RefurbishmentIt would seem that corners had been cut to keep the cost of building the church down to a minimum. The cheapest builder was used; who incidentally went into receivership within a year of completing St. Cuthbert's. The result of all this was that after only 11 years, dry rot was found in the Church floor. Apparently the floor had been laid lower than the land level. £15 had to be raised to put this right; most of it was paid for by the Parish Church. Also the organ was now being quoted as "a box of whistles" and "being done" so an organ fund was started, which it was hoped would raise £60. By May 1901 the original rush-bottom chairs were wearing out and needed replacing. It was decided to but some oak benches costing £150, and so a bazaar and concert was planned for July to raise the necessary funds. This turned out to be a little disappointing as only about £100 was raised. The oak was too expensive; something cheaper would have to be found. The new benches were installed and used for the first time in October. Mission
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