The first report, etc., of the Lichfield Society, for the Encouragement of Ecclesiastical Architecture, M.D.CCC.XLII

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ecclesiastical Architecture*

RUGELEY:
Printed for tftc Soctrtn, by
JOHN THOMAS WALTERS.

MDOCCXLIII.

"But though the Christians of those times spared no convenient cost in founding
and adorning- public places for the worship of God, yet were they careful to keep a decent
mean between a sordid slovenliness, and a too curious and over-nice superstition. In
the more early times, even while the fury and fierceness of their enemies kept them low
and mean, yet they beautified their oratories and place? of worship." — Cave's PRIMITIVE
Christianity.

UIUC I

\*4

PROCEEDINGS

AT

€f)t ffiv&t General Annual fleeting,

OF MEMBERS AND THEIR FRIENDS,
HELD JAN. 5TH, 1843, AT THE

Btottsan &c!)qoI 3Hoom, m H(cJ)fiett)f,

THE REV. PREBENDARY GRESLEY IN THE CHAIR.

' P HE Minutes of the last Meeting were read — and the Treasurers'

-■- accounts audited and allowed.

Eight new Members were elected, and the Officers and Members of
the Committee appointed for the ensuing year.

The cordial thanks of the Society were voted to The Architectural
Society of Oxfokd, for a Copy of the Views and Details of St.
Giles' Church, Oxford ; and for a Copy of the Guide to the Archi-
tectural Antiquities of the neighbourhood of Oxford.

To the Rev. J. P. Jones, of Alton, for a valuable volume of Mss. Notes
on the Churches in the Hundred of Totmonslow, in the county of
Stafford.

To Mr. Richard Hutt, of Cambridge, for a Model of St. Edward's
Font, in that University.

4 PROCEEDINGS.

To the Rev. J. S. Butter-worth, Honorary Secretary of the Bristol
Architectural Society, for a Chart of Ecclesiastical Architecture.

To Richard Greene, Esq., Honorary Secretary of this Society, for
his design for a Union Workhouse, and for the wood blocks designed
by him, and executed by Mr. O. Jewitt ; from which the Members'
Meeting cards and seal of the Society are printed.

To the Rev. A. Bloxam, of Twycross, for Three Prints of Churches.

The Architectural Society of Down and Connor and Dremore was
received into terms of friendly intercourse with this Society.

The Report of the Committee for the first year was read by the
Honorary Secretary, R. Greene. Esq. Upon which, it was unanimously
resolved upon the motion of the Hon. and Very Rev. the Dean of
Lichfield ; —

" That the Report now read be adopted ; and that the objects of
this Society, as set forth in the Second Rule, being worthy of the
encouragement and support of the public, it is desirable that its efforts
and operations should be sustained in its infancy ; and that Donations
be solicited to that effect."

The Chairman delivered an Address upon the occasion of the first
Annual Meeting of the Society ; and an Address was also delivered by
Thomas Johnson, Esq. ; both of which are published herewith.

A Paper upon the Sculptures of Gothic Architecture (the Norman
period) was read by the Honorary Secretary, Richard Greene, Esq. ;
and the proceedings of the day were concluded by a vote of thanks to
the Chairman, and a resolution that his address, together with tic
remarks of T. Johnson, Esq., the Report of the Committee, the proceed-
ings of the day, &c, &c, be printed for general circulation.

THE FIRS!

Annual Report of t&e Committee

OF THE

~4ttcJ)ficto ^rrijitcctural ^ocfctij,

FOR THE YEAR 1842.

I ' HE proceedings of this Society during the first year of its
existence cannot reasonably be expected to embrace numer-
ous or important subjects of operation, inasmuch as the object of
such a Society is more to excite attention to the interesting-
pursuit of Ecclesiastical Architecture, and to promote a sound
knowledge of the principles upon which it is based, than to
engage in the actual construction or restoration of Churches ;
a task far exceeding the limited amount of funds which are
available to its use.

But although this Society has (at present) neither erected,
nor restored a church, it is by no means assuming too much to
say, that it has instigated those who have been engaged in such
works to a more deliberate consideration of the modus operandi,
than has unfortunately been the case heretofore ; and has thus
directed the exertions of pious individuals engaged in Ecclesias-
tical undertakings into a better channel, and prevented the
expenditure of their benefactions upon works unsuitable and
derogatory to the dignity of God's House, and the character of
the Christian religion. Upon this point it is desirable here to
remark, that with very rare exceptions it may be admitted as
a rule, that a country church may be built with legitimate

6 REPOKI.

materials of wood and stone — upon correct Church principles,
both as to the means and the end, for as little, if not less money,
than is generally required to erect such a building in the unsuit-
able materials of brick, cast-iron, plaster and paint ; upon princi-
ples— or rather, an inattention to principles — which, in the end,
give but an imperfect, if not an irreligious idea of the purpose
for which such buildings are intended. — This is a most impor-
tant subject for the consideration of the Society, and one which
the Committee strongly recommend to the future enquiries of
its Members.

The more active proceedings of this Society, which it may
be hoped shortly to enter upon, have hitherto been materially
retarded by the difficulty of procuring a room for its use, as a
Committee Room and Library — for as its Members have had no
place of common resort for the furtherance of their object, and
the communication of their ideas, each Member has hitherto
been acting in his own independent way, and the progress of the
Society in Ecclesiastical knowledge has consequently been but
little promoted; moreover as it has not yet had any nucleus
upon which to concentrate its acquisitions, it is at present with-
out the visible means of affording information to those whom it
invites to receive the advice which it is its object to impart.
This difficulty, however, is removed, and your Committee have
great pleasure in reporting that a room is now at the disposal of
the Society, and hope that those individuals who propose to
benefit the Society by gifts of Books, Drawings, kc, (some of
which have already been proffered), will take an early opportu-
nity of placing their benefactions in the room which is prepared
to receive them.

