is closed for re-erection-it was by no means full. It is hoped, when the central church is completed and reopened, it will have a good effect in the locality, and help to supply the dependent church with an adequate congregation. We have known churches and chapels in the worst situations, under special influence, to be filled with devout worshippers; but they are occasions too rare. Would that we could see them more frequently! One remark made by the preacher in speaking of the need of churches at the East-end was much to the point. It was to the effect that it would be useless to build churches unless there were efficient ministers to carry on the service and occupy the pulpit. Mr.

Wright appears to have reflected long enough to learn that the greatest problem of the day is, after all not how churches may be built, but rather how, when built, they may be suitably and successfully served.

Here is a good organ under the care of Mr. Brain, of the Eldon-road, but no choir. It is, therefore, purely congregational singing a.s.sisted by the organ.

ST. MARY'S, WEST BROMPTON.

THE Church of St. Mary, West Brompton, from its position in the centre of the Boltons, can be seen from many points of view to great advantage. It is in the decorated Gothic style, and is an exceedingly good specimen of the Revival of Gothic architecture, having been built some fifteen years ago. Built in the shape of a cross, its tower and spire rise at the intersection of the nave, chancel, and transepts, and are in excellent proportion. The spire is octagonal, and is terminated at its junction with the tower by a pierced parapet with angels at the angles. The octagonal portion of the tower is continued downwards below the tower lights, when it becomes square, with corbelled angels at the four corners. The west front is well designed, and surmounted by a corbelled bell turret, in which hang the only two bells the church possesses, though there would appear to be ample room in the empty tower for a chime. The ragstone of which the church is built, with Bath stone tracing and dressings, has now enough of age to give a softened look to the exterior generally, and the young spring foliage and well-kept surrounding gardens lend their aid to make a rather pretty picture.

Internally the church is effective, especially the view from the west end; but the absence of the usual nave arcades and aisle give a long, narrow look to the church, and take from the idea of its size, as at this point the transepts cannot in any way be seen. The nave roof is heavy, and the apostle corbels that support it too large and too near the eye to be in good taste. The choir stalls have lately been extended westwards under the tower s.p.a.ce, and the pulpit, of very peculiar design, being more properly a rostrum, though by no means unsightly, stands at the north side of the nave arch, and a recently-erected gallery across the north transept contains the organ. The small vestry is at the north-east angle of the church. The chancel has lately been redecorated and made to agree with the usual arrangements of the Anglican school of worship. The stained gla.s.s in the east windows is poor, representing the Ascension some geometrical patterns fill some of the other windows, likewise of a very poor character. The pewing is very plain, and the pa.s.sages are paved with tiles. The stone font is large and very well executed. The church, as we before said, is a Revival church, and as such it would be unfair to criticise it too much; but, on the contrary, much praise is due to the architect, Mr. G.o.dwin, for giving so fair a specimen of Gothic work when the art was at so low an ebb.

[Picture: St. Mary's Church, The Boltons, West Brompton]

The performance of Divine worship at St. Mary's is decidedly of the High Church order, with a Ritualistic tendency. In this it differs from what it was under Mr. Swaile, the first minister of the church, and even under Mr. Pearson the second. The present vicar, the Rev. W. T. Du Boulay, M.A., has been there about two years, and during his time a constant Higher tendency has been observed. This has been traceable in the large increase of public services and Eucharistic celebrations. The latter takes place every Sunday morning at eight, and on every alternate Sunday at the eleven o'clock service as well. After Lent we understand a still further increase was intended in the number of these in ordinary. During Lent and other great festivals there is a celebration every morning at the early service, on Good Friday two, and on Easter Sunday three. Apart from this, the whole aspect of things in the chancel looks towards Ritualism. Thus, for instance, the Communion-table, or what High Churchmen call the "Altar" or "Altar-table," is surmounted by a large gilt cross, which from its exceeding brightness forms a most conspicuous figure-also two large candlesticks, and other l.u.s.trous objects. The cover is of deep violet, trimmed with white, and all the moveable furniture, even to the cushions of the chancel, desks, and pulpit, are of the same-this being the colour used by the High Church party during Lent.

