Husthwaite Church in the 1950s, 1960s and early 1970s
“Born not only for ourselves, but for the whole world”
(Non nobis solum, sed toto mundi nati) (1)
Peter Hutchinson January 2018
This motto will be forever associated with the Reverend H.G. – “Harry” - Tyler O.B.E., B.A. Vicar of St. Nicholas Church, Husthwaite between 1963 and 1977. It is a fitting expression for someone who was not only to do his utmost in his ministry but it is also appropriate as a summary of the attitude of so many people of the Husthwaite Christian and wider community during the 1950s, 1960s and early 1970s.
Husthwaite Church provided the simple and intrinsically beautiful physical setting for prayer and worship. Likewise, the strong historical and spiritually rich context of the surrounding area fostered a sense of eternity with great foundations of hope. The people who organised the liturgical heartbeat and attended to the practical needs of the Church, were joined by a devout and steadfast congregation. All were witness to the power of the Holy Spirit and some were very special servants of God and of their fellow villagers and the world beyond. It was a profound privilege to experience these times and continue to draw perpetual inspiration and devotion in the decades that followed.
The Reverend Tyler was preceded by a rich tradition of Ministry at St. Nicholas in the first half of the Twentieth Century: The Reverends Gill; Buffey; Sutton and Jones all established a high quality of liturgy and pastoral care. The Book of Common Prayer was followed and there was a strong adherence to traditional diction: for example, “thou,” “thy” and “hath” which helped set the historical tone to worship. Naturally, Latin was foremost in the pattern of Matins and the Eucharist: Benedicite; Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis. The Reverend Tyler often liked to use Greek terms too.
Harry Tyler was formerly a Chaplain in the Army where he had given distinguished service. He was a very charismatic firebrand preacher and his sermons were truly powerful. He was well-travelled – including strong links to Hong Kong and he often added the dimension of his international life. Most memorable were his accounts of the Holy Land which brought the Gospels to life. One especially vivid story was his re-enactment of Christian prisoners who communicated their faith and allegiance to one-another by stretching their toes from their captive ropes and drawing the line shape of a fish in the desert sand. Mr Tyler had his own stock of water from the River Jordan for baptisms. He was a strong advocate of faith - as opposed to institutionalised religion – and he sought close links with the wider Christian network. (2)
Alongside the high quality of individual Ministries that set the pattern of worship at Husthwaite, the impact of the Church itself was over-whelming. Situated in the centre of the Village, it was a focal point with deep spiritual roots, wrapped up in natural beauty and an enduring legacy. The north of England has a special place in Christian mission and Husthwaite was no exception. With Saxon and Norman ancestry, the Church has direct links to the majesty of York Minster and is surrounded by monastic ruins, most closely, Byland and Rievaulx Abbeys. Annual services at Byland were a unique experience for parishioners. (3). The Reverend Tyler wanted to be remembered with a cape that carried the St Chad’s Cross.
Husthwaite Church looks especially mystical when viewed from the Highthorne Road on early Autumn mornings as the top of the tower is looking down on the misty dew. Meanwhile, from the lower village green perspective, the yellow sandstone blocks and the most weathered stones with their dark grey hue - locally quarried - are in harmony with the naturally colourful landscape. The architecture is so unmistakably that of a classic small English church: tower, chancel and nave all interlocking as one. The panorama from the top of the tower is an equally beautiful sight with a constantly rotating kaleidoscope of farms, fields and hedgerows. There is also something immensely reassuring from the knowledge of the building’s endurance and association with our ancestors. There is always a sense of awe, comfort and humility from such a vision.
These themes are repeated once inside. Passing through the Norman chevron decorated arch doorway is inspiring and the stonework is identical to the outside and unspoilt by plaster and decoration. A lovely expansive stone arch crosses the nave and gently opens up entry to the quiet and humbling Holiness of the chancel. The uneven nature of the mortar lines and surfaces reflect the varied quality of masonry from many different craftsmen and possibly the likely availability of materials and funds. If only these walls could reveal the prayers and supplications of past pilgrims – what a fascinating story they could reveal about the human condition over centuries of worship? We can feel their presence in the sense of calm that is so powerful in the stillness and sanctuary like quality of the building.
The great timbers of the oak roof bear testament to at least one master craftsman “Mousey Thompson.” (4) Once summoned to look up to the rafters, we were reminded of their ship-like structure and its significance in the institutional meaning of the church and occurrence of boats in the parables. While there are not many monuments over-powering the natural architectural lines, seasoned oak is generously featured in decorations and objects that embody the simplicity and grace of the building: for instance, the Altar, the Screen, the Lectern, the Bible Stand, the Hymn and Psalm Boards and the Great War and the World War Two Roll of Honour boards.