There is another circumstance which at present prevents the
Society from becoming very prominent in the promotion of its

REPORT. 7

object, viz., the present limited number of its Members. It is
feared that the original Address was either imperfectly circu-
lated or unfortunately misunderstood; for of upwards of 350
copies specially addressed, not more than 50 replies were received.
The Committee therefore advise, that another Address, accom-
panied with a copy of this Report, should be carefully circulated
through the Diocese amongst such of the Nobility, Clergy, and
Gentry as may be known or expected to encourage a pursuit, at
once so interesting historically, so important religiously, and
withal, so rational and inexpensive, as to combine all the essen-
tials Avhich the most retired and conscientious person could
expect in the form of recreation. Moreover, as the utility and
efficiency of the Society is in great measure dependent upon the
amount of funds at its disposal, the Committee strongly recom-
mends that Donations be solicited in aid of its object, and that
privileges be given to Members who assist the operations of the
Society by this means.

The Committee having developed the present circumstances
of the Society, and the causes Avhich have hitherto operated
against the more active character which it is capable of assuming,
now turns with pleasure to the brief consideration of what it has
done.

The first and most important of its acts is the participation
it has had in the revision of the Rules of the Incorporated
Society, by which it was invited to submit an opinion upon their
former Rules, with such suggestions as to the revision of them,
which their practical effect might occasion. The Secretaries
accordingly considered the subject at some length, offering
suggestions upon all the points under consideration, and it is
highly gratifying to them to find, that having endeavoured to
modify their opinions according to the best and most legitimate

examples of ancient precedent, they perceive them to have been
almost literally adopted, a circumstance however, which they by
no means attribute to their own judgment, but to the true and
uniform principles of Christian Architecture, whereby they were
no doubt enabled to coincide with other Architectural Societies
whose opinions were also invited.

The Committee has also to report that it has given encou-
ragement and support to a Work calculated to be of most
important interest to this Society in particular, and to similar
Societies in general.

The Work in question is the Church Architecture of the
Diocese of Lichfield, and is intended to comprise every Church
in the Diocese built previous to the Reformation. The Work
will be published by Mr. Joseph Potter, a skilful Architect, by
whom the Drawings will be made. — They will be strictly Archi-
tectural, comprising details of construction and ornament, when
desirable. — The letter-press will be edited by a Committee of the
Society to be appointed for that purpose.

The Committee deem it unnecessary to refer to some minor
subjects which have attracted the attention of the Society; but
it cannot conclude this Report without alluding in terms of
respectful commisseration, to the condition of the President, who,
by reason of a long and painful illness, has been withdrawn from
his Diocese, and his valuable information and protection lost to
the Society ; — and whilst the Committee humbly beseech God, as
a primary consideration, to restore him to health and his episco-
pal charge — it would secondarily hope that the energies of this
Society may ere long be stimulated by his presence, and its
proceedings marked by the information which he brings to bear
upon the subject it embraces.

an 8ttiws0

DELIVERED BY THE

REV. PREBENDARY GRESLEY, V. P.,

CHAIRMAN.

TP HIS being our first Annual Meeting, I have been requested to state,
in general terms, what are the views of the Lichfield Architectural
Society, and what are the advantages contemplated, and the modes by
which it is to be hoped that those advantages may be secured. Other
members, more competent than myself, will, I hope, lay before you
some interesting details connected with Architectural subjects. It
will be my office to invite your attention to more elementary topics,
which may serve as an introduction to the proceedings of this Society.

The study of Ecclesiastical Architecture, — besides its evident
connexion with the highest and holiest subjects, is one eminently
calculated to improve the taste, and, at the same time, to enlarge the
intellect. The facts and objects which it presents to us are not only
beautiful and picturesque, but they are linked so closely with our
national history, and with the moral condition of the English people,
as well as with our deepest religious associations as Churchmen, that
without some acquaintance with them, no one can have an accurate
knowledge of the history of his Church and country, or of the feelings
and manners of by-gone ages.

I might begin by directing your attention to those splendid monu-
ments of Architectural skill, the noble cathedrals which are still main-
is

10 ADDRESS.

tained in much of their ancient magnificence, or the crumbling remains
of monasteries or abbeys, which give so charming an interest to many
of our English vales. But I prefer drawing my illustration of the
historical associations of this study, from the facts which present them-
selves to any one who directs his observation to our old parish churches
in almost every part of England.

Now, to one who is but moderately acquainted with the principles
of Church- Architecture, there is many an old parish church which will
furnish reminiscences of almost every age of English history, — at least,
from the period when the Christian Church was first established in the
land, and no one could claim the title of Thane, which is equivalent to
that of Saxon gentleman, unless he had on his estate a parish church,
with a bell turret attached to it. On entering an old church you will
see, perhaps, near the door-way a venerable Font of unknown antiquity,
coeval possibly (for we may allow some stretch of the imagination)
with the first foundation of a church on the spot by St. Augustin, or St.
Chad. Generation after generation has received Holy Baptism in that
consecrated font, and many, we trust, are yet to follow in their steps.
Advancing further you will observe, perhaps, a memorial of Norman
times, an elaborately carved semicircular chancel arch, such, for instance,
as that at Longdon church, with which most of you are acquainted, or
the fine door-way of Tutbury, or, on a smaller scale, that at Kenilworth.
The transept of Tamworth church furnishes some good specimens of
the Norman style. These relics will serve to remind us of the days,
when the Norman Barons having secured themselves in their strong
holds, and established their feudal government, proceeded to turn their
attention to building fit temples in which they and their dependents
might worship God.

But under the Plantagenets the taste in Architecture began to
improve in elegance, while it lost nothing in magnificence. And the
next generation which took upon itself to improve the parish church,
introduced the pointed arch, and other ornaments, which first shewed
themselves in the shape of that species of Gothic which is called by
architects the Early English style. You may sometimes look through
the old Norman chancel arch, and see beyond it, the beautiful triple
lancet window which is so peculiarly suited to the east end of the
chancel, — emblematical, as no doubt it was, of the Holy Trinity. The
finest specimen of this style in our neighbourhood is the old church at
Stafford, which is now undergoing a thorough restoration, chiefly owing
to the munificence of Mr. Watts Itussel.

