Major Alterations to the Church
1878-1880
In 1881 major alterations were made at the east end of the church which was extended to make two new exit staircases. These are the staircases we normally use today. The extension added two more rooms below, our present kitchen and the area including the church office and ladies toilet. The alterations were discussed at the Annual Vestry Meeting in 1878, when Canon Robson commented on "the smallness of the egnefs" (exits) from the church, the unusual height of the pulpit and the impossibility of rendering the musical portions of the services effectively with the organ at the West End. It was proposed that an architect should be consulted and so long as the work was no more than £1,000 the alterations should be carried out. A faculty was obtained and at the March Vestry Meeting in 1880 the plans were accepted at the cost of £1,130.
1881
In 1881 the organ was moved from the back of the nave gallery to its present position and the choir moved into the chancel. The pulpit was lowered and as the result of a special bazaar to raise the money a clock was placed in the spire.
1925
In 1924 the church was struck by lightning, causing damage to the organ and setting the roof of the south transept on fire. The church had to close for several weeks while the transept was boarded off. From the insurance money and voluntary contributions it was decided to make several improvements. An opening was made high up in the wall of the south transept between the gallery and organ chamber. A new screen of oak replaced a glass screen at the west end (main entrance). A new heating system was installed and electric wiring was renewed. One or two box pews were removed from the nave and transepts to make an open space in front of the chancel steps and the walls of the whole church were redecorated.
In Rev Taylor's incumbency more seats in the nave were removed and all the pews were spaced out to give room to kneel in comfort. Later, in Rev Skipper's time, seats in the chancel on the north side were removed to make a new choir vestry.