Revd Abraham Sedgwick
Abraham Sedgwick was born on 7 September 1819 in Preston, Lancashire, the son of Abraham Sedgwick and Agnes Hodgkinson . His father is listed in the 1871 census described as a landowner.
Abraham married his first wife, Margaret Haslam on 5 September 1850, and their son Joseph Haslam Sedgwick was born b. 10 October 1851 in Chorley, Lancashire. Margaret died in the spring of 1854, aged 25.
He married his second wife, Ellen Walmsley on 31 October 1855 and all of their children, John Edmund Sedgwick (b1857), William Walmsley Sedgwick (b1858), Ellen Sedgwick (b. 1861) Isabella Sedgwick (b.1861), Agnes M Sedgwick (b. 1864) and Alice E Sedgwick (b. 1865) were born in the parish.
Abraham was appointed the first Rector of Freemantle, on 13 September 1855 by the Bishop of Winchester, and arrived in the parish in the November of the same year. He had formerly been curate at St George's Church, Chorley. When he arrived, he was 36 years old, and brought with him his wife, Ellen and his son Joseph. The population of Freemantle at that time was about 1,200.
The 1861 census shows that they and their children were living with Ellen's sister Isabella and Abraham's niece, Sarah June.
The laundry room, an upper room over the bailiff's house, was fitted up and licensed as a temporary place of worship. The first service was held there on the afternoon of Sunday, February 3rd. 1856, with the first Parish Communion Service on March 23rd, with another room of the bailiffs house fitted up as a Sunday School.
Abraham presided over the foundation of the day schools in 1857, and finally, the foundation stone for the church was laid by Archdeacon Jacob on July 25th, 1861. During the four years that the church was being built, the Revd. Sedgwick spent much of the time taking leave of absence from the parish 'on account of his failing health', at one point spending time working in other parishes in Surrey and the Isle of Wight and during the autumn of 1862, he even spent time in the USA and Niagara Falls .The Church was dedicated as Christ Church, and consecrated by Bishop Sumner on July 27th. 1865. A Rectory was then planned in 1869, with money donated by the Bishop of Winchester and Sampson Payne.
By the time Abraham Sedgwick and his family left Freemantle in 1871 due to ill health, the population had increased to over 5,000. He became Vicar in Tovil Parish, Maidstone in Kent. He died on 15 March 1891 in Kent aged 72.
Abraham Sedgwick was born on 7 September 1819 in Preston, Lancashire, the son of Abraham Sedgwick and Agnes Hodgkinson . His father is listed in the 1871 census described as a landowner.
Abraham married his first wife, Margaret Haslam on 5 September 1850, and their son Joseph Haslam Sedgwick was born b. 10 October 1851 in Chorley, Lancashire. Margaret died in the spring of 1854, aged 25.
He married his second wife, Ellen Walmsley on 31 October 1855 and all of their children, John Edmund Sedgwick (b1857), William Walmsley Sedgwick (b1858), Ellen Sedgwick (b. 1861) Isabella Sedgwick (b.1861), Agnes M Sedgwick (b. 1864) and Alice E Sedgwick (b. 1865) were born in the parish.
Abraham was appointed the first Rector of Freemantle, on 13 September 1855 by the Bishop of Winchester, and arrived in the parish in the November of the same year. He had formerly been curate at St George's Church, Chorley. When he arrived, he was 36 years old, and brought with him his wife, Ellen and his son Joseph. The population of Freemantle at that time was about 1,200.
The 1861 census shows that they and their children were living with Ellen's sister Isabella and Abraham's niece, Sarah June.
The laundry room, an upper room over the bailiff's house, was fitted up and licensed as a temporary place of worship. The first service was held there on the afternoon of Sunday, February 3rd. 1856, with the first Parish Communion Service on March 23rd, with another room of the bailiffs house fitted up as a Sunday School.
