History

Welcome to St. Margaret's Church - Historic background - cont'd

The pulpit was presented to the church in 1924 by the Head Master of Harrow School. The Vestry was built in 1923. The organ chamber was built in 1930. The screen was added in memory of the Rev Arthur Harrison Rector of the parish from 1901 - 1914.

During the late 1920's and early 30's new oak pews were placed in the church. The medieval oak doors were stolen during the 1970's, the present oak doors were supplied by Mr Watson and made by Mr J Choules, as was the screen to the belfry. The altar cross and candlesticks were provided by Mr Watson. In 1910 a porch was added and replaced in the 1930's by the present porch in memory of Mr Lawrence, who was a churchwarden of long standing.

By the year 2000 woodpeckers had made 40 holes in the wood of the steeple and urgent repair was required. Thanks to ‘Cleanaway’ a sum in excess of £20,000 was donated to facilitate the repair work. The church was re-roofed during the 1950’s but by 2002 it again required repair, and large cracks had also appeared in the walls. Again with help from various charitable bodies including ‘Cleanaway’, Westons, and Friends of Essex Churches and other help the work commenced in November 2002.