The choristers number over thirty, and are led in procession to the choir, the people all rising as they and the clergy enter. The vestments are a surplice with the ca.s.sock underneath, and visible below the knees; and in addition, the clergy themselves wear the usual sign of degree. No change of dress is made for the pulpit. The Curate-the Rev. Arthur Veysey-intones the prayers, in, we may say, the most perfect style we have yet heard out of a cathedral. His voice is sonorous, and he has cultivated the manner of intoning to a high degree. He has certain little varieties, too, of his own, which render such a method of performing worship as pleasant as it can be. Thus the note is altered in the absolution, and the voice dropped to the lowest tenor, and at the same time quickened; and then again at the Lord's Prayer a strong ba.s.s is put on in a low key. In like manner the Collects were sung quickly in an undertone. At every mention of the Saviour's name, whether in the prayers, the _Gloria Patri_, creeds, epistle, or gospel, the reader bowed. And as in the latter it was often named, the frequent bowing of the head must have been a great task; for in this case the Curate read the gospel as well as the epistle, pa.s.sing in the act from one side of the chancel to the other. The Vicar read the lessons well and distinctly, and preached the sermon. On entering the pulpit the customary invocation was not used; but, standing erect and glancing eastward, the preacher simply uttered the words, "The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost," and at once proceeded. Too little, to our minds, was made of the sermon; it was a short homily in the midst of the service, very good in its way. It consisted largely of exhortation, found on Phil. ii.

3, in which the Saviour was presented as an example of pa.s.sive and active obedience, and some very practical remarks were made. Quietly useful this style of preaching may be when based on pure Gospel doctrine and view; but it is one from which the old power and higher effect of the pulpit are absent. A novelty, at least to us, occurred in this service.

Instead of the usual hymn on the minister entering within the Communion rail, another form is adopted, called the "Introit," which is a selection of Scripture adapted as much as possible to the day, and sung as an anthem by the choir. To our modern ears the Introit is new; but it is in reality an old thing, in this and some other instances revived. In the first Prayer-book of Edward VI. there is a psalm, containing something proper to the day, printed before every collect, epistle, and gospel.

This, from being sung or said whilst the minister made his entrance within the rails, was called _introitus_ or _introit_. There is, therefore, an ancient reference in the adoption of this form; and by adoption of the name as well as the form, the Vicar of St. Mary's betrays a certain mediaeval direction in church matters. It is, in our opinion, far from an improvement. The "Introit" is a poor subst.i.tute for the devotional hymn, in which all the congregation can join, and which has no particular reference to the minister's bodily movements.

There are connected with this church, a National School, situated in the Chelsea-grove, Fulham-road, and a Sunday-school, containing about one hundred scholars; and it is a pleasing circ.u.mstance that the ordinary afternoon service on Sunday is given to the children, and is called the "Children's Service," consisting of the Litany and catechising. There is also a lending library in the schoolroom, where books are given out and exchanged every Monday between twelve and one o'clock, the subscription being only one penny per month. There are District Visitors, and a "Mother's Meeting" is held at the Vicarage on Mondays from 3 to 5 P.M.

There are also a Maternal Charity, Coal, Clothing, Shoe, and Blanket Clubs, and even a "Guild" or a.s.sociation for servants. It is clear that the Rev. Mr. Du Boulay has laid himself out for extensive influence and usefulness, and, there is no reason to doubt, in all Christian sincerity.

But there are certain forms and ecclesiastical signs about his church arrangements which in many minds cause fear, lest his zeal should not in its effects prove to be of the purest Evangelical character. We regret this very much, as the impression on our own minds of his personal spirit was most favourable. It is of course within his power to remove anything from before his congregation that tends to impair his usefulness.

Experience will, no doubt, suggest to him that the Ritualistic line, or, what is really the same, the High Church, is not that in which a clergyman can now be so religiously useful as we are convinced Mr. Du Boulay desires to be. He has daily matins at 8 A.M. and evening song at 5 P.M., choral celebrations at great festivals and on the third Sunday in every month; and the Litany on Wednesdays and Fridays at 11 A.M. The musical arrangements for Easter Sunday, were very extensive and elaborate, and the music entirely Anglican. Less singing, more genuine prayer, with able and earnest preaching, would, as many think and feel, be a vast improvement in the services of this church. The choir is a partly paid one; and the organist, Mr. b.u.t.tery, of 173, Piccadilly, is highly esteemed both by the clergy and congregation, and no less so by the choir over which he presides. There are 720 sittings, 220 of which are free. There are no endowments; the church and services are supported by pew rents, valued at about 350_l._ per annum, and by the offertory, which raises about 440_l._ per annum. The numerous charities and the schools, together with the Water-side Mission a.s.sociation, and one in aid of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, all have their distinct funds and resources; not at present to any large extent, but all capable of extension. There is a strong band of district visitors-consisting of fourteen or sixteen, chiefly ladies, with a few gentlemen, to whose care as many districts are allotted.

