Chancel and Screen 1914-18 St. Simon

In St. Simon’s Church, Wenlock Road, Simonside

1914-18

Dedicated on 16th December 1922 by the Bishop of Durham.

Oak

Designed by Mr. Henry Grieves, R.I.B.A., South Shields.
Artist: Messrs. Hedley, Newcastle

To the glory of God and in grateful memory of the men of this parish
who fell in the Cause of Right and Freedom 1914-1918
(Names)
Requiescant in Pace Requiescant in Pace

Chancel and screen.

All that is left of this screen is 9 feet 2 inches high x 5 feet 10 inches wide (2.79m x 1.77m).

It is formed of four panels with openwork carved tops with four panels below.

The dedication is carried on the ribbon strip between upper and lower panels in Gothic lettering.

The names are incised in single columns on each of the four lower panels, the lettering carved and gilded, using Roman capitals.

The words “Requiescant in Pace” are incised into the frame at the bottom.

1. This was removed to the west end of the church when the floor was being renewed.

2. The names of W.T. Laverick, Vicar, J. Greagg and T. Potts, Churchwardens, and G.R. Harland, Treasurer are carved on one panel.

3. As a memorial for 1939-45 a vestry was suggested c.1947 which would cost £700. By the time that money was raised the cost had risen to £1,500, so the idea was abandoned. A bronze plaque was then proposed but “not carried out because of lack of interest”.

4. The screen was originally “divided into seven bays with open traceried heads with a beautifully enriched and carved cornice over. On the transom rail the inscription ‘To the Glory of God and in grateful memory of the men of this parish who fell in the cause of right and freedom’ is placed. and on the panels the names of the fallen are incised in gold.”

Photos: C. Sanders

Northern Echo
12/12/1922 reports proposed unveiling.

Shields Daily News
18/12/1922 reports dedication ceremony

South Shields Gazette
12/12/1922 reports proposed unveiling;
18/12/1922 reports bishop’s address at unveiling.

St. Simon’s, South Shields 1880-1980. David J. Kennedy, 1980 contains a photo of the screen dividing the nave and chancel.

Source of quotation
“Requiescant in Pace” (“May they rest in peace”) Latin Mass for the Dead

Ralph W. Gould;
C. Sanders;
Fitzhugh Collection, Middleton In Teesdale;
Dorothy Hall;
James Pasby;
Michael Mulhern

The names on this memorial are being researched by Peter Hoy.

Contact: peterhoy@hotmail.co.uk