Stained glass is equally understated but in line with the ethos of simplified dignity. The East window is a very memorable depiction of the Crucifixion on one side and the Resurrection on the other side. The message could not be clearer. St Nicholas makes a colourful and important appearance in the Chancel (5) – as befits the patron Saint of the church. He is also, opposite a beautiful Twentieth Century window depicting the parable: “Fishers for God’s People.” (6)
The brass altar cross is plain and dignified and matched with a similar style pair of candlesticks. The altar rail is plain and one step up is followed by another step before the altar to physically embody the elevation to God. A Mother’s Union banner was a fitting adornment at the side of the altar. The colours of the Church garments reflected the calendar but the purple coverings over the cross seemed especially symbolic of the pain and emotion of Christ’s suffering.
Seating – courtesy of the box pews – was never that comfortable and the doors were a bit inconvenient opening into a Communion queue. The temperature could be cold but this was welcome in Summer and in winter everyone wrapped up well. Incidentally, hats were the correct ladies attire for many years. The level of light was subject to the natural patterns of the seasons and the weather. Evening services had a dark and Holy mood. The area around the organ and vestry is quite crowded and a little gloomy. However, the overall setting of simple beauty, the sense of longevity and spiritual atmosphere, created a perfect ambience for worship. Husthwaite Church always felt secure, special, humbling and full of grace and peace.
Likewise, there were some very special people who were always there and who either directly or indirectly contributed to the quality of worship and the work of the Holy Spirit. Husthwaite had two marvellous organists. Miss Avena Norfor was truly dedicated to a whole life around the Church and music for all. She was indefatigably sweet in nature and always saw the best in everyone. A true lady in all respects and cheerfully melodic in heart and mind. She brought a link to Carlton Husthwaite too with her lovely cottage there. She encouraged everyone to sing and worked tirelessly with her Choir – doing her utmost to attract youngsters too. Miss Joyce Wise served alongside her as one of the most talented and loyal members of the Choir, as did Mrs Violet Kay, Mrs Margot Cottington, Miss Ruth Hedger, Miss Dorothy Bagley with youngsters like Miss Gill Hutchinson, Miss Pauline Fenwick and Miss Christine Bowman. The other organist Mr Penrose, had a penchant for J.S. Bach, and he was very dignified as befitted his former career as a traditional village School Master.
The Reverend Tyler was at home with the solidly Anglican forms of worship and also easily responded to the support from retired military personnel residing in Husthwaite and of course the farming community. Brigadier Claude Edwards – always accompanied by his wife Maud, read the lessons in a traditional style and his introductions proceeded thus: “Here beginneth …” and he concluded “Here endeth …” On special occasions, members of the farming community contributed to services – most notably senior figures from the Clark, Buffey and Wise families.
Major John Parfect set a great example as a Church Warden alongside the dedication of Mrs Freda Smith of Baxby Manor Farm. Mrs Faber, wife of Colonel Faber, and her sister, Miss Mollie Clark were very loyal members of the Church. Squadron Leader Arthur Finch and his wife Mildred, who lived opposite the Church, worked tirelessly to preserve the fabric and physical security of the Church through the Parochial Church Council. In the later period Colonel David Shallow and his wife followed in this rich tradition. All of these people added a sense of service, history and stability.
Meanwhile. Mr Harry Pinder was a very dedicated Verger and ably supported by his wife Vera. He never failed to keep the lights on and the rickety old heating going. He always greeted people at the church door and collected the Hymn books at the end. He rang the bells too. Mr and Mrs Cyril Bowes kept the church spick and span alongside volunteers. The sidesmen included many from the farming community and other village stalwarts such as Mr Clem Buffey and Mr Jack Smith. Mrs Marjorie Rowe was a great supporter of the Church and devoutly took her place in the family seat in the Chancel that had been theirs for a very long time. The flowers were always magnificent and drew inspiration and examples from the excellence of the gardens of this once locally renowned “orchard village.”
The Sunday School was led by Mrs Minnie Sellars and Mrs Dorothy Hutchinson. As well as dedicated religious instruction to the young members on a Sunday afternoon, they organised a brilliant Christmas Party with Prize Books awarded for loyal attendance and progress. They also established a very successful summer outing to Scarborough for all village children. Miss Norfor added a party at Swan Cottage. There was a Mother’s Union and opportunities for young Mothers to be involved with the introduction of a Pram
Service in the1950s. Summer Garden Parties at Highthorne Hall and Lists House were always fun with the Tombola and other stalls and games. Of course, Prime Minister Harold Macmillan (1957-63) defended his new Premium Bonds by citing the gambling capabilities of church fund raising.
