How it all began
The parish of South Darley, or Wensley and Snitterton as it then was, was part of the parish of St Helens, Darley Dale. There was also a Methodist church in Wensley.
On February 18th 1838 the Rector, the Reverend Benjamin Lawrence, died and left £1000 towards a chapel of ease in the district, but the work had to be started within two years. A further £1400 was raised and the foundation stone was laid on 17th February, 1840. The church was consecrated on 19th June, 1845.
The Original Church
This was said to be a miniature copy of a church at Troyes in Normandy.
The nave and tower are the original, but the sanctuary only extended 7 feet behind the chancel arch. There was also a gallery – the doorway can still be seen in the ringing chamber of the tower.
There were seats for 226, and the central aisle was 9 feet wide with a stove in the middle.
An order in council of August 8th 1845 created the Chapelry curacy. The Reverend William Alfred John Sandilands BD, was the first incumbent.
The Architect was Joseph Mitchell of Sheffield. He practised from 1840-1862. St Mary’s is his first church.
Further changes to St Marys
1863/4: removal of the gallery.
1880/82: vestry built
1885/5: the east wall was taken down, and 18 feet added, to give the present chancel (the tiles are Minton and Hollins). A vault was built under it – the present parish room – with new heating ducts. The stove was removed Longer benches were bought to replace the seats. The total cost was £510.00
Joseph Mitchell died, but his son Mitchell-Withers was now the Architect. He had been left a fortune on condition he took on the name Withers. These alterations were to add 40 sittings and comfort and convenience. After the extension, furniture was added:
Choir Stalls: given by Mr. Sleigh.
Carved oak reredos: given by Mr. John Potter
Carved oak eagle lectern.
The font had an oak cover.
The Pulpit was oak – On the south side.
There were choir robes for 12 men and 12 boys.
In 1889 the churchyard was extended to almost its present size.
In 1901/2 the pulpit of Stancliffe stone on the North side replaced that on the south side. W Rushworth & Sons of Liverpool installed the organ at a cost of £210.00. It was reconditioned in 1935 and again in 1989 to the memory of Peter Cotman.
The litany desk was replaced.
In 1923 Electric lighting was installed.
The Windows
The East window was designed by Edward Burne-Jones and installed by William Morris & Co. It is to the memory of Joseph Taylor who built Wensley Reading Room. He died in 1892.
By 1909 three other windows were installed. One of them was installed to the memory of Mr. Booth, a former vicar, on the North side near the pulpit. Two on the South side near the lectern. The name of Mr. George Robert Hall’s mother in not know; she died in 1888 but was not buried at St Mary’s. (See second window on right).
The war memorial window by Abbott & Co. (Lancaster) Ltd showing Oker Hill was dedicated in 1950.
The Window in memory of Mrs. Heathcote-Potter was dedicated in 1956.
The Sanctuary
In 1938 four local men removed a step and paved the area with Stancliff stone. A local craftsman Mr. Bowler made a new altar. The curtains were all renewed, the four hand-made Riddell posts, the four ‘Nurenberg angels’, the crucifix and candlesticks of hand beaten copper, silver plated, and wood candlesticks were all bought. Two altar vases were given by Mrs. Ward and Miss A Ward. New sanctuary rails were installed in 1964.
The Eight Bells – carillon was installed by J Taylor’s of Loughborough in 1945.
The Clock was installed in 1950
Kitchen and W.C. – 1971
Bookcase in memory of Charles Bloore – 1972.
The Churchyard was again extended in 1982.
In 1883 the population was 557. Easter communicants were around 80.