One of the most remarkable things connected with St. Mary's is what the vicar has called the "Guild of St. Michael," an a.s.sociation for female domestic servants, the object of which is stated to be to help and comfort "those who are striving to get their own living and to do their duty." Among the terms of admission are: A year's good character from last employer; that they be monthly communicants; that they engage to add to their morning and evening prayers a _short prayer_ which will be given on admission; that they regularly deposit in a savings bank; that on the feast of St. Michael and All Angels they send back their cards of admission and receive fresh ones, and promise not to attend fairs, races, dancing, or music-halls. The privileges held out to secure obedience to this unique code are that at an annual meeting "refreshments will be provided," a monthly paper to be sent to each, the benefit of a registry and the society's recommendation for situations; a temporary home when out of place for a small weekly payment and a small added interest to their yearly savings. The intrinsic idea of all this is excellent; but why revert to the antiquated name of "Guild," and why connect it with the feast of "St. Michael?" This veneration for saints' days and festivals, of which the Vicar of St. Mary's appears enamoured, is a mere relic of Popery, nay, very much a relic of old heathenism. It is this bent towards the obsolete and discarded, with the general tendency to ornament and formality in worship, that we fear will damage, if it does not entirely destroy the real good that might otherwise result from the multifarious labours undertaken by Mr. Du Boulay and his colleagues. The sooner these matters are looked carefully at in the light of Protestant sentiment and feeling, the better will it be for the church in the Boltons, and all the interests circling around it.

THE PRO-CATHEDRAL, KENSINGTON.

THE Roman Catholic Church of _Our Lady of Victories_, commonly called the Pro-Cathedral, situate in Newland-terrace, Kensington, is a very fine, yet simple structure in early English style of Gothic architecture; but is so hidden by the houses behind which it has been placed that the real effect of the building is lost, and one can therefore only make a guess at the probable general appearance. The building is sufficiently lofty, however, to be easily seen from a distance, and its high-pitched and crested roof, with miniature angled and decorated spire, breaks up the sky line somewhat pleasingly. Upon closer inspection the north front (the church is built N. and S.) possesses some very excellent detail.

The centre doorway is double, recessed and handsomely treated with polished granite shafts, and the doors are surmounted by a seated figure of the Saviour. The b.u.t.tresses with ancient pinnacles are effective, and the general treatment of this front, though executed in simple brick and stone, is very bold. The architecture of the interior is also very boldly treated, and even more than the outside is strikingly plain-one might say white. This is accounted for by the absence of stained gla.s.s and coloured decorations of any kind, a defect which we understand is now about to be remedied. There are six altars besides the high altar.

Looking up the nave towards the latter, the effect is certainly very good, and the polished granite columns and carved stone caps surmounted by the lofty arcade and clerestory and simple roof together make up a very excellent interior. The chancel is apsidal and has a groined ceiling, and is lighted by a very plain window on each side of the apse.

The aisles are interspersed with the altars and confessionals, and the altar to the Virgin has an elaborate reredos, over which are various figures, the centre one being, as the Roman Catholics say, "Our Lady."

The organ, a very fine one, is mounted on granite columns at the north end of the nave, and is approached by a rather awkward open and spiral staircase, and the columns are confusing, which we do not think adds to the good effect of the church. The font is very nice indeed and carved in relief; on the four sides are the emblems of the Evangelists; it has a handsome oak cover, but, like the building itself, is lost in a corner.

The benches are very plain, and the aisles are intended to be filled with chairs. The pulpit is enormous, and we must say unsightly; and the gas standards, like the pulpit, strike one as being too large, and appear to offer great obstruction to sight and sound.

The movement for a new Roman Catholic Church in Kensington began about six years ago, on account of the small dimensions of the former chapel in Upper Holland-street. The area of the latter was 71 ft. by 21 ft., that of the new church 144 ft. by 58 ft., making a difference of 6,861 square feet area; and the architect, J. Goldie, Esq., has made good use of the s.p.a.ce at his disposal. There are 820 seats, of which 180 are free. The pews in the centre have 470 seats; the sides are occupied by chairs, and those on the right are free. By an extension of the same system, the church can accommodate about 1,100 persons. The works were commenced in 1867, and the church opened on July 2nd, 1869. The total cost, including the organ, is about 27,000_l._ Of this a considerable portion remains as a debt; which circ.u.mstance will prevent a most desirable improvement in the entry from the main road for some time to come. At the opening Dr.