Abraham presided over the foundation of the day schools in 1857, and finally, the foundation stone for the church was laid by Archdeacon Jacob on July 25th, 1861. During the four years that the church was being built, the Revd. Sedgwick spent much of the time taking leave of absence from the parish 'on account of his failing health', at one point spending time working in other parishes in Surrey and the Isle of Wight and during the autumn of 1862, he even spent time in the USA and Niagara Falls .The Church was dedicated as Christ Church, and consecrated by Bishop Sumner on July 27th. 1865. A Rectory was then planned in 1869, with money donated by the Bishop of Winchester and Sampson Payne.
By the time Abraham Sedgwick and his family left Freemantle in 1871 due to ill health, the population had increased to over 5,000. He became Vicar in Tovil Parish, Maidstone in Kent. He died on 15 March 1891 in Kent aged 72.
Revd John D'Arcy Warcop Preston
John D'Arcy Warcop Preston, the second Rector, was born in 1824 in Askham Bryan, Yorkshire, the son of Rev. John D'Arcy Jervis Preston, M.A. and Elizabeth Spence. He was from a seafaring and clergy family, his grandfather was Admiral D'Arcy Preston of the Royal Navy. He had one brother who was a major in the Army, another was Rear Admiral and three of his sisters married clergymen.
He married Emily Anne Augusta Brownlow, the daughter of the Revd John Brownlow in 1858. After graduating from Worcester College, Oxford in November 1845, John D'Arcy Preston became an Army Chaplain, serving in the Crimea for several years (posted in Scutari and Kulalee), even though the strain had weakened his health.
When he became Rector of Freemantle in 1871, he was 47 years old, and brought his wife Emily and two children to the newly built Rectory. His son Arthur was born in Freemantle in the same year and two more children were born during his time in the parish.
One of the first projects John D'Arcy Preston was involved with was the building of a tower and spire for the church, which was completed in 1875. He also oversaw the extension of the school buildings in the 1880s. In the 1881 census, we find him living at the Rectory with his wife Emily, three children and three servants.
He was instrumental in getting a mission church built and St Monica's Mission Church was built and dedicated by the Bishop of Guildford on September 24th, 1891.
John D'Arcy Preston left Freemantle in 1892, and retired, aged 68. He died in 1901 in Folkestone aged 77.
John D'Arcy Warcop Preston, the second Rector, was born in 1824 in Askham Bryan, Yorkshire, the son of Rev. John D'Arcy Jervis Preston, M.A. and Elizabeth Spence. He was from a seafaring and clergy family, his grandfather was Admiral D'Arcy Preston of the Royal Navy. He had one brother who was a major in the Army, another was Rear Admiral and three of his sisters married clergymen.
He married Emily Anne Augusta Brownlow, the daughter of the Revd John Brownlow in 1858. After graduating from Worcester College, Oxford in November 1845, John D'Arcy Preston became an Army Chaplain, serving in the Crimea for several years (posted in Scutari and Kulalee), even though the strain had weakened his health.
When he became Rector of Freemantle in 1871, he was 47 years old, and brought his wife Emily and two children to the newly built Rectory. His son Arthur was born in Freemantle in the same year and two more children were born during his time in the parish.
One of the first projects John D'Arcy Preston was involved with was the building of a tower and spire for the church, which was completed in 1875. He also oversaw the extension of the school buildings in the 1880s. In the 1881 census, we find him living at the Rectory with his wife Emily, three children and three servants.
He was instrumental in getting a mission church built and St Monica's Mission Church was built and dedicated by the Bishop of Guildford on September 24th, 1891.
John D'Arcy Preston left Freemantle in 1892, and retired, aged 68. He died in 1901 in Folkestone aged 77.
Revd Thomas Wilson Fair
(born in 1842 in Penrith, Cumberland son of a farmer and landowner) was the third Rector of Freemantle. As a young man he spent time in Australia, and returning to England he set up in business, with interests both in Newcastle and Manchester. He came late to the priesthood, obtaining his Masters from Jesus College, Cambridge in 1885 , when he was aged 43. His first curacy was at Wroxall, Isle of Wight. He then moved on to Carlton on Trent, Nottinghamshire, but returned to Ryde, Isle of Wight, as curate of Holy Trinity church (where we find him in the 1891 census).
