St. Mary 1965
The Church guide that existed in the 1960's was penned by Samuel Phillip R, the Grandfather of the present
owner of the Belchamp Hall.
The "new" Church Guide - c. 2014/2015 was based on this guide.
A scanned PDF: Belchamp Walter Church Guide.
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In the year 1559, Queen Elizabeth I ordered registers to be kept in all churches.
In 1623 William Smythies was appointed Vicar. He not only kept the registers most beautifully, but copied out the
entries of his Predecessors, from 1559 onwards in a vellum bound book, which, with others more recent, are preserved
in the Vestry in the base of the Tower.
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RECENT IMPROVEMENTS.
The two oil paintings, which for some years hung in the Nave have now been restored to their original position in the Chancel;
"The Crucifixion" on the North side, and "The Ascension" on the South side of the East wall.
The Chancel walls and the East wall of the Nave, above and on both sides of the Chancel Arch, which were covered with
stencil designs so popular in nineteen century restoration work, have been covered with a wash more in keeping with
the ancient Murals on the North Wall.
The massive cross beams hitherto encased have now been laid bare, and appear to be in excellent condition.
The pews in the Nave originally arranged in three rows are now set into two, with a central aisle, and two side aisles,
the central one being carpeted, and a number of new hassocks have been provided. These, together with the Chancel hangings
and some of the carpets were given.
Now our greatest need is for some more efficient and labour-saving form of heating, in place of the present rather
unsightly 'Tortoise' stove.
The Tortoise Stove
Oh the irony! In 2022 we are now contemplating the restoration of that stove.
Top
John Betjeman's poem 'Christmas'
Researching this page I came across this poem.
The bells of waiting Advent ring
The Tortoise stove is lit again
And lamp-oil light across the night
Has caught the streaks of winter rain
In many a stained-glass window sheen
From Crimson Lake to Hooker's Green.