Manning made it his _Pro-Cathedral_-_i.e._, the church which he would use instead of a cathedral, until his own should be finished. The enterprise has been much a.s.sisted by the Very Rev. Mgr. Capel, the Travelling Chaplain of the Marquis of Bute, and the present princ.i.p.al priest of the church. The other clergy attached are the Rev. R. F. Clarke and the Rev.

James O'Connell.

Intending to visit the church on Easter Sunday morning, we made a preliminary visit on Sat.u.r.day afternoon. Although busy preparations were going on for the great ceremonial to follow, it was open for worship; and during our stay, from five to half-past six P.M., a considerable number came and went for prayer and confession, sprinkling themselves with the _holy water_ from the vases both on entering and retiring, and bowing the knee towards the high altar. The majority of the comers were females, many of them young; but not a few older women, and some both young and old of the other s.e.x. Those who intended confession gathered near the "confession boxes," of which there are two. The one most in request was that on the east side, occupied, as confessor, by the Rev. Monseigneur Capel. The other, on the north side, was held by the Rev. Mr. O'Connell.

A number of young persons on their knees awaited opportunity near the former and some near the latter. The box or cell known as the Confessional is a small wooden structure, fixed against the wall, having three niches concealed by curtains. In the centre one sits the confessor, his surplice being just visible where the curtains should join over the dwarf door; and on either side a niche into which the penitent enters, communicated with by the priest through a grated aperture. The visitor gently taps at this, and the confessor listens to hear the whispered complaint, and whispers back his reply, his queries, his comfort or admonition. Most that entered within the curtain were young women, apparently of the servant cla.s.s, but to this there were a few exceptions, and in one instance a young man entered. As we tarried a great lady came, closely followed by her footman in powdered wig. It was the Countess of -, known in West-end circles during the London season.

She has a handsome presence, and entered the church with a cheerful, beaming countenance. Addressing an instruction to her servant, he went to a small side chapel near the chancel, and soon returned with a young dark official in a dingy ca.s.sock, who might have been taken for an ardent Carmelite under all the depression of protracted fasting and bodily neglect. To him the Countess gave a note or a card, which he deposited with Mgr. Capel at the Confessional. Shortly both priests left their boxes and walked up the centre aisle to the side chapel, the Countess following. In about fifteen minutes they returned, and the lady took her departure. She was much altered in countenance, looking sad and discomposed.

On Easter Sunday-the great day of all the days in the year with the Catholics-at eleven A.M., commenced the performance of High Ma.s.s, and Archbishop Manning, as announced, was present, and preached the sermon.

The church was well attended, but not crowded. There was no rush to obtain the "shilling" or "six-penny" seats, and a large number remained unlet to the end. This charge for the seats probably kept many out; but it is understood to be a necessary measure, in consequence of the heavy debt on the place, the large current expenses of the services, and the general poverty of the people. In the congregation were several notabilities; and far up towards the chancel the white hair and expressive features of Mr. Bellew, the well-known dramatic reader, were visible. He was until recently a clergyman in the Church of England, and is now a layman in the Romish Church at this place. It was impossible to repress a reflection on the score that the public reader in the pew and the princ.i.p.al actor in the scene were both during the better half of their days ministers in the Protestant Establishment. The first view of the ceremony revealed a crowd of priests and ma.s.s attendants variously arrayed and employed. One faced the altar at a little distance, swinging a censer vessel, to the time and motion of the pendulum of a clock.

