Conisbro’ Memorial Chapel Represents 13 Years’ Work (picture)

November 1957

South Yorkshire Times November 23, 1957

Conisbro’ Memorial Chapel
Represents 13 Years’ Work

A Memorial Chapel situated in the east end of the north aisle of Conisbrough Parish Church, was on Wednesday evening dedicated by the Bishop of Sheffield, Dr. L. S. Hunter, to the memory of Conisbrough Servicemen who died during the last war.

The names of some 60 men, which are contained in a parchment book presented by Dr. W. J. Maclure, a former churchwarden, were read at the service.

The chapel, which with an organ, cost £3.000, represents almost 13 years’ work by the parishioners of Conisbrough, who organised various social events to raise the sum required. Saturday coffee mornings alone realised some £700.

One of the most interesting features of the chapel is a large stone, measuring approximately six feet by three feet, which has been incorporated in the altar. The stone was discovered in the bailey of Conisbrough Cantle about 30 year ago; and there are grounds for belief that it may have been used in a chapel in the Castle. Engraved on the surface of the stone are several tiny crosses.

On Wednesday the church was crowded for the dedication. Before the service, British Legion standards were presented at the altar.

During the dedication, prayers were relayed from the chapel to the congregation by loudspeaker, and the congregation stood in silence as the names of the Fallen were read.

The Bishop said they were remembering men who, without much grousing, left their homes, jobs and families to face fears, wounds, captivity and death. “Let us hope we shall continue to remember them”, he added.

“Take your minds back over the years, If you will, to that Normandy invasion. Think of the planning and the preparation and the training that preceded it.    There they were, men of several nationalities, standing together, working together with one plan end one purpose, And success came as a result of the perfect co-operation of a vast number of bits and pieces, not only through wonderful techniques & organisation. Now if it can be done once, it can be done again. It in war, why not in peace?”

After the address and the blessing the Legion standards were returned to the men’s and women’s section standard bearers, who with their escorts marched back down the nave to their places.