ADDRESS. 1 1

The earliest specimens of this style, in common with the Norman,
had no mullions or divisions in the windows, which were generally
extremely narrow, on account, probably, of the scarcity of glass. But
when glass became more common, and the art of staining it was brought
to great perfection, then the architects enlarged their windows and
divided them into a number of graceful compartments ; and hence,
gradually were developed those later styles which are called the Deco-
rated and the Perpendicular.

It is the easiest and most obvious plan thus to designate the various
styles by the various forms of the windows. They are the parts which
first meet the eye. But all the portions of the building — the shafts,
the capitals, the mouldings, the buttresses, the towers and other parts,
underwent simultaneous changes corresponding with the character of
the varying styles. On these details, however, it is not my intention to
enter; my object being principally to remark that all these different
styles, or the greater part of them, are often to be found in the same
edifice. In the old churches, for instance, of St. Chad's and St. Michael's,
as well as in our Cathedral, every form of Gothic window may be
observed. The western window of St. Chad's, is a very good speci-
men of the Decorated ; and the east window at St. Michael's of the
Perpendicular.

These styles then, the Norman, and three sorts of Gothic, bring us
down to the time of the Reformation. If architecture has not advanced
since that period still we are not without many reminiscences in our
parish churches, both of the Reformation, and of the subsequent times.
The King's arms emblazoned, as they frequently are, on the chancel
arch, in the place where once the rood-loft stood, remind us of the
substitution of the King's supremacy for that of the Pope. "While the
mutilated tombs, and statues, and battered windows, tell us fearful
tales of the violence with which the Reformation was accompanied.
However, it is unjust to accuse our Reformers of all the mutilation and
violence which has taken place in our old churches. The deadliest
enemies of Architectural ornaments, and the principal destructives of
our churches, were the rebel Puritans, who put to death then king, and
archbishop, and drove eight thousand of the clergy from then homes.
It is to the same generation of men that we are indebted for other
peculiarities which meet the eye in many of our parish churches,
especially the enormous rostrum, called the Pulpit, which not unfre-
quently occupies the very centre of the church, to the exclusion from
view of the chancel and altar.

12 ADDRESS.

In the next age there appears to have arisen, in many quarters, a
revived zeal for the adornment of God's house, but unfortunately
accompanied by a most perverted taste for the introduction of Grecian
ornaments into our old Gothic buildings. Instances of this may be
seen in the reredos behind the altars of St. Chad's and St. Michael's ;
the latter of -which was considered such a wonder of art, that I am told
the holyday folks at Greenhill, used to visit it as one of the most inter-
esting sights in the neighbourhood. In accordance with this styre are
the Pagan monuments and equally Pagan inscriptions which deface
many of our churches. Indeed the study of monumental remains,
presents, on a small scale, the same series of changes, which are observ-
able in the architecture of our churches. First, you have the simple
Cross graven on the stone ; then a short inscription, " Jesu mercy ;" or
" Orate pro anima." Then we find the mailed effigy of the warrior
and his dame beside him — lying with their hands clasped in attitude of
prayer — as if waiting the final resurrection. In the time of Elizabeth
and James instead of the calm, motionless form of the recumbent effigy
— you will find a lady in ruffs turning herself round and staring you in
the face, with her head resting on her arms ; and still later, the figure
of the deceased shall be standing upright, or sitting in all his glory —
and the monument embellished, with Time and his scythe, Fame and
her trumpet, or Hercules with his club. A stranger entering St. Paul's
might well inquire Avhether it were dedicated to a Christian or a Pagan
deity ; and similar instances of bad taste, though on a smaller scale,
may be seen in many of our parish churches.*

In concluding our historical researches in the parish church we
must not forget the more recent objects which characterise — I would I
could say, the past generation,— indicative of modern luxury and exclu-
siveness, in the shape of drawing-room cielings and enormous Pews,
filled with carpets and cushions and sometimes private stoves, by which
the best parts of the church are monopolized by the richer classes, while
the poor are pushed aside into holes and corners, or stuck up in some
inconvenient and unsightly gallery.

All these things, or at least, a great many of them, you may see not.
unfrequently in our parish church. And what a wide and wonderful
field of observation and inquiry does it present ; whether to the antiquary,
the historian, or the philosopher. Let us take, first, the fairest view.
What an evidence and emblem does it afford of the indestructibility of

* There is an excellent article on Monuments in the British Critic of January, 1843.

ADDRESS. 13

the one Catholic Church, which has thus weathered the storm of so
many generations. "What a thought it is that possibly ancient Britons,
Saxons, Danes, the conquering Normans, and succeeding generations,
have all worshipped God not only in the same spot, but almost, so to
say, in the same building! While the place of Druid worship is
deserted, while the Roman villa or temple, the Saxon dwelling, the
Norman castle are all dismantled ; there still stand our parish churches,
with their sacred font and altar, bearing on them indeed evidences of
the various revolutions through which the country has passed — yet
still maintaining then- ground, and destined, as we doubt not, to main-
tain it to the end of time.

At the same time there are many objects in our churches which call
up less encouraging thoughts. They bear, I fear, no satisfactory
witness with regard to the taste, the charity, and piety of the present
age. It is a fact which we cannot deny that the best Ecclesiastical
structures, which grace our land, from the lofty cathedral to the humble
parish church — are almost entirely the work of ages which, in com-
parison with our own, we are wont to hold in light esteem; ages
when there were no steam engines, no railroads, comparatively little
wealth, and few of the arts which conduce to modern refinement ; and
yet those ages had the taste to plan, the perseverance to execute, and
the piety to use, those beautiful structures — which we can scarcely
imitate, much less rival by any invention of our own. Surely those
ages could not be so dark and barbarous as some suppose ; the spark of
religion could not be utterly extinct. Make all the allowance which
you please for the impulse of superstition — and I admit much supersti-
tion existed — still it is evident that there was a spirit abroad in those
ages which we have lost, and it were well if we could by any means
restore. And that spirit, I believe, was the spirit of Reverence. We
want reverence. And possibly we may not be taking a bad way to
revive it by the study of Ecclesiastical Architecture.

