St George, Chesterton

History of St George's Chesterton

14 October 1932
The new church of St George, Chesterton, was packed for the dedication by the Bishop of Ely. He welcomed those from the local district: it was for them that the church had been built. It was only a hall at present but he wanted them to see to it than an actual church was built in due course.

Credit: Mike Petty Archive, Cambridge Chesterton Scrapbook, reference 32 10 14a.

16 April 1962
The parish of St George, Chesterton, has practically doubled in the past five years. Twenty four members of the congregation were engaged in welcoming new families on the new King’s Hedges Estate. But the need for the appointment of a curate to assist the Vicar, the Rev J. Degwel Thomas, was urgent. Amongst those elected to the Parochial Church Council were Donald & Derrick Flory.

Credit: Mike Petty Archive, Cambridge Chesterton Scrapbook, reference 62 04 16a.

23 January 1986
Major structural faults have been discovered in St George’s Church, Chesterton – less than 40 years after it was built. The front wall is leaning away from the roof and cracks have been found on the arches inside the building. An architect’s inspection has advised that the problem areas are roped off, but services are still continuing as normal. Built in 1938, St George’s was the last Cambridge church to go up before the war. It was designed by Henry Lyon, the man responsible for the chapel at Sidney Sussex College.

Credit: Mike Petty Archive, Cambridge Chesterton Scrapbook, reference 86 01 23.

28 July 1986
St George’s Church, Chesterton is crumbling so badly that it may have to be pulled down – even though it is only 48 years old. Already the front door has been closed because the gable ends are being pushed outwards, tiles need replacing and two flat roofs need resurfacing. Arches inside are cracked and the brickwork needs re-pointing. Rev Peter Tamplin says the congregation would have to raise the money for rebuilding and residents are being asked what they would like to see in a new church

Credit: Mike Petty Archive, Cambridge Chesterton Scrapbook, reference 86 07 28.

13 October 1988
St George’s church celebrates its 50th birthday. The population of the parish almost doubled with the building of the North Arbury Estate bringing people in from different areas. To foster a community spirit parishioners launched a parish newsletter ‘Chesterton Challenge’ which is still going strong. It was one of the first free newspapers in the country. They also launched a ‘Fish’ scheme providing emergency help for anyone who needs it. The first couple to be married in the church, Frank Shaw and Dorothy Whitworth, are returning for the occasion.

Credit: Mike Petty Archive, Cambridge Chesterton Scrapbook, reference 88 10 13a.

 

Further information about St George’s Chesterton can be found on the Church of England webpage:

https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/13785/