St. Andrew's, Burnt Yates

Consecration of Burnt Yates Church 1883

At eleven o’clock on Wednesday morning last, the little church dedicated to St. Andrew and recently erected at Burnt Yates near Ripley, was consecrated for divine service by Bishop Hellmuth, co-adjutor to the Bishop of Ripon. For some time past, the necessity for a chapel of ease in this district has been recognised, and active steps were taken, by the friends and others interested towards bringing the project to a successful and satisfactory issue. Amongst those who have been identified with the erection of this structure may be mentioned the name of Mr. Taylor of Winsley, through whose generosity the funds of the church were considerably augmented; it was at the instigation of this gentleman that operations were first begun.

The church accommodates 130 worshippers. The style of architecture is Norman, with nave, chancel, vestry and a handsome tower at the West End. The interior is fitted with open seats of pitch-pine. It is heated by a hotwater apparatus and perfect ventilation is obtained through the windows and roof. Mr. G. Mallinson of Hutton Conyers, Ripen, was the architect. The estimated cost is £1,000. Messrs. England of Harrogate supplied the heating, and Mr.G. Grange of Harrogate was the contractor. The church is three miles from Ripley, six miles from Harrogate and two-and-a-half miles from Birstwith. It is connected with Ripley Parish and the Rev. T.C. Thompson is the rector.

Local clergy present were Rev. H. Deck, Hampsthwaite, Rev. A. Scott, Pateley Bridge, Rev. E. Drury, Wigan, Rev. G.W. Rountree, Pannal, Rev. K. Smith, Killinghall, Rev. J.S. Tute, Markington, Rev. W.H. Patchett, Sawley, Rev. G.O. Brownrigg, Harrogate, Rev. T. Sheepshanks, Arthington, Rev. A. Kershaw, Greenhow Hill, Rev. Gleave, Bishop Thornton , Rev. E. Bittleston, South Stainley, Rev. J.H. Hudleston, Cayton Hall, Rev. Schwabe, Copgrove. The Rev. D. S, Cowley of Harrogate acted as chaplain to the Bishop. In addition to the above, a large number of the gentry of the neighbourhood were present. The Bishop in speaking of the new church, said it would tend to supply a long felt want in that district, and he trusted that God’s blessing would attend the labours put forth within it’s walls.

At the conclusion of the consecration ceremony, an offertory was made which realised £25-18-4d.