In 1899, 25 years after the Church had been rebuilt, the first of several upgrades presented to the Church by the Townsend Family was completed – the introduction of the first pair of stained glass windows. The Townsend family had also helped significantly when the church was built. This initiative coincided with the extension of the Churchyard, which was supported by the Duke of Buccleuch, and to dedicate the two notable gifts, and to consecrate the new burial ground, the Bishop of the Diocese visited the parish for the first time since the opening of the new church.
The first of the two new windows was dedicated to Henry and Ann Townsend (nee Worth), the parents of the noted Worth Townsend sisters (often seen noted as the “Misses Townsend”, along with their two brothers John Hands Townsend and William Henry Worth Townsend – detail of the family tree can be found on the family biography page via this link. The second window was dedicated to the two eldest Worth Townsend sisters who had passed away earlier – Charlotte (1839-1888) and Frances Ann (1838-1893).
The Rugby Advertiser of 20th May 1899 reported on the event in some detail.
THE BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE AT CHURCH LAWFORD.
DEDICATION OF MEMORIAL WINDOWS AND BURIAL GROUND.
Visits from the Bishop of a diocese are naturally few and far between in rural parishes. Only on very rare occasions indeed does anything occur in most villages to necessitate the presence of such an ecclesiastical dignitary. Church Lawford is a case in point. More than twenty- five years have elapsed since the pretty church was re-opened, and since that event we understand the inhabitants until this week have not had a Bishop amongst them. Dr. Perowne, however, spent an hour in the place on Monday afternoon. His visit had a two-fold object-the dedication of memorial windows recently presented to the church, and the consecration of a new portion of the burial ground.
Some two years ago the Duke of Buccleuch kindly gave about half an acre to extend the churchyard on the north side, and more recently this has been levelled and fenced in. The cost of fencing, &c., was defrayed by subscriptions, but the ground itself was made over by the Duke without any expense whatever, his Grace even defraying the charges connected with the title deeds. Originally the time for the consecration service was fixed for 3.30 in the afternoon, but, to suit the convenience of the Bishop, it was altered to begin a little earlier.
In honour of the event the Union Jack floated aloft on the church tower, and both before and after the service the bells were rung. Invitations had been sent by the Rector (Rev. S. W. Frost) to various clergy in the neighbourhood to take part in the service, and amongst those who accepted were-the Revs. A. V. Baillie (Rector of Rugby), H. A. Barker (Vicar of St. Matthew’s, Rugby) D. M. Wauchope (New Bilton), G. Gurney Coombs (Newbold), and R. P. Watson (Brinklow). According to the authorised form, the Bishop was received at the entrance to the church by the clergy, churchwardens (Mr. W. H. W. Townsend and Mr. E. Riley), and clerk (Mr. Whiteman). and the Rector presented him with the usual petition.
By this time the congregation had assembled, amongst those present being the Rev W. L. W. Kitching (Rugby), Mrs. W. H. W. Townsend and Mies Townsend, the Misses Townsend (3) (Kings Newnham), Mr. and Mrs. J. Brierly. Misses Brierly (3), Mr. H. L. Brierly, Dr. and Mrs. Hair (Brinklow), Mrs. Cullen and Mr. J. Cullen, Mr. T. Chalmers, Capt. Caldecott, Mr. Bushell Birmingham), &c.
Members of the choir were also present, and led in the singing of the hymn, “O God, our help in ages past,” during which the Bishop was conducted along the north transept until he got opposite the new stained-glass windows placed there in March. Concerning the first of these windows, he said, “I dedicate this window to the glory of God, and in loving memory of Henry and Ann Townsend, of King’s Newnham. May He be graciously pleased to accept the gift.” The window represents the visit of the woman to the tomb on the first Easter morning, and consists of two main lights and a smaller one at the head. In the latter is the appropriate passage, “He is risen; He is not here.” Below is another suitable text from 1Thes. iv. 17. At the foot of the window is a brass plate, stating the window has been erected to the memory of the late Mr. and Mrs. Townsend by their children. Likewise the second window placed in the church in memory of Frances Ann and Charlotte Townsend, of Kings Newnham, by their surviving brothers and sisters, was dedicated. This portrays in an artistic manner the visit of our Lord to Martha and Mary at the raising of Lazarus. In the small light is the message “The Master is come and calleth for thee,” and at the foot the encouraging assurance “I am the resurrection and the life. He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”
A portion of the ordinary evening service was then conducted by the Rector, the Psalm for the day (cxxxix.) was sung, the Rev. R. P. Watson read a lesson from John v, beginning at verse 21, and after another hymn, “We love the place, O God,” and other devotional exercises, a procession, consisting of clergy. officials, choir, and congregation was formed, and all repaired to the ground about to be consecrated reciting appropriate Psalms. Upon a convenient part of the ground a small tent had been erected, and here the sentence of consecration was read and signed by the Bishop. The Rector of Rugby also attached his signature to the document. Special prayers were then offered, and the service ended with the benediction by the Bishop.