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1960's 1950's

Parish Magazines 1855 - present
1882 2005 mag

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St. Matthew's Church, Carver Street, January, 1958.

Dear People,
The day of rehallowing was indeed a great day in the history of the church. I had begun to think that the work would never be finished in time. As usual everything was alright on the day. The last few days were very difficult and it meant fifteen hours a day for some of us. The workmen were very good and gave a great deal of help. I thought that the furnishing of the Altars would be an all-night job but everything worked out well.
The church looked very wonderful after such a long time of dirt and disrepair. We were seeing for the first time the results of the plan for restoration put in hand eight years ago. Many people passed remarks about the beauty of the proportions only now to be seen properly. Others congratulated the Architect in his conception of the finished scheme, others praised the new main doors designed by Mr. Simms, and so one could go on. But of course the important work is not that which is seen. The new foundations and the air vents and all the new woodwork under the pew platforms is more important than the paint and the colour.
Each one will have his own idea about the finished scheme. There will be criticism. Some may think that we have not done enough — already I have been approached to have the High Altar reguilded, the sanctuary reflaged, the statue of The Sacred Heart repainted, and so on. Others may think we have gone too far. But what it does mean is that the church is sound and ready for another hundred years use.  For that we thank God.
jan1958

The next step in the restoration is the organ. The order has already been given for the first part to be reconstructed. The front pipes have been repaired and returned on 17th December, the day of rehallowing. I have been trying over the past year to raise as much money as possible to try and complete the whole of the work at one go. It would have meant raising a loan of £2,000. I have had half promises but nothing has been put in concrete form

The Bishop after his visit on December 17th wrote me a letter congratulating the congregation on the wonderful improvements made to St. Matthew's Church and also said that he was ear-marking £300 from funds under his control for the rebuilding of the? organ This is a wonderful gift. Moreover the collection taken for the Bishops Charities he also handed over for the restoration fund.I have now to write to the Organ builders to let them know as soon as possible whether we are able to go through with the complete restoration. I have been struggling with this problem all over Christmas, and have come to the conclusion that we cannot finance such a scheme without this loan, which at the moment is not forthcoming.
There are many other things which we are in need of and each will be dealt with as money becomes available.

Yours Sincerely, WILLIAM T. SIMPSON

INVALIDS
Mr. Harry Clarke had to go into a nursing home just after Christmas for a complete rest. Perhaps the excitement of seeing his family altogether again was just a bit too much for him. But we had good news yesterday that he is going home. We wish him all the best and hope that his recovery will be sure
Miss Hobbis is confined to her house. We know how energetic she has been in the past and we hope that her friends will rally round and make her enforced rest more endurable.
Miss L. L. Smith was seriously ill over the Christmas and needed a great deal of care and attention. She is now a little better.

CLIFFORD WHITELEY

After a short illness, from which he was making a good recovery, and, moreover, hoping in a few days to go back to work, Mr. Whiteley died suddenly from a Thrombosis. Clifford was 67 and young in heart. He was loved by those who knew him and will be greatly missed I think that it was a very beautiful way to die, but it is always a tremendous shock to those who are near and dear to them. We do wish to express the sympathy of the whole congregation to Mrs. Whiteley and her family at her great loss, and remind her that the prayers of the church will be offered for her. The requiem mass took place on Wednesday, January 8th at St. Matthew's and the cremation followed at City Road cemetery.  May he rest in peace.

    • U.M.C.A. REPORT
  • Miss Bates has sent the following report. The retiring monthly collections in 1957 totaled £21—8—10. Donations came to £4—5—0, boxes came to £5—2—8 and the sale of woolies brought in £2—1—0. This made a total of £32—17—6. This is rather less than last year. It is hoped that this work will be advanced in the future now we are coming to the end of the restoration work. The appeal for old linen meant that 60 lbs. was sent to the Hospital at Msalabani where Dr. L. P. Sitwell is in charge. This hospital is staffed by the C.S.P. Sisters. This was indeed a very welcome parcel and Miss Bates still asks for old linen and also for anything made of pure wool.
  • MISS EIRA LLOYD
    Miss Lioyd will soon be on leave again and is hoping to come to Sheffield.  It will be nice to see her again.
    GIFTS
    The Bishop has promised £300 towards the restoration of the organ.
    Miss  Payne  and  Miss  Bright  have  paid  another £10 into the church making a total of £70.  They set out to pay for the new floor in the Baptistry and they have very nearly done so.
    Mr. Fletcher and his daughter have sent a thankoffering of £4. The Widow has sent her mite for Christmas, 10/-. Mr. H. Gillham who was the main contractor to the recent work, has given us a wonderful lamp for the Lady Chapel, in memory of his sister who used to worship here.  Thank you everyone.