Flashback Friday: Parish Magazine, April 1912 (Part 1)
This week’s Flashback Friday features the first part of a parish magazine from April 1912, produced for St John the Baptist Church. As with previous editions, we will be sharing this in two parts to show the full detail and content of the document.
The front page includes a photograph of the church along with a list of those involved in parish life at the time, including the vicar, Rev. Charles Old, churchwardens, sidesmen, and others responsible for the running of the church and Church Rooms.
Inside, the magazine provides an insight into parish life in 1912. The vicar’s letter reflects on the importance of Holy Week, Good Friday, and Easter, giving a sense of how these occasions were observed within the village. It also highlights the religious tone and expectations of the time, with an emphasis on worship, reflection, and participation in church services.
The publication also records practical matters such as collections, parish meetings, and upcoming events, along with details of regular activities including classes, choir practice, and social gatherings. These entries show how closely connected the church was to everyday life in the village.
This is the first part of the April 1912 magazine, with the second part to follow in a future post.
Many thanks to Justin Waterfall and family for kindly providing this document.