He married Sarah and they had at least two children, both of whom would have been grown up by the time he became Rector of Freemantle in 1892 aged 50. His only surviving child was Mary Cicely Fair, more information can be found here
One of the first projects started by Thomas Fair was the Freemantle Parish Magazine in 1892, a publication which is still printed monthly today, 115 years later. The church appears to have thrived during this time , and several groups were formed for the first time, Mother's Union, Communicants' Guild for Women, Guild of St. Andrew for men, and Temperance Societies. A parish dispensary was also founded to help the poor with the cost of medical treatment, and a soup kitchen helped the homeless.
Thomas Fair wrote 'For the last six weeks our Soup Kitchen has been in full swing, and three times a week 50 gallons of good soup have been distributed each day. With so much sickness prevailing this Winter, and with coals at almost prohibitory prices for poor people, the soup has been more than usually appreciated, and the demand for it is likely to be kept up for some time to come'.
In 1897 new choir stalls were dedicated in the Parish Church as a Diamond Jubilee Memorial; at the same time other work was done including the retiling of the chancel and sanctuary, and the provision of new altar rails.
In the 1901 census , we can see Thomas Fair, his wife Sarah, two servants, and a visitor Rev Bernard Hancock at the Rectory. According to the parish magazine for March 1901, the Rev Hancock, was the Diocesan missioner, and was visiting during Holy Week to preach at special services at the parish church.
Thomas Fair left Freemantle in 1902, having seen the parish grow from a population of 7,000 to 12,000 in a decade. He moved to the Lake District in 1902 and by October 1904 was the vicar of Eskdale. On 10 February 1911, he became seriously ill, and died on 16 February 1911, aged 68.
Among those present at the funeral at St. Catherine's Eskdale were his daughter Mary Fair, the Rev. F.T. Bradshaw (his nephew, who led the funeral service); James & Arthur Fair (cousins); Marcus Rea (cousin) and Geoffrey Ermon (nephew). The chairman of the local Methodists gave a memorial speech in chapel at Santon, referring particularly to his work with the sick: "He spoke kind and comfortable words, and when he offered prayer to God it was the breakings of his heart, which brought blessing to the sick..." [This section based on obituaries in the Whitehaven News, 23 Feb and 2 Mar 1911].
(born in 1842 in Penrith, Cumberland son of a farmer and landowner) was the third Rector of Freemantle. As a young man he spent time in Australia, and returning to England he set up in business, with interests both in Newcastle and Manchester. He came late to the priesthood, obtaining his Masters from Jesus College, Cambridge in 1885 , when he was aged 43. His first curacy was at Wroxall, Isle of Wight. He then moved on to Carlton on Trent, Nottinghamshire, but returned to Ryde, Isle of Wight, as curate of Holy Trinity church (where we find him in the 1891 census).
He married Sarah and they had at least two children, both of whom would have been grown up by the time he became Rector of Freemantle in 1892 aged 50. His only surviving child was Mary Cicely Fair, more information can be found here
One of the first projects started by Thomas Fair was the Freemantle Parish Magazine in 1892, a publication which is still printed monthly today, 115 years later. The church appears to have thrived during this time , and several groups were formed for the first time, Mother's Union, Communicants' Guild for Women, Guild of St. Andrew for men, and Temperance Societies. A parish dispensary was also founded to help the poor with the cost of medical treatment, and a soup kitchen helped the homeless.
Thomas Fair wrote 'For the last six weeks our Soup Kitchen has been in full swing, and three times a week 50 gallons of good soup have been distributed each day. With so much sickness prevailing this Winter, and with coals at almost prohibitory prices for poor people, the soup has been more than usually appreciated, and the demand for it is likely to be kept up for some time to come'.
