OLD CHURCH IN PERIL

Evening Star, Issue 21819, 7 September 1934, Page 2

OLD CHURCH IN PERIL

ONE OF THE WREN STRUCTURES FATE OF ALL HALLOWS. One of the few _ remaining Wren churches in London is in peril of being pulled down and. sold. All Hallows, Lombard street, where John Wesley is said to have preached his first extempore sermon, is the subject of a “ dangerous structure ” notice. The notice warns the rector and churchwardens “ to take down or secure the east wall, where cracked, out of upright, or otherwise defective.” The east wall of All Hallows has been laid bare as the result of demolitions which have taken place to premises in Graceohurch street. The Rev. R. G. Millidge, the curate of All Hallows, said recently that the rector, Canon Tissington Tatlow, and the churchwardens were considering what action to take following upon receipt of the corporation’s notice. “ They will be going thoroughly into the question of rebuilding the church when necessary,” added Mr Millidge. “If a scheme is approved an appeal fund will be launched. On the other hand, it may be discovered that the sum required would be too large. In that case the question of selling the church will have to be considered.” All Hallows is one of the nineteen churches which the City Churches Commission of 1920 recommended for removal. It is one of London’s most inconspicuous churches, as it has only a doorway in the street, and has been known from its position as “ the church invisible.” It is noted for the fine screen dividing the nave from the ante-chapel_ and the wardens’ pews. Its ceiling is of a single panel,_ and the church contains many interesting relics from two other Wren churches, St. Dyonis Backchurch and St. Benet Gracechurch, both destroyed in the last century.