Reminiscences of Rotherham
by Alderman Geo. Gummer, J.P.
« « prevSchool in Moorgate, which formerly belonged to the Independents, was erected to take the place of the old College in College road, Masbro’. Owing, I believe, to the rivalry and jealousy of the adherents of the sister College at Aire dale, it eventually became necessary to Close the establishment. The Feoffees wisely availed themselves of this opportunity to secure larger and more commodious premises for the Grammar School.
The Zion Chapel (now a picture palace) was erected in my boyhood days. and I have recollections of attending the chapel, when Mr. R. M. Thompson took a prominent part in its administration. In those days books were expensive and many people could not read. It was, therefore, usual in Methodist chapels, as I they were then called, for the minister to read out the hymns two lines at a time, except in cases where a well known hymn was to be sung, when an entire verse would be read.
ALL SAINTS
More than 54 years have passed since the Reverend Richard Moseley was incumbent at the Parish Church, yet his name is still familiar to many Rotherham people. Although a man of more than average ability, he never aspired to a high position in the Church, being content, for over thirty years, to officiate in the Church he loved so well. Short in figure, with snow-white whiskers and trailing one leg, owing to some infirmity, he was frequently to be seen on his way from the Vicarage to the Church, or on a visit to the poor, to whom he gave nearly the whole of his stipend of £300 per annum. Endeared by his parishioners, worshipped by the poor, it was a great loss to the town when advancing years and declining health caused him to resign. There bas been no one associated with the old Parish Church more deserving of respect and remembrance than this venerable man of the last century. During his Vicariate he had the able assistance of the Rev. Renfrew as curate, Dr. Sewell, organist, and Wm. Hy. Cundey, clerk.In 1872 the Rev W. Newton succeeded Mr. Moseley. After being accustomed so long to the venerable appearance of the old Vicar, it seemed strange to have so young a man, and unmarried, taking charge of the parish. The former fault, if fault it was, time alone could cure; the latter the Vicar remedied by marrying the daughter of Mr. Fox, who had given up a living in the South to become senior curate at Rotherham. On the occasion of the wedding the church was packed long before the ceremony, and the main approaches to the sacred building were densely crowded. Hundreds remained in High street, windows, roofs, and every available point of vantage being utilised.
Venetian masts were erected on each side of the pathway leading from High street. An arch was constructed at the entrance in High street, and the church tower made gay with bunting. I believe the marriage ceremony, was performed by the bride’s father, the senior curate.
In 1874 the Vicar undertook the restoration of our grand old church. Acting on the advice and supervision of Sir Gilbert Scott the old galleries were removed and the high backed pews gave place to comfortable open seats. The organ received attention, and accommodation found for it in the North Chapel, so that more seating could be provided in the transept. The cost of the restoration exceeded £10,000, towards which the Vicar gave £1000. There was a good deal of scandal raised owing to the graves in the yard being opened and skulls and bones scattered about. I had in my possession up to a few years ago. a relic of the restoration in the form of a man’s jaw, taken from the grave of the Earl of Strafford.
Following a highly successful temperance mission, the Vicar decided to establish a cocoa and coffee house in Wellgate. Success having rewarded his efforts, he later decided on the erection of St. George’s Hall for parochial and other purposes. At his own expense he built Stoneleigh in Godstone road, the villa adjoining the Vicarage, for the purpose of providing a home for his curates. Unfor tunately, and to the great grief of his » next
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