In 1897 new choir stalls were dedicated in the Parish Church as a Diamond Jubilee Memorial; at the same time other work was done including the retiling of the chancel and sanctuary, and the provision of new altar rails.
In the 1901 census , we can see Thomas Fair, his wife Sarah, two servants, and a visitor Rev Bernard Hancock at the Rectory. According to the parish magazine for March 1901, the Rev Hancock, was the Diocesan missioner, and was visiting during Holy Week to preach at special services at the parish church.
Thomas Fair left Freemantle in 1902, having seen the parish grow from a population of 7,000 to 12,000 in a decade. He moved to the Lake District in 1902 and by October 1904 was the vicar of Eskdale. On 10 February 1911, he became seriously ill, and died on 16 February 1911, aged 68.
Among those present at the funeral at St. Catherine's Eskdale were his daughter Mary Fair, the Rev. F.T. Bradshaw (his nephew, who led the funeral service); James & Arthur Fair (cousins); Marcus Rea (cousin) and Geoffrey Ermon (nephew). The chairman of the local Methodists gave a memorial speech in chapel at Santon, referring particularly to his work with the sick: "He spoke kind and comfortable words, and when he offered prayer to God it was the breakings of his heart, which brought blessing to the sick..." [This section based on obituaries in the Whitehaven News, 23 Feb and 2 Mar 1911].
Revd Frederick Gilbert Gardiner Jellicoe (born February 24, 1858 in Southampton) was the fourth Rector of Freemantle and the first Sotonian. He came from a well known local sea-faring family, his brother being John Jellicoe (later Earl Jellicoe) who was Admiral of the Fleet at the beginning of the Great War, and was in command at the Battle of Jutland.
Frederick Jellicoe played cricket for Oxford University and Hampshire County between 1877 and 1880, his bowling style being Left-arm slow-medium (roundarm). He graduated from New College, Oxford and was ordained at Winchester in 1892, and thereafter was curate at Alverstoke, Gosport until his appointment at Freemantle in 1902, aged 44.
In 1903, the year after his appointment in Freemantle, he married Alice Caroline Bushnell at Alverstoke and they settled into the Rectory, Alice becoming an important part of the parish, teaching young ladies' bible classes and working for charitable causes in the church.
During his time the chancel screen was added and a new lectern bought. Mr. Jellicoe's early years were marked by the increasing need for money for the schools.
The First World War (1914-1918) took a heavy toll of the Parish; the names of the men who gave their lives may be seen on the memorial on the north-west wall of the church.
Frederick Jellicoe left Freemantle in 1915, aged 57 and according to Crockford's Clerical Directory, he served at New Alresford between 1915-22. He died in Southwark, London on 29 July 1927 aged 69.
Frederick Jellicoe played cricket for Oxford University and Hampshire County between 1877 and 1880, his bowling style being Left-arm slow-medium (roundarm). He graduated from New College, Oxford and was ordained at Winchester in 1892, and thereafter was curate at Alverstoke, Gosport until his appointment at Freemantle in 1902, aged 44.
In 1903, the year after his appointment in Freemantle, he married Alice Caroline Bushnell at Alverstoke and they settled into the Rectory, Alice becoming an important part of the parish, teaching young ladies' bible classes and working for charitable causes in the church.
During his time the chancel screen was added and a new lectern bought. Mr. Jellicoe's early years were marked by the increasing need for money for the schools.
The First World War (1914-1918) took a heavy toll of the Parish; the names of the men who gave their lives may be seen on the memorial on the north-west wall of the church.
Frederick Jellicoe left Freemantle in 1915, aged 57 and according to Crockford's Clerical Directory, he served at New Alresford between 1915-22. He died in Southwark, London on 29 July 1927 aged 69.
Rev Charles Collis
From 1910-15 was at St Paul's church, Barton, Newport on the Isle of Wight.
