Temples worthy of His presence: The early publications of the Cambridge Camden Society

A group of Cambridge undergraduates succeeded in transforming the appearance of every Anglican church in the world. (J. Mordaunt Crook). The vehicle for this transformation was, to a considerable extent, the items reproduced in this book, and rarely in the history of publishing can a set of pamphlets have had a more profound influence. In the course of Victoriaís reign, the setting of Anglican worship was transformed: out went the galleried 'preaching boxes' with their cosy box-pews, plaster ceilings and unsightly stove pipes; in came long chancels lined by choir stalls and focusing on the altar raised on steps, open seats for the congregations, and all dressed in the Gothic style of the Middle Ages. A substantial introduction tells the story of this revolution and the facsimilies of the eight documents - which have never been reproduced before and are only available in a small number of specialized libraries - make this a key volume for both research scholars as well as those with a more general interest in Victorian architectural church history.Table of ContentsIntroduction Christopher Webster 1 The Society’s Laws 2 First Annual Report of the Committee of the Cambridge Camden Society, May 9, 3 A Few Hints on the Practical Study of Ecclesiastical Antiquities 4 A Few Words to Church Builders, plus Appendices A-C 5 A Few Words to Churchwardens ... No 1... Suited to Country Parishes 6 A Few Words to Churchwardens ... No 2 ... Suited to Town and Manufacturing Parishes 7 A Few Words to the Parish Clerks and Sextons of Country Parishes 8 Church Enlargement and Church Arrangement