During the ceremony he appeared several times in the same position and act. A number, grouped round the Archbishop on his throne, having a gorgeous canopy and draped in scarlet and amber, were very busy in adjusting their vestments. The movements, to the uninitiated, might seem a simple toilette operation, but were really part and parcel of the ceremony, every one having a symbolical allusion to the events of the commemoration. Even the style and colour of the dresses were charmed by occult references, not traceable to the outsider. Taking off the Archbishop's mitre and replacing the tall cloven covering on his head, which occurred several times, was a great formality, performed by a priest with the most tender and reverent care, all the others devoutly witnessing. The rising and stepping forth of the Archbishop, with his huge silver crook, to bow or prostrate himself before the _altar_, and to adore the _sacrifice_, were luminous points of interest, and brought into view a _tout ensemble_ and tinsel of ornate worship never to be witnessed, except at High Ma.s.s in a Romish Church. To describe all the acts of this most intricate and complicate ceremonial would not be possible in this article. The flitting of acolytes with candles, the processions, the swinging of censers filled with incense, until the altar and chancel were enveloped in a cloud; the wafting of the perfume to the congregation till it reached the very limits of the church; kissing the altar, and all the mysterious movements thereat; the changes of books, the brief Latin recitations, the tinkling of bells, the elevation of the Host, all allied with perpetual animation, make up a whole which it is difficult, indeed, either to describe or understand. To witness it lays very large demands both upon the patience and gravity of ordinary mortals, and is liable to trouble even the conscience of a genuine Protestant.

The choir accompanied the performance with the grand music of Mozart's 7th Ma.s.s, Herr Carl Stepan singing the princ.i.p.al ba.s.s with admirable effect, and the treble being well sustained by the boys. The organist is R. Sutton Swaby, Esq., of Gordon-cottages, Hammersmith. This instrument, built by Messrs. Bryceson Bros., is cla.s.sed among the finest of the day.

It has four manuals and a powerful pedal organ. In all there are fifty-four stops, and the solo stops, including the _voix celeste_ and the _voix humaine_, are considered particularly fine. Mr. Swaby is master of a very superior instrument, and feels pleasure on Sunday evenings after service in giving the people an opportunity of hearing its different effects by playing a short selection of music in varied styles.

On Sunday morning the offertory was accompanied with the _Haec Dies_, and the Hallelujah Chorus formed a grand voluntary at the end. During the execution of this the Archbishop, crook in hand, the priests, and altar servants formed and walked in procession down the centre aisle and round the church to the side chapel, preceded by the acolytes with candles.

The prelate waved his hand as he went in token of blessing the people, and the chief priests bore his train. Dr. Manning appeared in the closing scene to move feebly and to be well-nigh exhausted.

The sermon came in the midst of the service, a procession escorting the Archbishop to the pulpit. On reaching it, turning to the priests in the rear, he delivered to one his crook, and bowing his head another took off his mitre, and, wishing to be free from all impediments, he handed to them the book-rest and book, and, advancing to the front bareheaded and without book or paper, commenced an extempore discourse on John xi. 25: "I am the Resurrection and the Life." Although somewhat aged of late, the Doctor retains remarkable strength and clearness of voice. As to the doctrine of the sermon, it was in the main in unison with the requirements of the Christian pulpit, being a review of the Saviour's humanity in his incarnation, suffering, death, and resurrection. This latter event was most graphically portrayed in its various circ.u.mstances, and in the Christian's hopes and interests which centre in it, in that chaste and elegant language for which the Archbishop is noted. The course of remark offered an opportunity for putting forward some of the distinguishing dogmas of Popery, but the preacher did not seem to avail himself of it. Having, however, done with the text and its doctrines, he launched into political questions connected with the Papacy. An article had appeared on the previous day in the _Times_ treating of their services on Good Friday; and admonishing the Catholics to fall in with the course of "modern civilisation." This the Archbishop called a "petulant, senseless, and clamorous" article; and stigmatised "modern civilisation" as the "world going its own course, without G.o.d, Christ, or religion." He inveighed keenly upon this point, referring to the present and past condition of Paris as the "centre of so-called modern civilisation," and confidently predicted that the temporal power of the Pope, which had been so _wickedly_ a.s.sailed, could never be shaken. By that he meant not the mere possession of "a bit of land," but "that independence of all earthly power and control with which the Vicar of Christ was invested."

The Roman Catholic population of Kensington is from 1,800 to 2,000, a large proportion being of the poorer cla.s.ses and princ.i.p.ally the Irish residents. Three poor schools are supported-a boys' school in Upper Holland-street, educating about 70 or 80; a girls' and infant school in Earl's-court, educating about 50; of which more than half are reported to be Protestants; the third school (girls' and infants') is by Kensington-square, with about 150 children. There are no district churches attached; but the clergy supply the convent in Kensington-square.

The congregation at the _Pro_-Cathedral is said to have greatly increased since the opening; and the collections now reach an average of 30_l._ per Sunday.