It is, however, very important to observe that this want of reverence
is not attributable to our Reformed Church. The Church, indeed,
commanded the removal of images which had become objects of unholy
worship ; and other things which had been employed for uses of super-
stition or imposture, and many such there were ; but it no where
authorized a sacrilegious rabble to break down, with axes and hammers,
the carved work, and rich ornaments of her consecrated buildings. It
was not the Church that sent forth the notorious William Dowsing,
whose name deserves to be had in remembrance, in the annals of mis-

14 ADDEESS.

chief, as the breaker of more windows, than any man before or since.
It was not the Church, but the Committee of Puritans who sent forth
this most zealous iconoclast. The Church does not bid her members
build houses to God of stuccoed bricks, or fit them up with painted deal ;
nor drive the Poor into aisles and galleries, while the Rich loll in their
cushioned pews. The characteristic of the English Church is a grave
and simple reverence. It is the intrusion of a secular, covetous, irre-
verent spirit, in opposition to the doctrines and discipline of our Church ;
and the detrusion of the Church from her legitimate influence, which
sufficiently accounts for that absence of feeling for the beautiful and
holy, which has so obscured and vulgarized the mind of modern ages ;
but which, we trust, is at last beginning to be replaced by a purer and
better spirit.

It is not, however, to the historian, or the philosopher, or to the
admirer of beauty only, that the study of Church Architecture is
interesting. To the philanthropist and practical man of the present
age, it is also a subject of important inquiry. We find ourselves in the
present generation placed under very peculiar circumstances. In
ancient days our forefathers used to build places of worship, as they
were required, for themselves and their dependants. Look at the more
populous of our ancient cities, Bristol, York, or Coventry, and you will
see always an ample number of churches, and those of the noblest
structure. But recent generations, strange to say, have had little care
for the most urgent of all wants, and have suffered a vast population to
grow up Avithout any adequate provision for the worship of God. The
minds of men have at last been awakened to the sin and danger of this
state of things ; and all, or nearly all, acknowledge the necessity of
remedying this portentous evil. The first and most natural feeling has
been to build up, amidst our dense population, edifices which would
contain the greatest number of persons ; — and much has been done in
many places. But then came in another consideration. An innate
feeling of propriety, not to speak of religious principle, teaches us that
a church ought to be constructed, not only for the accommodation of
the people, but for the glory of God. We look around upon our new
churches, and feel ashamed at their meagreness and poverty ; especially
when compared with those which were built by our ancestors. How is
this, we naturally ask, that a generation, with a purer creed, and fifty
times the wealth of former ages, does not build worthier houses of God,
than these poor abortive attempts which we see around us ? Impressed
with these feelings many pious Church-builders began to lay out

ADDRESS. 15

considerable sums on the ornamental parts of the new edifices — but
still the attempt proved a failure : and men came to acknowledge that
even with the funds and the will to do what was right — they had not
the necessary taste or feeling ; and experience taught them that their
only hope was to go back to the ancient models.

Well, now one would hope that having got so far as to acknowledge
this most important principle, there would be no further obstacle to the
erection of proper churches. But even yet failures were continual.
One person, perhaps, would resolve to build a church in the Norman
style ; but when it was completed still it was nothing like the structures
of our forefathers ; and the disappointed church-builder would find that
to put round-headed windows into a nine-inch brick wall, and a row of
zig-zag ornaments round a modern door-way was not sufficient to con-
stitute a Norman church. The characteristic of this style is massiveness
and solidity of material, and unless this be given, the building must be
quite unlike that, for which it is intended. It may be as well also to
mention that even if the characteristics of the Norman style are
preserved, it is ill-suited to a modern church, at least, for a large
building : because the massive columns which divide the aisles from the
nave, so much obstruct the voice and sight, that the worshippers in the
aisles might almost be in another building. The old Abbey church at
Malvern, or the new chapel at Leamington, are instances of this incon-
venience. Our own church of St. Mary's, though not exactly a specimen
of Norman Architecture, will shew the undesirableness of too massive
columns. It seems now generally admitted that the Norman style is
on many accounts unsuitable to modern churches ; and that it is better
to have recourse to the Gothic, both for the sake of beauty and
convenience.

However, modern church-builders have too frequently proved
equally unsuccessful in their imitation of the Gothic. A great many
modern churches have been built in what was supposed the early
English style : the principal feature of which is the narrow lancet
window. But new edifices built on this plan have commonly a very
meagre and un-churchlikc appearance ; the fact being that though the
lancet window does not require mullions or tracery, yet that it is incom-
plete without a rich and deep moulding on the splays or sides. If any
one wishes to know what an Early English window ought to be, let him
look at the richly ornamented specimens which he will see on the left
hand on entering the south door of Lichfield cathedral. In truth the
Early English style if properly carried out is not at all cheaper than the

16 ADDRESS.

Decorated or the Perpendicular. In these last styles there have heen
many very questionable attempts ; but, as a proof that they may be
very successfully adopted, I would refer you to the elegant Decorated
windows just placed in the south-aisle of St. Michael's ; or the hand-
some Perpendicular window in the chancel of the new church at Wall.

It is now generally admitted that it is the best and safest way to
imitate the ancient models, and also that in order to imitate them, it is
not only necessary to take their general character and outline, but that
minute attention must be paid to the exact measurement and arrange-
ment of all the different parts. Within the last year or two many
successful attempts have been made to rival the churches of ancient
days. The most complete structure which I have seen is the beautiful
church at Hartshill, in the neighbourhood of Stoke-upon-Trent, built at
the sole expense of Mr. Herbert Minton. In this church the style
adopted, with peculiar propriety, is that of the cathedral in this city,
being a sort of transition from the Early English to the Decorated ;
which being carried out in all its parts, without limitation of expense,
presents perhaps the most perfect parish church of modern times.

