NOTTINGHAM CHURCES - 1853

The church, originally erected as a chapel of ease to St. Mary's by a grant from government, is now, in conformity with the act of parliament for the division of large parishes, a district or parochial church. It was erected in 1822 on the west side of George street, and was consecrated by the Archbishop of York on the 12^th of October, in the same year. It is a handsome stone-fronted rectangular building, 104 feet long, 62 feet wide, and 34 feet high. Four massive fluted columns of the Doric order, 22 feet high, support the portico, which is surmounted by an elegant entablature and pediment, 7 feet 1 inch high. The total height of the portico is 31 feet 4 inches, and it is surmounted by a cupola containing a bell. The dome and lantern are supported by eight Doric columns, and from the basement to the apex of the dome is 45 feet. The roof of the church is supported by fourteen Corinthian columns and pilasters at the angles. The centre aisle is 36 feet, and the side aisles 16 feet, wide. The aisle or side pews are raised, and seats for the poor are placed along the central aisle. The church contains 1,600 sittings, and the interior is lighted by oblong square windows.

The patron of the living, the value of which is £200 a year, is Earl MANVERS.

The Rev. Charles ARMSTRONG, under whose pastorate the church was speedily filled, was the first incumbent; and though now inadequate to the duties of the pulpit from his state of health, the spiritual wants of the congregation are well supplied by the curate, the Rev. John JONES, B.A. The late curate, the Rev. George CUTHBERT, B.A., who was removed in 1852 to another sphere of usefulness in his afflicted native country, Ireland, gained the affections of his people by the devoted singleness of purpose with which he discharged the duties of his sacred office. During his residence in the town he took a part in the early closing movement; and both in the pulpit and on the platform he energetically testified against popery and unitarianism. Among other curates who have labored in this district are the Rev. Dr. BLAKENEY, the distinguished opponent of Romanism, who in 1851 was removed from Ison Green to Birkenhead, in the county of Chester, and the Rev. W. CLEMENTSON.

The organ, built in 1846 by Messrs. BEVINGTON and Sons of London, was purchased by subscription at a cost of £310.

The Sunday schools connected with this place of worship are attended on the average by 160 female and 100 male scholars; the number of teachers being 36 female and 13 male. The infant school in Cur lane, open during the week, is usually attended by about 60 children. There is a district visiting society and a juvenile church missionary association, besides supporting which the congregation contribute to the bible, Jews', and other societies.