TRINITY CHURCH, BROMPTON.

HOLY TRINITY, BROMPTON, is a church beautiful for situation. One cannot fail to be struck by the sudden change from town to country experienced on entering the long and pretty avenue by which it is approached, and in the perspective of which the vestry-door overgrown with ivy is seen. We know of no other church in the metropolitan suburbs thus entered, and which has all disturbing sights and sounds so effectually shut out. The church cannot be said to be beautiful as a Gothic structure, being of plain brick and stone, but in these days we are so spoilt that nothing seems to satisfy us; yet we must not forget that the church was built when Gothic architecture was not much studied and but little appreciated, so that, added to its woodland effect, it is only a wonder that it is Gothic at all. Then, too, Professor Donaldson was the architect, who is now almost the father of his profession, and as such revered and respected by all. The church has undergone very considerable alteration with regard to the interior. The old high pewing has been subst.i.tuted by low oak pewing of good design. A very handsome font has been added, and three sides of the bowl are ornamented with well-cut diaper and the side towards the nave is occupied by a panel in relief, containing the appropriate figure of Jesus receiving little children. The stem is formed of stout shafts of polished marble, and the foliated caps are freely executed. A rose window in the east wall of the south gallery is a good feature added a few years since. Some of the windows have been filled with stained gla.s.s; the font and rose windows are from designs by Mr. E. C. Hakewill. The interior effect is very heavy, owing to the flatness of the nave ceiling and the galleries which surround three sides of the church; but much evidently has been done to relieve this, especially with the exposed timbers of the aisle roofs. The plan of the church consists of a nave and aisles and a recess for the chancel at the east end, with a vestry. The tower is at the west end, the s.p.a.ce of which is occupied by the organ.

Holy Trinity was consecrated on June 6, 1829, being a district church in that part of the old parish of Kensington known as Brompton. Since then great changes have come over the district of South Kensington, which includes, Brompton. Those who knew it only then would scarcely recognise it now. Wide open s.p.a.ce has been converted into long streets and roads, nay, a city of palaces, under the magic touch of capitalists and builders like Mr. Freake and others. The former gentleman still lives, and happily continues his labours and enterprise in the neighbourhood; and, as though it were to remind us of the fact, as we approached the church on Sunday morning, the first thing that caught our eye was a handbill upon the board at the entrance convening a meeting for Thursday evening, to consider a generous offer of that gentleman to build an infant-school at his own cost on a piece of vacant ground in the churchyard, and present it to the district. The consent of the parishioners was needed to the use of this land for such a purpose, and of course it was readily given. As we are upon the subject of schools, it may at once be stated that there are connected with the church, national schools, which were established in 1842 in the Brompton-road, a school library, and evening cla.s.ses for young men. There are, also, infant schools, and a Sunday-school, held only in the afternoon from 2.30. The church will accommodate about 1,500 persons, and from 300 to 400 sittings are free.

In proportion as the external appearance of that now fashionable suburb has changed, the interior has been transformed. When the late vicar, Dr.

Irons, was appointed to it thirty years ago he found, as above intimated, the old style of pew and the old style of everything. There was no organ-loft or stained window, or noticeable pulpit or chancel. But under his energetic and active measures-at a cost of upwards of 3,000_l._-the interior became entirely modernised. During the greater part of his time his ministry was popular, and the church filled; so that he had only to ask and to have. But there was this peculiarity about his character and relations with the district-he was in himself, by training and connexion with Oxford, essentially _High Church_, but experience taught him that the princ.i.p.al elements composing his congregation would not admit of the development of his sympathies with Ritualism. He was wise enough to regard this circ.u.mstance, and aimed at establishing a medium-a modified form of High Churchism-as a compromise between himself and the people.

As all half-done things are sure to create misunderstanding and ultimately to alienate some of both sides, the case of Dr. Irons was no exception to the rule. Despite his great pulpit talent and distinguished learning, the congregations declined; and about two years ago he retired to a quiet country living in Lincolnshire.

