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Summer Fete 2009 Here are some pictures of the Summer Fete 2009
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AND THE TALE OF THE DISAPPEARING PREACHER In Prittlewell’s past many interesting stories have been told of the `three-decker' pulpit and the square box pews, the sides of which were relatively high, with seats round the inside. When the congregation were seated it was almost impossible for the preacher or anyone else outside the pew to see them.
There are two stories, one that is factual, and the second legendary. This is the period associated with the hour-glass in the pulpit and lengthy sermons. When the sermon commenced, the hour-glass stood upright, and when the sand on the upper portion had gradually descended into the lower portion, one hour had elapsed.
Preachers were accustomed then to reverse the hour-glass and to continue the sermon, so that it was by no means unusual for a sermon to continue for an hour, and frequently for a longer period. It was, therefore, not surprising for those seated in the pews to occupy the time in a manner suitable to age and temperament.
The boys in Prittlewell Church in the obscurity of the tall box pews whiled away the tedious length of the sermon by playing cards. The verger wandered round with his metal-topped mace and tapped boys on the head, murmuring, `Dammit, dammit, boys, you can't play cards in church.'
On another occasion, as narrated by the oldest inhabitant of the village whilst standing at the corner of the street, a visiting preacher occupied the pulpit. The sand in the hour-glass informed the preacher that the sermon had lasted almost half an hour. He then became conscious of a somnolent peace pervading the church. He paused, and then asked, `Is anyone awake?' As there was no answer, the question was repeated.
Having received no reply, the preacher quietly left the pulpit, removed his gown and left the church. When the sexton returned at the usual time from his Sunday morning session with the ringers at the King's Head, he was amazed to find that, though the congregation all slumbered and slept, the preacher was nowhere to be seen. From one of the stories in a book by Ellis Gowing, one time vicar of St. Mary’s.
Thank you
to all those adults and children who came to make this year's fete a
great success. __________________________ |
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