Rushden Independent Wesleyan Chapel has been closed for some time for renovation and redecoration, and one must say the time has been most usefully spent, for the interior has been very tastefully treated.

The organ and the balcony have been painted in a sage green tint, picked out with white ad gold. The ceiling is charmingly decorated, and the pews have been refreshed with varnish and stain. But the magnificent memorial gift of the Claridge family is the most imposing of the alterations. In memory of the late Mr. Ebenezer Claridge and his son Raymond, a beautiful oak screen, rostrum an pulpit have been erected. The whole work has been carefully thought out and executed, and is a great acquisition to the dignity of the building. The screen is inscribed:—“To the glory of God and in loving memory of Mr. Ebenezer Claridge and his son Charles Raymond, this pulpit is dedicated. A.D. 1924.”

On the communion table are two handsome brass vases inscribed:—“In loving memory of Charles Raymond Claridge and his daughter, 1914.” [see below for correction]

On Thursday morning a private dedication service was held, conducted by the Rev. C. J. Keeler.

In the afternoon, the Rev. T. N. Tattersall, of Kettering, preached an excellent sermon to a good congregation. Tea was then partaken of in the schoolroom, arranged by the Ladies’ Sewing Meeting. At 6.30 a children’s service was held in the church.

In the evening, the Rev. T. N. Tattersall again preached. There being a large attendance. He took for his text from Romans viii, 29: “For whom He did foreknow.” The preacher proved eloquently that God loved and knew His people, and had a purpose for them. Speaking of the war, he said they should not put their trust in chariots. They would not win because of bravery or resources, but because they knew God and believed in Him. God knew how much they could bear, and strengthened their backs to bear it.—The choir nicely rendered special music, with Mr. W. T. Flood at the organ.

The architects were Messrs. Talbot Brown and Fisher, Wellingborough, and the work was excellently carried out by Mr R. Marriott, of Rushden.

Rushden Argus, 13th November 1914, transcribed by Kay Collins Correction—We regret a mistake made in the inscription on the vases given to the Independent Wesleyan Church in memory of the late Mr. C. R. Claridge. Of course the gift was made by Mr. and Mrs. C.R. Claridge’s only little girl Joyce, and the inscription reads: “In loving memory of Charles Raymond Claridge, from his daughter Joyce.” We are sorry to have inadvertently caused any stress.