Rushden Research Group: St Mary's window appeal

The Rushden Echo and Argus, 8^th November, 1929, transcribed by Gill Hollis

St. Mary's - Window Appeal

Danger to XVth Century Window - Result of Long Drought - Appeal for £150

There is no doubt which is the most ancient, beautiful and interesting building in Rushden. Our Parish Church is a priceless heirloom, as well as a most precious ancient monument. It is the joy and the glory of the whole town.

It is up to us to keep it in a good state of repair, and to hand it on to those who shall come after, as “a thing of beauty and a joy forever.”

We have only to say that the flag tower and adjacent walls and windows (with their priceless 15th century glass) were in danger of collapsing owing to the prolonged drought, and that the repairs will cost £150, and the good people of Rushden will at once come forward to aid.

This sum does not seem large, but as the Church’s 700th anniversary is coming almost immediately, which is a much larger scheme (when it is hoped to raise money for placing two stained glass windows in the west wall of the church, as part of a thanks offering) it is advisable to pay off this debt at once, which has come suddenly and unexpectedly.

The following sums have been promised or received:-

	£	s	d
Dr. Greenfield………………..	10	0	0
Mr. G. S. Mason………………..	10	0	0
Miss Mason…………………..	5	0	0
Capt. Stevens…………………..	5	0	0
Rector and Mrs. Stoney…………..	5	0	0
Miss Sartoris…………………….	3	3	0

Donations should be sent to Lloyds Bank or to the following:- Travers Stoney, The Rectory; Dr. Greenfield, Hayway; Mr. James Roe, The Mounts, Victoria-road.

The Rushden Echo & Argus, 9th January, 1931, transcribed by Jim Hollis

Memorial Windows at Rushden - History Recalled From Twelfth Century

Windows to commemorate the great anniversary at St. Mary’s, Rushden, last year, are shortly to be placed in the west wall of the church, and the Rector hopes to have them unveiled on Lady Day (March 25th).

The windows are of rounded-leaded pattern, and represent the following subject :-

William Peveral, the Norman Lord of Higham Ferrers, giving his church of Rissenden (Rushden) to the Prior of Lenton, in 1105 A.D. This is the first recorded mention of the church; and Henry I confirming this grant in Nottingham Castle.

Under the first window are to be the words: “For the remembrance of the first Rector of Rushden, A.D. 1230. This window is here placed A.D. 1930”; and under the other: “For a remembrance before God, of all founders and benefactors of this Church, the parishioners have caused these windows to be made A.D. 1930.”

The architect is Mr. Walter Tower, who designed the windows in the Memorial Chapel, and the cost will be about £180. Towards this outlay the church has £147 in hand.

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