Extract from Elton's book re new Church

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Extract from Elton's book re fund-raising for new Church

Many difficulties interfered with the building of the new Church. The sum to be collected was large, whilst the aid from parishioners was almost nothing, and the plan was met either with lukewarmness or in many cases with open opposition. Still, I persevered in collecting subscriptions from friends in all parts, and a faculty was granted to myself alone to take down the old, and build a new Church on the fresh site. The plan was so far advanced that in January 1856 the stone of the new Church was laid by the Bishop after a service for the last time in the old Church, and a sermon was preached by him from Haggai ch. 2, v. 9. The builder was Mr. John Castle of Oxford, and the design of Mr. Street contemplated a building in the Early English style consisting of a Nave of 3 bays with two aisles, good-sized chancel with space on the North side for a robing room and tower with spire in all upwards of 100 feet high. Accommodation was made for 511 persons. The building was completed in the spring of 1857 with the exception of the tower —this was not carried up beyond 42 feet for the present, on account of lack of funds. The Consecration took place on June 10th, 1857, Dr. Smith, Bishop of Kentucky, U.S.A., being present with the Bishop of Oxford. By great personal exertions the funds were received for this work, which cost in all about £2,500

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