Besides fixing on a suitable style of Architecture, there is an
important — in some respects a more important subject of inquiry to the
church-builder — namely, the interior arrangement. On this subject,
after many failures, several points seem to be now generally agreed on
by all who have seriously turned their minds to this subject. First
and foremost, it seems to be all but universally admitted (and for this
we have in no slight degree to thank our Reverend Secretary) that the
modern system of Pews ought to be at once abolished. That a few
Rich people should monopolize great square compartments in churches,
and chive the Poor into holes and corners, and obstruct the public wor-
ship, seems, contrary, not only to right feeling and justice, but to the
express Word of God Himself. It should, however, be understood, that
by the abolition of pews it is not meant that the parishioners who attend
divine service should not have their appropriate places, where they may
worship with their family around them. It is not meant that the church
should be filled with narrow, inconvenient benches, where the people
can neither kneel, nor sit, nor stand ; — such as those commonly desig-
nated free sittings, and that the congregation are to scramble for them,
so that he who first comes shall be first served ; — but, as I understand
the advocates of this arrangement, it is meant that rich and poor alike
should have decent, ample, and commodious places where they may all
kneel to worship, and sit to hear God's Word, and stand to sing His

ADDRESS. 17

praises ; and that those who regularly attend should have certain places
assigned them for the occupation of themselves and their families.
Almost all the new churches which I have seen, those, at least, which
have been built within the last year or two, are fitted up in this way,
with open sittings, facing eastward and ornamented with carved finials ;
and no one who has seen a church thus arranged, would be contented
with the re-introduction of the modern square unsightly pews.

Another axiom in church-building, (at least, I trust, it is now
acknowledged so,) is that there should be no galleries. I would not go
so far as to assert, as some one has, that it is impossible to say one's
prayers in a gallery ; still, it is not too much to say, that all the associa-
tions of sitting in a gallery are that you are there to hear and not to take
a part. Some, no doubt, will say that a great deal of " church accom-
modation " is lost if you have no galleries. To this I make the following
answer. It is considered that a church ought to accommodate, at least,
one-third of the inhabitants of the district or parish to which it is appro-
priated. If then you build a church crammed with galleries, and so
arranged as to hold two thousand persons, you suppose a district of six
thousand. It is possible that you might find a preacher with sufficient
strength of lungs to perform the service for a year or two in such a
church ; most men would be incapacitated at the end of a few months.
Still, even if he could perform the Public service in the church, he
would be utterly unable to accomplish the Parochial duties. The people
would still be sheep without a shepherd. And they who thought that
they had provided for their religious wants would only be deceiving
themselves.

Instead of this mode of proceeding, I would say — form a district in
which a Priest, with an assistant Deacon, might profitably exercise his
parochial functions ; a district not containing more than two thousand
souls ; then build a church for seven or eight hundred. Such a number
might easily be accommodated on the ground plan, and no gallery
would be needed. Another collateral advantage would be that for this
number so arranged, there would be no difficulty about the pulpit —
which might be placed close to one of the pillars of the chancel arch,
and all would be able to hear with ease.

There are other points in the internal arrangement of churches
which demand a careful inquiry ; and which it is very important should
be rightly determined. The size and depth of the chancel is not the
question of least difficulty : some very excellent writers who have done
eminent service to Church Architecture, contending that the chancel

c

18 ADDRESS.

ought to be deep and screened off, as in the Middle Ages, others, main-
taining that in the primitive times the Altar was brought nearer to the
people, and that our own Church expressly orders that the consecration
of the elements should take place in the presence of the congregation.

Then as regards the place from which the prayers are read — com-
monly called the desk — the right principle seems to be that the lesson and
exhortation should be read by the Minister with his face towards the
people ; and then when he addresses prayers to Almighty God — he
should turn away from them. Also with respect to the singers, the
usual, but not the best plan is to place them in a gallery at the western
end. I have seen a much better effect produced by placing them in the
middle of the church amongst the rest; so that the voice of thanks-
giving appears to arise, not from a select body of singers, but from the
whole congregation, who are by those means encouraged to join. A
very fitting place, also, seems to be to range them on opposite sides
between the chancel arch and the altar rail.

All these things are very far from being unimportant. We should
lay it down as a maxim that "nothing is little in God's service"
nothing which can contribute to the more decent, and orderly, and
reverential performance of Divine worship ought to be neglected. At
the same time, these things have been so long unthought of, and people
have been accustomed in many places to such different modes — that
much charity and mutual forbearance must be exercised, by those who
desire to restore a fitter state of things.

In church-building, as in other things, but in church-building
especially, our rule should be " that all things should be done to the
glory of God." No one will dispute that the more we can throw our-
selves into the spirit of the ancient models, the more beautiful, and,
therefore, the more worthy of their object will be our churches. But
while we imitate the beautiful Architecture of the Middle Ages, it does
not follow that we are servilely to copy them in their plans and arrange-
ments. Our modern worship differs in some respects from that of the
English Church of the mediaeval times — our population is much greater
— we have many arts and inventions, also, which might be profitably
and rightly applied to increase the beauty and convenience of churches.

It is in the promotion of these objects, by inquiry and infor-
mation, that this Society hopes to do good service. We have already
entered into friendly relations with the Cambridge Camden Society ;
the Oxford, Exeter, Bristol, Durham, and Down and Connor and
Dromore Societies ; which have been recently instituted for the same

ADDRESS. 19

objects. It is our intention to form a collection of plans, books, draw-
ings, and models, to which the church-builder may refer ; we propose
to perpetuate, by engravings, the most beautiful edifices in the Diocese ;
so that if unhappily they fall to ruin, the memory of them may not be
lost. We shall have pleasure in receiving plans and elevations which
may be forwarded to us for inspection, and expressing our opinion
upon them. We hope, if our funds admit, to contribute to the preser-
vation or restoration of any beautiful remains which may be in danger
of perishing. In short, we hope to be of very great use, and to accom-
plish a great deal, in the way of Architectural improvement, from the
measuring the height of a shaft, or the indentions of a moulding — to
the restoration of the west front, or even the whole of Lichfield Cathe-
dral ; if only the Dean and Chapter will accept our services, and the
Diocese will place twenty or thirty thousand Pounds at our disposal.
Who can say what may not be accomplished by perseverance ? Mean-
while the object of the Institution will not be missed, if only by
promoting inquiry into these very important matters, we contribute to
call attention to the beautiful memorials of times past, and to render
the new churches of this Diocese, in any degree, more seemly and
reverential, — more fitted for Christian worship, — and more worthy of
Him to Whom they are consecrated.