There were very close ties to the school too and Head Mistress Mrs Mary Adamson was a great stalwart of Church activities and the school had a strong Christian ethos. The Reverend Tyler attended school for Assemblies and his wife Kathleen, provided opportunities for drama. Easingwold School was very ably represented by Mrs Gill Galloway in the congregation and the Reverend Roger Kirk – Head Teacher at Easingwold – who led services sometimes. Other vicars included The Reverend William Youngman from Wass and the Reverend Jim Thom from Coxwold.
Christmas and Easter always drew in a large congregation – with Midnight Mass attracting a quite a few revellers from the Blacksmith Arms. Likewise, Mothering Sunday, Palm Sunday, Easter Day and the Harvest Festival were very well supported. Mrs Phyllis Clark and Miss Kath Clark (following in her Mother Muriels’ footsteps) always made a beautiful Simnel Cake for Mothering Sunday. At Harvest, the Church was magnificently decorated with bountiful produce provided by the local farms. Miss Judith Buffey baked a beautiful harvest loaf in the shape of sheaves of corn. It was always exciting to see the church so full and hear the powerful singing as the great harvest hymns rang out and to appreciate the sense of thanks that were being offered.
So many of these people – villagers and church-goers - were marvellous workers for the Church and the community. They took their place among some very special members of the congregation. Someone who knew the religious life well and who also traversed the farming life through her family was Mrs Julia Buffey. As a young woman, she had very ably assisted her husband in his Ministry at Husthwaite. In her long period of twilight years, she continued to bear witness to God. She was always there and gave confidence and hope to everyone. As the founder of the Mother’s Union, she was unswerving in her devotion and indeed, Mrs Buffey was formally acknowledged to be “held in great affection and respect by many people.” (7) Another great old timer was Miss Louie Ward who was another true “Husthwaite lady.” A senior couple were Mr and Mrs Harold Hutchinson and Harold also made a key that fitted a very old chest which had been sealed for years.
Thinking of other Husthwaite figures, Mrs Brenda Duffield was always there for the Church and a regular early morning attendee. Mrs Annie Dennis and Mrs Sheila Buffey were other key representative from the farming fraternity alongside Mrs Mary Wise and Mrs Bunnie Wentworth. Mrs Bessie Fox stood for the builders in the village. Butcher John Thornton, Les and Geoff of Hutchinson Brothers, woodcarver Wilf Hutchinson, shop-keeping duos Mr and Mrs Ivan Dowson and Mr and Mrs Alf Lumley were good supporters of the Church activities alongside many members of the Barker family. There were so many other great and kind people – for instance, Dr and Mrs Knight, Mrs Penrose, Mrs Dora Coughlan alongside her near neighbour Mrs Gladys Slater.
This snapshot of Husthwaite Church in action would be incomplete without mention of the quality of faith and the work and prayers that were carried out for Husthwaite and beyond. People really cared about following a Christian life that included thinking about others, a generosity of spirit and goods and a deep appreciation for the environment. Their example of devotion is perpetual and the physical remembrance of Husthwaite Church is of enduring significance and a source of Christian reassurance to this day. Through services, sermons, lessons and prayers, many were equipped with deep Christian principles and given a sense of awe and wonder that became a superb reservoir to enter into life’s broader vistas. It seems fitting to conclude with the words of Simon Jenkins:
“It is through the churches of England that we learn who we were and thus who we are and might become. Lose that learning and we lose the collective memory that is the essence of human society. We must remember.” (8)
References
1. Written on the Order of Service for Commemoration of Henry George Tyler and Dedication of his Memorial Plaque – St. Nicholas Church, Husthwaite, Sunday 20th May 1990
2. “The Herald” speaks of Husthwaite Anglican and Methodist unity being ahead of its times.
3. At one Byland Abbey service in the 1960s, Leonard, Bishop of Birmingham presided. He was once the Bishop of Singapore and even converted some of the Japanese guards in the P.O.W. camps during the Second World War. He also led the Annual Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Albert Hall.
a. Nearby Ampleforth Abbey was led by Abbot Basil Hume O.S.B. – later to become a Cardinal and Archbishop of Westminster
4. Kilburn’s great craftsman – Robert Thompson – who used seasoned oak to recreate Medieval Furniture working and used the mouse as his trademark – “Poor as a Church Mouse?”
5. This window was dedicated to their parents by the Taylor family who emigrated to Canada
6. The Wailes Family Dedication
7. The Yorkshire Evening Press – Tuesday October 25th 1994 – her 100th anniversary
8. Simon Jenkins, England’s Thousand Best Churches, Penguin Allen lane, London 2004