Triptych 1914-18 St. Alban

St. Alban’s Church

Dismantled and re-erected as E3.02

1914-18

Unveiled 6th November 1921 by Dr. Taylor Dixon, in the absence of Mr. J.R. Hall, late Hon.Secretary to the Tyneside Scottish Brigade Committees;
dedicated by the Lord Bishop of Newcastle, Dr. Wild.

Oak

Public subscription

“War shrine of octagonal form standing 10 feet high (3m)”.

An old photograph shows not a shrine but a group of three panels set against the corner, almost looking like a pulpit.

The top is traceried with the middle section rising higher and supporting a crucifix.

The three panels bear the dedication on the centre one and the names in a single column on each of the two outer.

1. The reason for its dismantling is stated in the Faculty which reads: Letter from Vicar accompanying the petition gives reasons for removal.

‘The reasons for the suggested removal of the existing War Memorial in the Earsdon Church:
a. The Memorial is of wood and bad dry rot has set in at the base. There is a grave danger of the dry rot spreading, and for the safety of the building, it is therefore necessary that the Memorial be removed as soon as possible.
b. The particularly ugly proportions of the Memorial. The top part is much too heavy for the base, and the weight of the top is increased by an assorted conglomeration of non-descript gaudy ornament. The figure of our Lord is entirely out of proportion, and is very badly carved.
c. Although there are two spare panels, on either side, which could be used for the names of the Second War dead, they are placed at angles which would make the names difficult to see.
d. The erection of the panels on the West wall of the Church will be far more dignified and impressive.

2. At the unveiling, a lighting installation was dedicated to the memory of Mrs. John Ochiltree, a former benefactress of the church.

Old postcard: Tony Harding

Alnwick & County Gazette
12/11/1921 reports unveiling.

Blyth News
08/09/1921 reports proposals;
07/11/1921 reports unveiling.

Illustrated Chronicle
07/11/1921 reports unveiling.

Morpeth Herald
09/09/1921 reports proposals

Newcastle Daily Chronicle
05/09/1921 reports construction in process;
07/10/1921 reports proposed unveiling;
07/11/1921 reports unveiling.

Newcastle Weekly Chronicle
12/11/1921 reports unveiling.

Shields Daily News
05/09/1921 reports the proposed war shrine dedicated to 55 men;
07/11/1921 reports unveiling ceremony of a memorial to 58 men.

Whitley Bay Observer
11/11/1921 reports unveiling.

Diocese of Newcastle
Faculty No. 1750, 23/11/1950

Ralph W. Gould;
Tony Harding;
Patrick Easen;
Dorothy Hall

Research on this memorial is being done by Colin Bray.

Contact: colin380@sky.com