Bwtarfcs

DELIVERED BY T. JOHNSON, ESQ.

Mr. Chairman,

AS a Member of this Architectural Society, and an Architect living

L in the City of Lichfield, I should reproach myself exceedingly,
however reluctant I may feel in addressing this meeting, if I were not
to express a hearty concurrence in the object for which this Society is
formed, and an ardent hope that it may be instrumental in cultivating
a genuine taste and spirit for Ecclesiastical Architecture.

After your very able and interesting address, it would appear
ostentatious in me to enter into any lengthened detail of the rise,
progress, and I may say, decay of Gothic Architecture in this country ;
nor is it necessary for me to argue whether Gothic Architecture (as it
is termed) has any claim to originality with us. It is enough to say
under any circumstances it is now Anglicised, and is a style the best
adapted for our National Church.

The few observations I intend to make will bear more on the prac-
tical working of this Society than on the theory of Architecture itself,
for unless theory and practice be in combination we cannot expect
satisfactory results.

In looking at the Rules of this Society we find first, it is instituted
under the title of " The Lichfield Society for the encouragement of
Ecclesiastical Architecture ;" and secondly, " That the objects of this
Society shall be, generally, to promote the study of Ecclesiastical Archi-
tecture, and to collect and diffuse information upon this important
subject; and specially to encourage the restoration of decayed and
mutilated Ecclesiastical Buildings, and Sepulchral Monuments of the
Middle Ages : with which view the operations of the Society shall be
directed to the formation of a collection of Books, Prints, Drawings,

REMARKS. 21

Models, Carvings and Casts of Architectural details, as far as the funds
of the Society will admit."

Now, Sir, it appears to me that unless you can connect this Society
with the Diocesan Church Building Society its means of usefulness will
be extremely limited ; for this Society should not only encourage the
study of Ecclesiastical Architecture, but it should possess the power of
examining designs, and of preventing those from being carried into
effect that are not worthy to be classed with those ancient examples we
are now anxious to follow. And again, in restorations, that it should
be able to assist the Architect in removing parts, or I may say, excres-
cences, from the original, which subsequent periods have produced, so
that the restoration, when done, may be a perfect model of the original.
I will state a case Avhere this Society might have been useful. I do not
intend to cast any reflection on the Architect employed, because I
believe, in the case in question, he is the mere agent to take down and
rebuild good, bad, and indifferent. In the church at Bakewell, which
is now undergoing extensive renovations, the South Transept was a
very beautiful model of Early English, (indeed I do not know a more
beautifid model) with the pointed gable, as the Tower denotes, and a
groined stone roof, or an open oak roof ; but in the early part of the
sixteenth century the high pitched roof was removed: the external
walls raised, and the flat timber roof and parapet substituted. Now,
Sir, if this Society had been consulted it would have recommended the
original form, namely, the pointed gable ; first, because it was part of
the original design ; secondly, because, in a picturesque point of view,
it was more beautiful : and thirdly, as a question of expense, more
economical. In looking at these restorations we must have the eye of
an architect, and not that of an antiquary. The antiquary, no doubt,
prefers the admixture of style, so long as he can satisfactorily trace its
origin, but if you remodel it he will no longer recognize it as a piece of
antiquity.

This Society in the course of its usefulness must be prepared to
combat strong prejudices, both with Clergymen and Architects, in mat-
ters of taste and expense. First, as to taste. Many of the Clergy,
particularly the young Clergy, will all at once become architects. I say
this with the most profound respect : they will study the Glossary of
Architecture (a work which certainly conveys a great deal of informa-
tion), Britton, Pugin, and others ; and their productions will be sent
forth, but without their essential parts ; I mean detail and construction,
which belong only to the experienced architect. Architects, too, who
present plans, will maintain their own taste in opposition to any

22 REMARKS.

suggestion that might come from this Society, however valuable it
might be.

Now, Sir, in looking at our duties, I apprehend we shall not quarrel
with architects as to the style of design, we care not whether it be
Norman, Early English, Decorated, or Perpendicular, or a combination to
obtain picturesque effect, and which I, myself, advocate ; but I trust,
Sir, we shall bestir ourselves in matters of detail : the proportion of
parts, the form and depth of mouldings, the extent and application of
its decoration, both to the exterior and interior, the material to be
employed, and the general construction of the whole. I trust this will
be its legitimate course, and unless this Society is qualified to perform
the task we shall fail in the object Ave seek.

Now, as to the expense of a good substantial church worthy to be
classed with our ancient examples. In these days everything appears
to be done by the Rule of Three. If my friend in Cheshire built a
church to contain five hundred persons for £1000, what will your friend
in Staffordshire build a church for, to contain one thousand persons ?
Why, Sir, the answer would be, £2000, or £2 per sitting. — Diocesan
Church Building Societies make their grants (if I mistake not) on this
principle. In the course of my practice I have been taunted in this
particular, though I have never yet seen a church completed at that rate
per sitting. It has generally happened, either from the ignorance of the
architect, or the cunning of the builder, these cheap churches, meagre
as they are in design, have seldom been completed for less than £3 per
sitting ; and unless the price of material and labour is reduced to a
much greater extent than I expect, we must go on a more liberal scale
— say £4 per sitting, and if a tower £5 per sitting : this is the minimum
of calculation in the most favourable locality.

This position may be somewhat startling, yet I think it may be met
with advantage in another way. I would ask, did our ancestors complete
their churches as we now see them at any one period ? Certainly not.
An anaylzation of parts shews clearly that centuries have rolled on from
the commencement to the completion. I will give one example, St.
Michael's Church, Lichfield, which I am now restoring, under the
auspices of Mr. Greene, and although he is present I will say, one of
the most valuable Members of this Society, and to whom (going a little
out of the path) a debt of gratitude is due from every sound Church-
man in that parish, for the very spirited manner in which he is carrying
out his taste and feeling in the restoration of that church, and at a
great expense from his private purse.