From 1910-15 was at St Paul's church, Barton, Newport on the Isle of Wight.
Rev George Uppington was born in 1879 at Tredegar in Monmouthshire, Wales to William Uppington and Mary. His father was a coal miner and George too worked in the mines for a short time.
In the 1901 census he is listed as a 'Theological Scholar', at Western College, Mannamead, Plymouth. During the First World War the Rev Uppington served in the Royal Army Chaplain's Department. In 1935 Uppington became rector of St. Thomas and St. Clement with St. Michael and St. Swithun, Winchester.
In the 1901 census he is listed as a 'Theological Scholar', at Western College, Mannamead, Plymouth. During the First World War the Rev Uppington served in the Royal Army Chaplain's Department. In 1935 Uppington became rector of St. Thomas and St. Clement with St. Michael and St. Swithun, Winchester.
Frederick Giles Reeves was born in Wiltshire in 1895. He graduated from Wells Theological College in 1924 and was curate at Milford-on-Sea from 1924-1927. Formerly Rector of Pinxton in Derbyshire. Left in 1944 to become Vicar of Bursledon. He stayed in Bursledon til his death in 1957.
Southern Daily Echo, June 7, 1944 - RECTOR LEAVING
Farewell Presentation at Freemantle
Many friends and parishioners of Christ Church, Freemantle, Southampton, assembled in the Parish Church for a farewell presentation to the Rector, the Rev. F.G. Reeves, A.K.C., who is shortly leaving to become Rector of Bursledon.
The assistant priest, the Rev. H.M. Shearing, B.A., said that Mr. Reeves had been rector for nearly nine years and his ministry had been much valued. They would remember with gratitude, much that he had done, especially the beautifying of the interior of the church. The last few years had not been easy ones for Freemantle, yet the Rector was leaving the parish in a sound fininacial position, and with a surprisingly vigorous church life.
Councillor Stanley Foy (people's warden) said Mr. Reeves would be remembered in in Southampton not only as Rector of Freemantle, but also for his excellent work as Mayor's chaplain, chaplain to the local branch of the British Legion and chaplain to the Free Eye Hospital. The parishioners wished Mr. and Mrs. Reeves and their family every happiness in their new sphere of life at Bursledon.
Alderman F. Bath, O.B.E., J.P. (vice-chairman of the Parochial Church Council), also spoke in appreciation of the Rector's work in Freemantle.
MAYOR'S APPRECIATION
The Mayor (Councillor R.J. Stranger, M.C.) said he himself was most grateful to Mr. Reeves for his work as Mayor's chaplain, especially for the many inspiring addresses which he had given on civic and national occasions. Though he and the parisioners of Freemantle were very sorry indeed to be losing Mr. Reeves, yet they all knew that at Bursledon he would find fresh scope for serving his God, his King and his country.
Mr. F. J. Stubbs (rector's warden) then presented Mr. Reeves with a cheque for £57 15s. 6d.
In a short speech of thanks, the Rector said he was deeply grateful for this generous act of the parisioners. As for the future he said that he hoped that he would have as many friends in Bursledon as he had had in Freemantle
Southern Daily Echo, June 7, 1944 - RECTOR LEAVING
Farewell Presentation at Freemantle
Many friends and parishioners of Christ Church, Freemantle, Southampton, assembled in the Parish Church for a farewell presentation to the Rector, the Rev. F.G. Reeves, A.K.C., who is shortly leaving to become Rector of Bursledon.
The assistant priest, the Rev. H.M. Shearing, B.A., said that Mr. Reeves had been rector for nearly nine years and his ministry had been much valued. They would remember with gratitude, much that he had done, especially the beautifying of the interior of the church. The last few years had not been easy ones for Freemantle, yet the Rector was leaving the parish in a sound fininacial position, and with a surprisingly vigorous church life.
