LocalHistory-Didling Church

The stor y of: St. Andrew ’s church Didling

By local author & artist David Johnston - Part 1

Didling church

When signs of serious decay were discovered in the churches of both Elsted and Treyford, a large new church of St Peter was built, halfway between the two villages in 1849. It was by all accounts, a very fine building with a spire 120 feet (36.58 metres) in height. With the completion of this magnificent ‘Cathedral of the Downs’ the parishioners from Elsted, Treyford and Didling were obliged to attend the services – they had, in those days, little option but obey the wishes of the builders; the Lord of the Manor. Consequently, St Andrew’s of Didling, which was, up until then, in a good state of repair, having been regularly used by its faithful congregation, eventually, fell into dereliction. This ruinous condition was not helped by a lighting strike in 1878; the violence of which, opened the roof to the elements, (a scorched black beam can still be seen,) and the ensuing weather took its toll. The parishioners looked helplessly on at this slow deterioration, the site of which raised feelings so high, that with true Sussex doggedness, they refused to attend any further services at the ‘Cathedral of the Downs;’ insisting instead to worship once again at their beloved little church, St Andrew’s. With this decision, the parish made sporadic efforts to fully repair the tiny sanctuary. But, with only two farm houses and nine labourers cottages from which to draw support, the raising of sufficient funds to restore the neglected building was never possible: that is, up until the arrival in 1932, of the newly appointed Rector of Elsted, Treyford and Didling: the Rev. William W. Whistler. The good vicar it seems took up the campaign with an apparent zeal; for he soon contacted –The Rev. A.A. Evans, vicar of East Dean and

Friston – author of several Sussex books –with a purpose of recruiting this Sussex writer to broaden the appeal. The Rev. A.A. Evans applauded the idea, and promptly penned an informative article on the history of the church, proclaiming too, the importance of the building to the county: this work ultimately featured in the ‘Sussex

County Magazine’ – along with a plea for donations. “Didling church is in trouble. The little sanctuary of the lonely Downside is in danger. The walls are strong and enduring, but not the heavy roofing and timbering of the beams, and king-post and rafters. These have grown tired of their job and are stooping like weary old men. The architect who has made a thorough examination says that the bulging and sagging is so considerable that the church may suddenly become a wreck unless seen to at once. – I hope everyone who reads these lines will send an offering to the Rector, the Rev. Webster W. Whistler, Elsted, and help him and the dear little church, in a great anxiety.” Gifts poured in and this ancient religious building was finally saved for the nation: the roof was fully repaired: though not entirely free from damage by the natural elements. For the old yew tree that stands in the churchyard, being of great age, had by the 1940’s, spread its branches out to such an extent that they touched the gable end, and during strong gales dislodged the tiles. And so it was that the need to trump up sufficient funds to make good the damage prompted a fresh drive to attract donations. The general opinion amongst the parsons flock was that, rather than rely on faithful parishioners, the goodwill of Christians residing beyond the bounds of the parish must be attracted. Several schemes were put forward, the eager conspirers agreeing once and for all, that an article must be published to inform the world that this tiny shepherd’s church, situated in such a geographically remote place, is so unique, that to visit it is a must. And what better way to do this, than with a reputedly true – Ghost Story? Part 2 to follow next month. David R.G. Johnston: Sussex author: photographer and Artist. www.davidjohnston.org.uk or email: johnston.david.rg@gmail.com