Pulpit 1914-18 Christ Church

Christ Church, Preston Road / Albion Road.

1914-18

Unveiled 21st April 1921 by Rev. Canon Crawhall, D.S.O.

English oak

£200 (“This amount will easily be raised; indeed it will probably be given by the relatives of our slain”)

Public subscription

Messrs. Hedley Bros of Newcastle

Designed by Messrs. Hicks and Charlwood of Newcastle

To the
Glory of God
and in
memory
of
members
of our
congregation
who gave
their lives
in
the Great War
1914-1919

Pulpit, octagonal, approx.79 inches high x 53 inches in diameter (202cms x 135cms).

Four panels bear an inscription and the names of the fallen.

The names are incised in Roman capitals.

1. The Letter of Appeal also says that they wished to raised a further £2,000 for the reconstruction of the organ.

2. The names had been restricted to those who were members of the congregation before they joined up.

3. “The Scoutmaster, Mr. G.N. Hartley, on behalf of the Scouts and in remembrance of Scoutmaster Captain Capt. Dryden and Scouts Ball, L. de la Cherois and Mummery, placed a large laurel wreath upon the pulpit..” Shields Daily News 22/04/1921

4. Analysis of the names shows amongst them 10 members of the Vicar’s Bible Class; the organist and 2 choirmen; 2 bell -ringers; the Scoutmaster and 3 Scouts; the first and last to die were both day-school teachers; 1 who died as German P.O.W.; 5 who died after the Armistice; 1 whose parents received news of his death while the bells were ringing in the Peace. Army, Navy, Merchant Navy and R.A.F. were all represented. The list also includes a father and son, two brothers and two brothers-in-law. (Shields Daily News 25/04/1921 Editorial).

5. Mrs. and Mrs. S.L. Robson are reported as offering to pay for the pulpit as a thank offering for the safe return of their son.

6. The Church Restoration Committee suggested that the restoration of the organ would be a good project, costing £1,700.

Photos: Janet Brown

Illustrated Chronicle
31/05/1920 reports that the pulpit would be paid for by Mr. and Mrs. L. Robson;
22/04/1921 reports unveiling

Newcastle Weekly Chronicle
05/06/1920 reports donation by Mr. & Mrs. Robson.

Shields Daily News
22/04/1921 reports the unveiling ceremony.

Whitley Bay Observer
28/11/1919 reports proposal to restore the organ

North Tyneside Local Studies
Letter of appeal for funds.

Newcastle Diocesan records:
Faculty No.729, 15/02/1919

Ralph W. Gould;
Michael Scott, North Shields;
North Tyneside Local Studies Library;
Janet Brown;
Dorothy Hall

The names on the North Shields memorials are being researched by the Tynemouth WW1 group.

Contact info@tynemouthworldwarone.org