Councillor Stanley Foy (people's warden) said Mr. Reeves would be remembered in in Southampton not only as Rector of Freemantle, but also for his excellent work as Mayor's chaplain, chaplain to the local branch of the British Legion and chaplain to the Free Eye Hospital. The parishioners wished Mr. and Mrs. Reeves and their family every happiness in their new sphere of life at Bursledon.
Alderman F. Bath, O.B.E., J.P. (vice-chairman of the Parochial Church Council), also spoke in appreciation of the Rector's work in Freemantle.
MAYOR'S APPRECIATION
The Mayor (Councillor R.J. Stranger, M.C.) said he himself was most grateful to Mr. Reeves for his work as Mayor's chaplain, especially for the many inspiring addresses which he had given on civic and national occasions. Though he and the parisioners of Freemantle were very sorry indeed to be losing Mr. Reeves, yet they all knew that at Bursledon he would find fresh scope for serving his God, his King and his country.
Mr. F. J. Stubbs (rector's warden) then presented Mr. Reeves with a cheque for £57 15s. 6d.
In a short speech of thanks, the Rector said he was deeply grateful for this generous act of the parisioners. As for the future he said that he hoped that he would have as many friends in Bursledon as he had had in Freemantle
Ex-vicar, 93, breaks PhD recordA 93-year-old former vicar and train enthusiast has become the oldest person in the world to gain a PhD. Reverend Edgar Dowse, who does not own a computer and dictated his thesis, already has six other degrees. The father-of-two became a record-breaker after spending four years researching his work 'The Soul in Relationship to God'.
Rev Dowse, from Isleworth, west London, got the doctorate from the London School of Theology in Middlesex. The official record is held by American Elizabeth Eichelbaum, who was 90 when she gained a PhD from the University of Tennessee in 2000, according to the Guinness Book of Records. A spokesman for the book urged the university and Dr Dowse to "get in touch" so the entry could be revised. Rev Dowse was inspired to start academic work again after his wife Ivy died in 1999.
"I felt the need for intense study," he said. When he is not indulging his avid interest in trains and railways, of which he has an extensive collection of models and videos, Rev Dowse enjoys reading Hebrew, Aramaic and the New Testament in Greek.
He gained his first degree from Durham University in 1935, aged 22, and was awarded his sixth in 1991. All have been in Biblical Studies or Theology.
Remarkable achievement
One, a BA from Cambridge, took him 31 years to complete. He began it in 1941 but a severe cash shortage meant it was not until 1972 that he finally got his First Class degree. London School of Theology principal Reverend Dr Derek Tidball said: "To gain a PhD at any age is a great achievement. To gain it at the age of 93 is remarkable." Professor Steve Hodkinson, pro-vice-chancellor of Brunel University, which validates the School of Theology's degrees, said: "Commitment, hard work and talent transcend age, but when you get examples like this you really do believe it." The car-less nonagenarian became a familiar sight waiting at the bus stop outside the college. Rev Dowse, who will officially receive his doctorate in June, is looking forward to a rest after his intellectual exertions. "I may just put my feet up now," he said.
Copyright © BBC News - Friday 27 February 2004
Rev Dowse, from Isleworth, west London, got the doctorate from the London School of Theology in Middlesex. The official record is held by American Elizabeth Eichelbaum, who was 90 when she gained a PhD from the University of Tennessee in 2000, according to the Guinness Book of Records. A spokesman for the book urged the university and Dr Dowse to "get in touch" so the entry could be revised. Rev Dowse was inspired to start academic work again after his wife Ivy died in 1999.
"I felt the need for intense study," he said. When he is not indulging his avid interest in trains and railways, of which he has an extensive collection of models and videos, Rev Dowse enjoys reading Hebrew, Aramaic and the New Testament in Greek.
He gained his first degree from Durham University in 1935, aged 22, and was awarded his sixth in 1991. All have been in Biblical Studies or Theology.
