The Rev. John J. Giles came in 1939 after a
period of two years without a minister and led the Church through the
very trying and difficult war years.May 17th, 1941 was the most significant date of this period, the night of by far the heaviest air-raid on the town. Amid the human carnage and destruction of property, Holy Trinity Parish Church did not escape: it was completely bombed out. The hand of Christian friendship was extended and, for many years afterwards, Anglicans and Baptists shared our church on the Green, alternating between Non-Conformist and Prayer Book styles of worship. (This co-operation is still remembered in May each year as we meet together to share a Sunday evening service.)
Six long years
John Giles resigned in 1944 to take up an educational appointment. There then followed six long years without a Minister. Much of the reason for this long spell was due to the lack of an adequate Manse. It was during this period that the Church embarked on another venture, and undertook the building of the present Manse in Highfield Road.
1950 Back on our feet
With the completion and opening of the Manse, a call was extended to
the Rev. Arthur Gray who began his Ministry in 1950. It was
under this ministry that the pipe organ was installed in the Church in
1952, adding to the beauty of worship. It had previously been in the
chapel at Gopsal Hall. In 1955 Mr Gray received an invitation to
Gosport, and left in September of that year.The country was beginning to get back on its feet after the war and, with little competition yet from television or car ownership, the church involved people socially several nights a week as well as on Sundays. Like towns everywhere, Nuneaton was expanding outwards and grand central churches were no longer best for its increasingly sprawling population. Attleborough was becoming engulfed and no longer such a significant centre in its own right. Our church had set aside its 1920s plans for an imposing new sanctuary in favour of much needed flexible accommodation.
1956 Fifteen year ministry
In November 1955, less than two months after Rev. Gray's departure,
the Church called Rev. Trevor L. Landon to the pastorate and his
ministry commenced on 1st February l956.The new Church Hall was dedicated on 2nd December l961. The opening ceremony was performed by Miss Sarah Bosworth and Mr. J. Wolfe, who were at that time the two oldest members of the Church.
Attention then turned to the interior of the church. A new pulpit and choir screen were given in memory of Mr & Mrs Alfred Denny in September 1963. A carpet and many other gifts of furniture were donated at this time in memory of former stalwart members or in thankfulness for blessings received. (It was to be another thirty years before the last vestiges of the old church - the wooden benches - would be replaced.)
Almost at the end of Mr Landon's time, in May 1970, Dennis Rice began his epic service as Church Secretary.
Trevor's ministry in Attleborough lasted 15 years and is remembered with great warmth by all who knew him. The eve of his departure, 1 June 1971, was the occasion of a civic farewell in the Mayor's Parlour to mark his involvement in the life of the town. more>>
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