Page:A History of Horncastle from the Earliest Period to the Present Time.djvu/107

88 Camden Road, N.W., and afterwards in Tufnell Park Road, N., but he never lost his interest in the Horncastle branch; visiting the town year after year, to preach or give lectures, in the Corn Exchange, on behalf of the Society. His last visit was in October, 1896; his death occurring on the 5th of the December following, after (as was fitly stated) "40 years of faithful service as Superintendent Missionary," as well as having been Treasurer of the New Church Conference.

In 1871 Mr. Moore left Horncastle, the room in Tinker's Entry was given up, and the meetings were held in the house of Mr. W. Hall, where a Library was also opened for the members. Subsequently, with a view to the erection of a suitable place of worship, Mr. Hall bought a piece of land in Croft Street and presented it to the Society, the project being also warmly supported by Mr. R. Gunton. A subscription list was opened, plans and estimates obtained, and the foundation stone of a fabric was laid, Sep. 16, 1872. The appeal for support concluded with these words: "This will be the first house of worship constructed in the County of Lincoln, for the worship of the Lord Jesus Christ as the only God." This was signed by W. Hall, Treasurer, and Edwin Dawson, Secretary.

The Chapel was opened Jan. 29, 1873, being dedicated by the Rev. Dr. Bayley, Minister of the Chapel in Argyle Square, London; who had given a series of lectures in aid of the Society four years before (November, 1869) in the Corn Exchange; and, after the dedication, he again gave addresses, which were continued by Revs. P. Ramage, R. Storry, C. H. Wilkins, Mr. R. Gunton, and others, usually morning and evening.

We will now describe the Croft Street fabric, opened under these favourable auspices. It consists of a square oblong, standing north and south, 40-ft. by 20-ft.; the architect was Mr. Gosling of London, the builder Mr. Chas. Blyton of Horncastle, the material being red and white brick. There is accommodation for 150 persons; the cost of the structure was £350. The fittings, which had formerly belonged to a chapel in Cross Street, Hatton Gardens, London, were presented by Mr. William Pickstone. At the south end there is an apsidal recess with three lancet windows, the central one having coloured glass, with the figure of the Good Shepherd and an inscription at the bottom stating that it was "Presented by J. WW. [sic] Fishleigh and Fanny his wife, in memoriam, Feb., 1901," being in memory of their only daughter, who died in London, the mother having been brought up in this connection.

Within this apse there is a platform, with polished oak rail in front, resting on carved pillars. On this is a Reading Desk and Communion Table. The carpet and communion cushion were presented by the late Mr. T. Tapling, carpet manufacturer, of London, who was a native of Lincolnshire. In the centre of the apse is a carved oak chair, having the monogram I.H.S., which was given by Mr. C. Blyton. In front, standing on the Chapel floor, is a harmonium by Alexandre & Sons, of Paris; it is a fine instrument, having four sets of vibrators and 14 stops. It was obtained partly at the cost of the congregation, and partly by a donation of the late Mr. John Jobson, from Mr. Thomas Gunton (son of Mr. Richard Gunton of London), who resided at Bunnyfield House, Hatfield Park, and was for many years private secretary to the late Marquis of Salisbury. The instrument originally cost £84. Mr. William Hall presided at this harmonium from the first.

We have mentioned Dr. Bayley of London as the earliest preacher in the new chapel; there was no resident minister till 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Hall