Remarkable achievement
One, a BA from Cambridge, took him 31 years to complete. He began it in 1941 but a severe cash shortage meant it was not until 1972 that he finally got his First Class degree. London School of Theology principal Reverend Dr Derek Tidball said: "To gain a PhD at any age is a great achievement. To gain it at the age of 93 is remarkable." Professor Steve Hodkinson, pro-vice-chancellor of Brunel University, which validates the School of Theology's degrees, said: "Commitment, hard work and talent transcend age, but when you get examples like this you really do believe it." The car-less nonagenarian became a familiar sight waiting at the bus stop outside the college. Rev Dowse, who will officially receive his doctorate in June, is looking forward to a rest after his intellectual exertions. "I may just put my feet up now," he said.
Copyright © BBC News - Friday 27 February 2004
Rev Bryan Apps
In early 1970, the Revd Bryan Apps was invited by Bishop Faulkner Allison to be the Priest in Charge of Christ Church Freemantle on the proviso that unless he obtained complete support within four years, the church could be closed. In 1970, Revd Apps changed the pattern of Worship and instituted the 10:00am Parish Communion to replace 11:00am Matins. In the years that followed, St Monica’s Mission and the church hall were sold in order to reinstate the parish church with new flooring, heating system and wiring, and to replace the pews with chairs. The Parish Rooms (to include a kitchen, toilets and meeting rooms) were built at the back of the church in 1971, to replace the former parish hall. The last service took place in St Monica’s Mission on Palm Sunday, 26th March 1972 after 81 years as the daughter church of the parish. After this initial work had taken place, Freemantle was confirmed as a viable parish and Revd Apps was made Rector.
Plans were subsequently made to reorder the rest of the church, with the plans being published on the front cover of the Parish News in 1973. The plans show that a nave altar and a semi circular altar rail and a portable font were suggested but not carried out. In 1974-5, the baptistery was moved to the South Transept. In 1974, the pews were replaced by 300 chairs, which had been purchased from St Mary’s Church, and the original lectern was moved to make way for an eagle lectern, given by Holy Trinity Bournemouth.
The Revd. Apps left the parish in 1978 to move to the parish of All Saints, Southbourne.
Now retired, Bryan is well known for his paintings of classic motor racing. His paintings have brought him into contact with many racing greats including Stirling Moss, Enzo Ferrari and Nigel Mansell as well as Prince Rainier of Monaco who owned several of Bryan's pictures. You can read more about Bryan's racing art in the Bournemouth Echo article from 2010.He was also President of Bournemouth Male Voice Choir.
In early 1970, the Revd Bryan Apps was invited by Bishop Faulkner Allison to be the Priest in Charge of Christ Church Freemantle on the proviso that unless he obtained complete support within four years, the church could be closed. In 1970, Revd Apps changed the pattern of Worship and instituted the 10:00am Parish Communion to replace 11:00am Matins. In the years that followed, St Monica’s Mission and the church hall were sold in order to reinstate the parish church with new flooring, heating system and wiring, and to replace the pews with chairs. The Parish Rooms (to include a kitchen, toilets and meeting rooms) were built at the back of the church in 1971, to replace the former parish hall. The last service took place in St Monica’s Mission on Palm Sunday, 26th March 1972 after 81 years as the daughter church of the parish. After this initial work had taken place, Freemantle was confirmed as a viable parish and Revd Apps was made Rector.
Plans were subsequently made to reorder the rest of the church, with the plans being published on the front cover of the Parish News in 1973. The plans show that a nave altar and a semi circular altar rail and a portable font were suggested but not carried out. In 1974-5, the baptistery was moved to the South Transept. In 1974, the pews were replaced by 300 chairs, which had been purchased from St Mary’s Church, and the original lectern was moved to make way for an eagle lectern, given by Holy Trinity Bournemouth.
The Revd. Apps left the parish in 1978 to move to the parish of All Saints, Southbourne.
