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Built in the 1880's, you could drive
past 'the abbey' today without noticing it. From the
outside it looks like a modern church hall, but the
whole inside is beautifully carved out of European fir.
The Rev Henry Hutchings was the founder of this enchanting
place and he financed the whole project out of his own
pocket. His motivation was his desire to conduct worship
in a more 'high church' manner and as this would have
been frowned upon by the established church, he realised
the only way round it was to build his own place of
worship. His creation of "The Abbey" also provided an
outlet for his favourite pastime woodcarving.
It is almost certain that "The Abbey" was never dedicated,
but Hutchings did use it (as well as the parish church)
for worship and it had a robed choir. The choristers
became known locally as "Hutchings Angels". |
Your Responses:
Adeline Hutchings - Aug '08
I am Adeline Hutchings - who is the Rev Henry Hutchings great
grandson? Is that you Henry?
Henry Hutchings - May '08
I am the Rev Henry Hutchings great grandson. I would be happy
to write what I know of him and his descendants.
Judith Langfield - Nov '06
Is there anywhere I can I find information on Rev Henry Hutchings
and his family please?
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