Memorial

Communion table 1914-18 Congregational

Rothbury

Memorial Name: Communion table 1914-18 Congregational (R24.12)

NEWMP Ref No.: R24.12

Parish: Rothbury

Original Location:

Congregational Church, now United Reformed Church

Past Location:

In the entrance hall

Present Location:

Inside the church

Which War:

1914-18

Dedication, Creation or Publication date:

Placed in Church in April 1920 when a Memorial Service was held.

Materials Used:

Oak

Inscription:

In Memory of the Heroic Dead
1914-1918
(Names)

Memorial Description:

Communion table, 21¾ inches deep x 50½ inches wide x 31½ inches high (551 mm x 1.26 m x 801 mm) with open tracery front.

The dedication is painted on the table surface.

At each side of the names are sprays of Tudor roses and leaves.

At the top, the heading forms a slight curve in elaborate shadowed lettering with the dates underneath.

The names are listed in two columns, the lettering painted in gilt using Roman capitals throughout.

Names:

9 names, ranks and regiments.
See transcript.

Notes:

1. This must have been stripped and repainted at some time. The original description describes the table as being made of “dark oak”, and reads: “In memory of the Heroic Dead”. The dates “1914” and “1918” appeared in the upper left and right corners respectively. The names are painted on the top of the table. The lettering was painted white on top of an undercoat to make it stand out, but is now much worn. The lettering is in block Roman capitals. A stylised border of Tudor roses and leaves is also painted along the bottom and both sides.

2. Restored by removing the legs and making the top into a plaque.

3. The church has been altered to create a multi-purpose venue. The entrance has been made into a “coffee room cum kitchen”. The table was here until made into a plaque.

Sources:

Photos: Janet Brown; Bob Preston

“Rothbury United Reform Church 1835-1985” 150th Anniversary leaflet compiled by Samuel Appleton Thubron, (Northumberland Record Office Ref P.280 No. 4443)

Morpeth Herald
16/04/1920 reports unveiling.

Newcastle Daily Journal
09/04/1920 reports placing of table in church.