Now retired, Bryan is well known for his paintings of classic motor racing. His paintings have brought him into contact with many racing greats including Stirling Moss, Enzo Ferrari and Nigel Mansell as well as Prince Rainier of Monaco who owned several of Bryan's pictures. You can read more about Bryan's racing art in the Bournemouth Echo article from 2010.He was also President of Bournemouth Male Voice Choir.
Michael Fullagar was Rector at Freemantle for nine years, from 1978-87. Before coming to Freemantle he had worked in Zaire. Priest-in-Charge at Westbury, he was appointed Chaplain to Wycombe General Hospital in 1994. Now retired Michael helps out in the Benefice of St Mary Hampden Park and St Peter the Hydneye, Eastbourne.
Formerly curate at North Stoneham, the Revd Ian Firmstone, moved to Christ Church in 1988 where he spent a considerable amount of his time restoring the church building. In 1989, the damaged East Window was finally taken away for renovation and the old and crumbling Rectory at 125 Payne’s Road was sold and demolished to make way for a new Rectory a few doors away (129 Payne’s Road). The church roof was replaced in 1990 after it had been badly damaged due to severe gales and the east window and windows in the choir vestry began to be restored. The scaffolding eventually came down from around the church in Spring and Summer 1991 After setting most of the work in motion, the Revd Firmstone left Freemantle in 1990 to go to Littleport, Cambridgeshire.
Nigel Coates was brought up in the New Forest and graduated from Reading University with a degree in maths. After teaching maths for seven years in Guildford, he followed a calling into the Church and studied theology at Trinity College Bristol. He spent three years as a curate at the town centre church of St Martin's in Epsom and then went to Christ Church Portswood (Highfield) in Southampton, where he worked with many of the student population. From there he went on to become the senior Anglican chaplain at the University of Southampton and Southampton Institute for Higher Education (now Southampton Solent University).
Nigel became Priest in Charge at Christ Church, Freemantle in 1997 and was appointed Rector in 2000. In 2005 he was appointed by the Bishop of Southwell as a canon residentiary with particular responsibility for pastoral care.
Talking about the appointment, the Bishop of Southwell, Rt Rev George Cassidy, said: "I'm delighted that we will have someone who is mature and experienced in ministry, and having held a post as senior chaplain at the University of Southampton, he will bring fresh energy and vision to the ministry and mission of the cathedral."
"We are looking forward to being part of the life and work of the Minster," Nigel said on receiving the appointment. "It is an inspiring place of worship and an exciting opportunity to share in its mission. In our present culture, cathedrals and places of pilgrimage seem to have a renewed importance. We look forward to all the opportunities Southwell offers as a place where people can discover a space for God."
He was installed at Southwell Minster during a service of Evensong at 5.45pm on 9 April 2005.
Nigel became Priest in Charge at Christ Church, Freemantle in 1997 and was appointed Rector in 2000. In 2005 he was appointed by the Bishop of Southwell as a canon residentiary with particular responsibility for pastoral care.
Talking about the appointment, the Bishop of Southwell, Rt Rev George Cassidy, said: "I'm delighted that we will have someone who is mature and experienced in ministry, and having held a post as senior chaplain at the University of Southampton, he will bring fresh energy and vision to the ministry and mission of the cathedral."
"We are looking forward to being part of the life and work of the Minster," Nigel said on receiving the appointment. "It is an inspiring place of worship and an exciting opportunity to share in its mission. In our present culture, cathedrals and places of pilgrimage seem to have a renewed importance. We look forward to all the opportunities Southwell offers as a place where people can discover a space for God."
He was installed at Southwell Minster during a service of Evensong at 5.45pm on 9 April 2005.
Brian Cox came to Freemantle from Knights Enham at the very end of 2005 and took up the post as our Priest in Charge in January 2006, following the departure of Nigel Coates to Southwell Minster, and in 2009 was appointed Rector. He answered his calling quite late in his life having worked as a printer for nearly 30 years. But in many ways this was one of his strengths, not his weaknesses. Brian retired in January 2014.
