PARISH OF PRESTON ST MATHIAS

In 1900 a committee was formed to consider the establishment of mission churches on Ditchling Road and Bear Road, Preston. The churches of St Mathias and St Alban were both founded in 1901 and were administered as a single unit until separate curates were appointed for each district in 1905. St Mathias was created as a separate parish from Preston St John the Evangelist by an Order-in-Council dated 19 March 1913.

The iron mission church of St Mathias was opened for its first service on 28 September 1901 and was dedicated by the Bishop Chichester on 15 December 1901. In December 1906 the foundation stone was laid. The chancel was opened for worship in July 1907 and the church was consecrated on 11 January 1912.

The church was designed by the Diocesan Architect, Lacy W Ridge, at a cost of £6000; the site was given by Charles Willett Catt and the font was presented by the parish of Eastbourne St John.

Summary of contents:

INCUMBENT

PAR458/1/2 Baptism registers; 1906-1982

PAR458/1/3 Marriage registers; 1912-1983

PAR458/1/4 Banns registers; 1912-1985

PAR458/1/5 Burial registers; 1913-1979

PAR458/1/6 Confirmation records; 1918-1964

PAR458/2 Copies of registers; 1902-1908

PAR458/3 Service registers; 1912-1981

CHURCHWARDENS

PAR458/9 Accounts; 1907-1913

VESTRY

PAR458/12 Minutes; 1902-1970

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

PAR458/14 Minutes; 1919-1962

PAR458/15 Accounts; 1923-1929

SPECIAL COMMITTEES

PAR458/43/1 St Matthias mission foundation, 1900-1902

Deposited by the Incumbent and PCC, 26 November 1987 (ACC 4939)