The original church consisted of a nave and chancel in Early English,

REMARKS. 23

the lancet window still exists in the chancel, and one also at the West
end of the nave, which end now forms one side of the tower ; there
were also buttresses at the West end of the nave corresponding with
those in the chancel : subsequently a South aisle was added, in the
decorated style, the succeeding style to the Early English, and this was
followed by a North aisle in the perpendicular style, the succeeding style
to the decorated, and at this period the nave was taken down and rebuilt
with a clerestory and a tower and spire added, so that it began in the
early part of the thirteenth century, and was finished about the middle of
the fifteenth. Nowr, Sir, why should we not follow our ancestors in this
respect ? If our funds are limited why attempt to complete the whole ?
why not leave our successors a share to perform in the great work before
us. Take a district wholly destitute of church accommodation, and which,
from its population, requires a church to hold one thousand persons.
Now, I should provide a church to hold seven hundred, for depend upon
it, however great the zeal of the clergyman, he will find a strong predi-
lection for that dissent which has existed in the absence of a church, and
which will require, probably, years of labour to remove. In many cases
an aisle might be omitted, or a western gallery, or both, according to
circumstances ; also the tower, if we have not the means of building
what a towrer should be : we need not be distressed about the bells, a
neat campanile in these days will be quite sufficient for them. Look at
the many large churches which have been built under the control of the
Church Commissioners, to hold two thousand with comfortable sitting
room, to say nothing of hearing and seeing, and with a congregation
generally not exceeding one half of that number. I cannot but think
this has been a great error. Where is the clergyman who can be dis-
tinctly heard in such a church ? I am of opinion, one thousand five
hundred ought to be the maximum of numbers. Having designed some
of these churches, I may be permitted to say, I think we have been in
error in respect to the Architectural decoration of them : the exterior
has generally some pretension, nay, some of them are profuse in orna-
ment ; but when w'e come to the interior we find them in a state of
nudity, bare walls and barn-like ; I do not mean the old Tithe barn, for
some of them were beautiful in design and good in execution. Would
it not be more in accordance with the spirit of our religion if we were
to concentrate our decoration, if it be bmited, to the interior of our
churches : a quiet exterior, bold in its outline, of fair proportion, built
of rubble stone with wrought masonry of simple detail to the windows,
and other prominent parts could never offend the most scrutinizing eye.

24 REMARKS.

I hope we shall not be content in the nineteenth century with the
frigid style of the Puritans ; every man of taste must regret that work
of demolition in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. What exqui-
site designs ! What models of sculpture and painting would now have
been before us as examples of art ! It is argued that form and ceremony
have nothing to do with Christianity ; I agree, as far as the fundamental
principle is concerned, but should there not be something like grave
dignity when we assemble together in the House of God ? I hope to
see ere long the interior of our churches cased with stone, with clustered
columns and foliated capitals, groined stone roof, or the oaken arched roof,
with its sculptured corbels ; I hope to see the gracefully formed elbow
Avith its poppy head to the seats, in place of the high aristocratic pew of
the seventeenth century ; the elaborately carved stone pulpit placed, as
you have pointed out, against the columns of the nave, and the oak
enriched lettern opposite, in place of the bulky desk and pulpit, with its
geometrical staircase in the middle aisle obstructing the most imposing
part of the fabric, — I mean the chancel. I hope to see the deep chancel
with its stone screen, sedilia, tesselated pavement and painted glass
windows, in place of that poverty which we too often see in our modern
churches.

It is argued that the general introduction of stone is out of the
question, from the great additional expense that would be incurred, and
particularly in reference to carving and sculpture. I am of opinion
there is a body of masons now rising up that, with a very little practice,
would execute the foliage of capitals and other enrichments with as
much sharpness and relief as the examples we are anxious to follow, and
at as little expense as the plasterer of the present day, who has first to
model his enrichment in clay, then to take a cast in wax, then to cast it,
then to trim it, and afterwards to stick it up. I earnestly hope this
Society will reject the introduction of such material as Plaster, Roman
cement and Terra cotta: if it does not it will be worse than useless.

I thank you, Sir, for the attention you have given me, and you
Ladies and Gentlemen, for the great forbearance you have shewn in
listening to the few remarks I have thought it my duty to make in
furtherance of the object of this Society. I trust that our efforts may be
crowned with success : that the churches of the nineteenth century
(save and except some of those already built) will be deserving models
to future generations, and that the Church itself, with the blessing of
God, will ride triumphant to the end of time.

liuUs.

I. rpHAT the Society he instituted under the title of " The

Lichfield Society for the encouragement of Ecclesiasti-
cal Architecture."

II. That the Objects of this Society shall be generally to
promote the study of Ecclesiastical Architecture, and to collect

and diffuse information upon this important subject ;

and especially to encourage the restoration of decayed
and mutilated Ecclesiastical buildings, and Sepulchral monuments
of the Middle Ages ; with which view the operations of the
Society shall be directed to the formation of a collection of Books,
Prints, Drawings, Models, Carvings and Casts of Architectural
details, as far as the funds of the Society will admit.

III. The Society shall have a President, and Vice-presidents.
The Bishop of Lichfield for the time being shall be invited to

become President, and the Deans and Canons of

Lichfield, together with the Archdeacon of Stafford.

shall be invited to become Vice-presidents; and the Archdeacons

of Salop and Derby (being Members of the Society) shall be also

invited to become Vice-presidents.

IV. The affairs of the Society shall be conducted by a Com-
mittee, to consist of the President, Vice-presidents, Secretaries,

Treasurer, and eight other Members ; of which Com-
mittee the President, Vice-presidents, Secretaries and
Treasurer, shall be Members ex-officio.

V. Four Members of the Committee shall constitute a Quorum :

and, in case of the absence of the President and Vice-
u presidents, shall choose a Chairman to conduct the
business of the Meeting.

n

26 RULES.

VI. The Committee shall appoint the times and place of ordi-

Powerof nary Meetings of the Society, and shall have the
Committee , .,-. _

power to make Bye-Laws.

VII. An Annual Meeting of the Members of the Society shall
be held at a time and place to be fixed by the President, at

Annual Meeting wfticn Meeting the Committee, the Secretaries and
Treasurer for the year ensuing shall be appointed,
the Report of the Committee of the past year read, and the
accounts of the Treasurer audited.

