Clergy past and present return for Totland’s 150th celebration

By Roz Whistance

The rafters of Christ Church, Totland Bay, were (almost) raised last Thursday (August 14) to celebrate 150 years since the church was consecrated.

Former clergy and past members of the congregation returned to join present churchgoers as the four lay worship leaders led a service which not only looked at the history of the Totland church but put it in the context of everything that was happening in the wider world.

A delighted congregation welcomed back Rev Andy Yorke, the Rev James Cook who followed Andy on his retirement, and his successor Rev Leisa Potter who left for a Devon parish in October last year. With the Team Rector, Rev Jackie Maw, the four led the Affirmation of Faith. Christ Church is currently awaiting the appointment of a new vicar.

The packed church sang the hymns, chosen ‘to celebrate 150 years of shining God’s light’, with gusto, as did the choir with a setting of Psalm 100, ‘Shout for Joy to the Lord, All the Earth’, by musical director Richard Britton. He and long time church organist Neil Walker accompanied the service throughout.

Service leader Hazel Britton introduced the other three lay worship leaders as they described the history of the church, ‘each covering 50 years in five minutes’, as Jane Walton explained. Churchwarden Geoff Kirk opened with the prayer said originally on August 14, 1875 by Bishop F T McDougall, adding: “This is the day that the Parish of Totland was formed, and the parish extended to the Lighthouse. The Vicar of Totland would also visit the Lighthouse to minister to the keepers.”

There were six vicars in the first 50 years, the first being Rev Raymond Blathwayt, and the present organ – known across the Island and beyond for its quality – was installed at a cost of £400. Queen Victoria was on the throne at the birth of the church, with Benjamin Disraeli as Prime Minister. The First World War saw 44 men from the parish lost.

Jane Walton took on 1925-1975 “at a gallop. It began with the General Strike, universal female suffrage and the discovery of penicillin.

At the other end we saw men walking on the moon and the first heart transplant.” Peter Byatt, churchwarden, brought the congregations up to date, referencing the internet and the acceptance of women as vicars.

Afterwards Pimm’s and bites were served while the congregation renewed old friendships.