St Peter's Church - Recent History

Having at one time survived a threat of demolition, in 1872 it was in need of repair and was closed for a few years.

In the 1880’s, by the exertions of the Archbishop and the Dean of Canterbury, together with the Mayor and leading citizens, the church was restored and re-equipped – a new organ installed and an adjoining vestry/parish room added.

Until 1910, there was close association with St Augustine’s Missionary College and services were undertaken by Warden Maclear, the Fellows and the students – and from 1897 by the Rev. C. R. Tyrwhitt (as Priest-in-Charge), who financed the building of the nearby parish hall (destroyed in World War II).

Unfortunately, in 1926 owing to regrettable and unhappy circumstances, services were suspended and gradually being denuded of most of its ‘furnishing’ – (including the organ) the church remained closed for almost two decades, ill-used and uncared for.

Concern was revived in the 1940’s encouraged by the incumbent of St Dunstan’s – by then linked with Holy Cross, and it was partially re-opened for private prayer.

In 1949 the Friends of St Peter’s – mainly those of the old congregation still alive, set about restoration and worked valiantly to overcome the desolation, and in 1953 with the help of local clergy, especially Canon Sansbury of St Augustine’s College, Sunday Services were carried out (with harmonium accompaniment).

In 1959 with the re-organisation of parishes and a new Rector, St Peter’s was once again restored to its full life.