VIII. An Annual Subscription of One Guinea (to be payable
on the 1st of January in each year) shall constitute an Annual

Qualification of Member, and a Donation of Ten Guineas shall con-
stitute a Life Member. A Gentleman wishing to
connect himself with the Society shall become duly qualified,
upon being nominated by a Member, subscribing the Rules of
the Society, in the Secretaries' Book, and paying his Subscrip-
tion for the current year, or his Donation as a Life Member.

IX. Members may introduce visitors at the Meetings of the
privii Society upon notifying the name and address of the

party to the Secretary.

X. The Secretaries shall have charge of the Records of the
Society, and shall keep a minute Book containing Reports of

Duty qi the proceedings of the Meetings, and particulars rela-
tive to all matters of interest to the Society.

XI. No motion or communication shall be brought before the

Regulation of Society until it has been approved by the Corn-
Business

mittee.

XII. Any alteration or addition to the foregoing Rules shall
be made at the Annual Meeting of the Society, notice thereof

Nature of being given at the previous ordinary Meeting; and
Gentlemen becoming Members of the Society shall
signify their intention to conform to the Rules thereof, by sub-
scribing the same in the Secretaries' Book.

Note — The Society invites its Members to examine every Church in their power, t -
furnish Reports and Drawings thereof to the Secretaries : to contribute original Papers
ou any subject connected with the design of the Society; and to augment its Library by
Donations. And the Society trusts that its Members, whilst pursuing their antiqu a
enquiries, will never forget the Sacred character of the edifices which they visit.

APPOINTED FOR THE YEAR 1843.

^rcsittertt.

THE RIGHT REV. THE LORD BISHOP OF LICHFIELD.

TJicc=^resujcnts.

THE HON. AND VERY REV. THE DEAN OF LICHFIELD.

THE VEN. THE ARCHDEACON OF STAFFORD.

THE VEN. THE ARCHDEACON OF SALOP.

THE VEN. THE ARCHDEACON OF DERBY.

THE REV. CANON MADAN.

THE REV. PREBENDARY CALTHORPE.

THE REV. PREBENDARY GRESLEY.

^ttjfcitiortal JtHemOers of the Committee.

THE HON. AND REV. HERVEY BAGOT.

THE REV. HENRY MOORE.

THE REV. EDWARD WROTTESLET.

THE REV. ANDREW BLOXAM.

THE REV. JOHN GRESLEY.

WILLIAM LEIGH, ESQ.

JOHN HAWORTH, ESQ.

THOMAS JOHNSON, ESQ.

l&onorarij Secretaries.

THE REV. FRANCIS E. PAGET.
RICHARD GREENE, ESQ. F. S. A.

treasurer

RICHARD GREENE, ESQ.

Braughtsmart.

MR. THOMAS PEPLOE WOOD.

■publisher.

ME. JOHN THOMAS WALTERS.

JHemfiers.

Bagot, The Hon. and Rev. Hervey, Blythclield.

Baker, Rev. R. B., Hilderstone Hall, near Stone,

Bateman, James Esq.

Bloxam, Rev. Andrew, Twy cross.

Boivncy, Rev. Thomas, Rugeley.

Buckeridge, Rev. George, Lichfield.

Calthorpe, Rev. Prebendaiy, Eccleshall. v. p.
Cottingham, Rev. H., Weston Vicarage, near Rugeley.
Crowther, John Esq., Wednesbury.

Derby, The Yen. the Archdeacon of, Shirley, near Derby, v. r,
Davenport, John Esq., Jun., Fradswell Hall, near Rugeley.
Dearsley, Rev. W. H., Horton Parsonage, near Leek.
Dod, Rev. P., Lichfield.
Dyott, General, Freeford.

Gresley, Rev. Prebendary, Lichfield, v. p.
Greene, Richard Esq., Lichfield, hon. sec.
Gresley, Rev. John, Netherseale, near Atherstone.
Grove, Edward Esq., Shenstone Park, near Lichfield.
Greene, William Esq., Lichfield.

Hanbury, Rev. John, Clifton, near Tamworth.
Haworth, John Esq., Lichfield.
Helmore, Rev. Thomas, Chelsea.
Hopkins, Rev. William, Shrewsbury.

Inge, Rev. George, Thorpe, near Tamworth.

Jones, Rev. J. P., Alton, near Chcadle.
Johnson, Thomas Esq., Lichfield

LIST OF MEMBERS. 29

Lichfield, The Right Rev. The Lord Bishop of, r.
Lichfield, The Hon. and Very Rev. The Dean of, v. p.
Leigh, William Esq., Shenstonc Moss, near Lichfield.
Lloyd, Rev. F. L., Wilnecote, near Tam worth.
Lonsdale, Rev. H. J., Lincroft, near Lichfield.

Madan, The Rev. Canon, Lichfield, v. r.
Manley, S. Esq., Manley Hall, near Lichfield.
Moore, Rev. Henry, Eccleshall.

Oldershaw, Rev. H. J., Lichfield.

Paget, The Rev. F. E., Elford Rectory, near Lichfield, hon. sec.

Palmer, James Esq., Lichfield.

Petit, Rev. John L., The Uplands, Shifmal.

Rawle, Rev. R., Rectory, Chcadle.

Royds, Rev. C. S., Haughton Rectory, near Stafford.

Ryder, Rev. Canon, Lichfield, v. p.

Stafford, The Ven. The Archdeacon of, Colwich. v. r.

Salop, The Ven. Archdeacon of, Meole Brace, near Shrewsbury, v. p.

Salt William Esq., 20 Lombard Street, London.

Smith, Rev. J. F., Handsworth, near Birmingham.

Stevens, H. J. Esq., Derby.

Walters, Mr., Rugeley.

"White, Rev. Thomas H. J., Dover.

Wrotteslev, Rev. Edward, Tettenhall near Wolverhampton.

RUGELEY :

PRINTED BY ■'. I. WALTERS, MARki: I -ll.Ai i

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