St Mary's 1858/59

St Mary's 1858/59

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St Mary's 1858/59
The closing of Belchamp Walter Church

The church of St. Mary's Belchamp Walter was closed between December 1858 and sometime in 1859 as it was deemed to be unsafe.

2025, the church is now at threat of closing for other reasons. It is far from unsafe. Renovation work and maintenance of the fabric of the building is not in question due to the support of those that think the building is worth supporting. The problem is with the Church of England wanting Parish Share to support the diocese with funds that the village cannot support.

Article from Suffolk Free Press archive 1858

St. Mary the Virgin was closed for worship from 20 December 1858 presumably until the "Renovations" in 1859

" January 21st 1858 - Belchamp Walter.
The parish church at Belchamp Walter being closed since December 20th as no services have been performed since that date, the attention of the vicarage was called on at a meeting of the ratepayers on Friday last also the neglected state of the parish, he was urged to have some duty performed in the parish and if his curate considered the church unsafe, the schoolroom was named and a barn would have been provided the parishioners who were led to believe that a service would take place in the church at half past two on Sunday last a large congregation assembled but the curate did not attend. "

The closing of the church in 1857 was not recorded in the listing of vicars in the guide found in the church.

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Unhappy Parish

The vacancy in the priesthood of 1857 was filled by Oliver Raymond of Monk's Eleigh in 1859

Article from 1858 Suffolk Free Press newspaper archive February 24th 1859

We understand that the Rev Oliver Raymond of Monk's Eleigh has been appointed curate of Bulmer, which was vacated by the death of the Rev Picton, we also understand the Rev St Clere Raymond has undertaken the charge at Walter Belchamp parish, we anticipate great results from this hitherto most unhappy parish.

The Rev Oliver Raymond is listed as the parish priest for 1859 (until 1863?) when the Rev St Clere Raymond was then listed.
John Mayne St. Clere Raymond is presumed to be the Rev St Clere Raymond.

January 31st 1894 - Suffolk Free Press

" On Sunday last, the Rev.T.L.V.Simkin was inducted to the living of Belchamp Walter. "

St Mary's 1858/59The closing of Belchamp Walter Church

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St Mary's 1858/59
The closing of Belchamp Walter Church