Chilwell Christ Church

Features and Fittings

The Communion Table
Dedication plaque
on the Table

Communion Table

A brass plaque reads:

TO THE GLORY OF GOD

AND IN MEMORY OF

F/O ROBERT WILKINSON RAF

LOST OVER GERMANY 16TH/17TH MARCH 1945

AND IN THANKFULNESS TO GOD

FOR THE SAFE RETURN OF HIS BROTHER

PETER MCCONNELL WILKINSON

OF THE MERCHANT NAVY, BOTH ONE TIME

CHORISTERS OF THIS CHURCH.

REMEMBERING ALSO

ALL FROM THIS PARISH WHO GAVE THEIR

LIVES IN THE CONFLICT 1939 – 1945

PER ARDUA AD ASTRA

The table was originally donated by Robert and Peter’s parents Harry and Ina Wilkinson of Cator Lane, Chilwell c1954-1959. Harry and Ina were very generous to the church in their time.

The maker of the table is unknown. It was extended during the Rev John William’s time as Vicar – sometime between 1976 and 1980.

The font, pulpit
and lectern
Plaque attached to
the pulpit

Font

Designed by Vernon Royle, the font precedes the chancel extension. It was requested of Mr Royle that the font be designed to be moveable; It was situated for many years at the back of the church before being moved to its present position.

Pulpit & Lectern

A brass plaque reads:

TO THE GLORY OF GOD

AND IN MEMORY OF

FRED DRINKWATER

CHURCHWARDEN 1943-1964

GIVEN BY HIS WIDOW SEPTEMBER 1878

Fred’s widow’s name was Gertrude Drinkwater. They had been long-standing members of the congregation of Christ Church and owned a drapers’ shop on Chilwell Road. Fred was treasurer as well as Churchwarden of Christ Church for many years and was known for his beautiful copperplate handwriting. They moved to Wales until Fred’s death, after which Gertrude returned.

The pulpit and lectern were also designed by architect Vernon Royle.

Bishop’s chair The attached plaque

Bishop’s Chairs

A brass plaque attached to these reads:

TO THE GLORY OF GOD

AND IN MEMORY OF

CAPT. PETER McCONNELL WILKINSON M.N.

DIED 30TH DECEMBER 1970

AGED 46 YEARS

GIVEN BY HIS PARENTS

IN GRATEFUL THANKS TO GOD

FOR 55 YEARS OF HAPPY MARRIAGE

1921 - 1976

The pair of chairs and accompanying desks were given in memory of Capt. Peter McConnell Wilkinson, the brother of F/O Robert Wilkinson (cf Communion Table dedication). They date later than the Communion Table as Captain Peter McConnell Wilkinson survived the war.

One of the
clergy chairs		 Choir stalls Plaque on one of
the chairs

Clergy Chairs & Choir Stalls

A plaque on one of the chairs reads:

11-9-1888        15-1-1966

In memory of KATE EVELYN SALT

Daughter of William and Millicent Salt

of Ellastone in the County of Staffordshire

who for over 40 years was a chorister
and loyal member of this church.

In gratitude to God for her life

these Clergy and Choir stalls

are donated by her neice

Gertrude Millicent Price

1969

IN TE DOMINE SPERAVI

A more recent addition to the fittings than the Bishop’s chairs, the two clergy chairs and choir stalls were also designed by Vernon Royle and given in memory of Kate Salt by Gertrude (known as Millicent) Price. Millicent was the owner of a popular bakery on Chilwell Road and a well loved member of the congregation.

Desks

A pair of desks to accompany the Clergy chairs were given in memory of Peter Wilkinson.

Credence Shelf The attached plaque

Credence Shelf

This carries the inscription:

IN MEMORY OF

KENNETH T. HOPKIN

1911 - 1959

It was given in memory of Kenneth Hopkin (1911-1959) who was husband of the PCC secretary.

Congregational Seating

In 2009, prompted by issues of access with fixed pews and a narrow aisle new flexible seating was provided throughout.

Plaque on the
Flower Stand

Flower stand

The flower stand was given in memory of Claire Rookes (daughter of Penny Rookes) who died aged only 8 on Easter Day 1980.