The present Vicar, the Rev. Thomas Fraser Stooks, M.A. (Cambridge), Prebendary of St. Paul's, and Chaplain to the Lord Bishop of London, has not, to the present time, succeeded in refilling the church. On Sunday morning last it was thinly attended, but we remembered it was a wet morning. We are, however, informed by a constant attendant that it was quite an average congregation. In that case the church is considerably behind the general run of suburban churches as to the numbers attending it. But since this statement appeared in the _Suburban Press_ it is but right to say that the editor has received the following from the Rev. W Conybeare Bruce: "While fully admitting that, owing to a variety of causes, into which it is not our place to enter here, our church is at present 'considerably behind the general run of suburban churches as to the numbers attending it,' I must, with the leave of a 'Constant Attendant,' distinctly state that the congregation on that particular Sunday was decidedly and evidently _below_ the average. This is a point on which I cannot be mistaken as it is my habit to take special notice of the numbers of each congregation. You may, Sir, also accept it as a fact, on which I am sure you will congratulate us, that our congregations have increased, slowly but perceptibly, since the present Vicar's accession."

The Rev. Mr. Stooks has, it appears, taken his stand upon the question of the services. He will have no intoning, increase of singing, or excessive ritual. With High Churchism he has no compromise; and in so far is still wiser than his predecessor. The prayers are read and the responses said, and the only touches of formality are on entering the Communion, when an Introit is sung, and in the pa.s.sage to the pulpit, which is illuminated by the following of a gold-laced church beadle, bearing a ma.s.sive silver-mounted staff on his shoulder. The clergy, too, in addition to the surplice, wear rather a showy collegiate hood. It is in one of a bright violet colour, and in another a rich crimson, and in a third black silk trimmed with fur. The violet hood marks an a.s.sociate of King's College, the crimson is the Oxford M.A. hood, and the black silk trimmed with white fur is the Oxford B.A. hood. The organist, H. Lahee, Esq., did his work well, but was una.s.sisted by anything in the shape of an effective choir. There are three curates-among whom the Vicar himself did not appear on the occasion of our visit (April 16th). The Rev.

Nathaniel Liberty read the prayers, the Litany, and the Epistle very devoutly, but a little more power of voice would have made it still more impressive. The Rev. W. Conybeare Bruce, B.A., read the first lesson, and the Rev. John Bliss, M.A., Senior Curate, read and preached the sermon. The text was John xx. and 20th verse: "Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord." A beautiful text and seasonable, and commented upon with piety and Christian feeling.

At this church there are three general services on Sunday, at 11 A.M., 4 and 7 P.M., and Holy Communion is celebrated every Sunday at 8 A.M., and at midday. On week-days-morning and evening prayer daily at 8 and 5.

Litany on Wednesdays and Fridays at 12. On holy days celebration of Holy Communion and an address, at 12. The hymn-book used is "Hymns for Public Worship," published under the direction of a Committee of the Religious Tract Society. The church, since the abolition of church-rates, is supported entirely by the pew rents, offertory, collections, and subscriptions. The first source of income is appropriated for the clergy exclusively; one reason, a.s.suredly, why the pews should be well occupied.

The income from other sources is applied for the maintenance of the church, its services and accessories. Brompton is a fine field for Christian labour; and situated as Holy Trinity is, in the midst of a vast population composed of all cla.s.ses, from the higher to the lower, and at the very next door to the Roman Catholic _Oratory_ and the South Kensington Museum, it may-we hope it will-revive to an extent which will make it a centre of light and true religion influence to all around.

ST. PAUL'S, ONSLOW SQUARE.

ST. PAUL'S, Onslow-square, South Kensington, is a specimen of one of those churches built not so much for effect as for utility. A church was wanted in this locality at the time it was erected, and hence the idea it gives one of having been built in a hurry. The plan of the church is reversed, the Communion table being at the west end; but the architecture is tame and poor. It may be said to be a perpendicular Gothic,-certainly not an excellent example. The tower and spire have a stunted appearance, and would have looked better a few feet higher. The inside is in the fashion of a past age. Roofed in one s.p.a.ce, there is no arcade; large galleries run round three sides of the church, and to enable the reader and preacher to be seen from these, a large and very tall pulpit and desk are used, which quite shut out the west, or Communion end. There is an entire absence of decoration, the church being almost Quakerlike in its simplicity, and, to the searcher after the picturesque, contains but little to interest. There is some coloured gla.s.s of geometrical patterns, but not pleasant in tone.

For this church the district is largely indebted to the Christian liberality of Charles J. Freake, Esq., of Cromwell House, a near resident, and owner of large properties in the locality. The site and two-thirds of the building fund, which amounted to about 14,000_l._, were entirely from this source. Mr. Freake is also the patron.