The first instalment of our additions to the Church has left the builder’s hands, and we have to record the opening of the Baptistery beneath the new Tower, on Christmas Eve. After the usual Christmas Eve service, the clergy and choir proceeded to the Baptistery.

Standing round the Font a short service was held, including the 127th Psalm, and the following collect specially compiled for the occasion.

“Almighty and Everlasting God, mercifully be pleased to bless this Baptistery which we have built in the Name and strength of Him Who is the tried and precious Stone; visit it, we beseech Thee, with Thy merciful loving kindness; cleanse it by Thy grace from all pollution, and keep it ever pure; bless those who shall here be admitted through the holy waters of baptism into the fold of Thy Church; and may all who witness baptisms here, be stirred up to a more worthy fulfilment of their own baptismal vow. We ask all in the Name and for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.

The procession then left the Baptistery, singing the 242nd Hymn, “We love the place, 0 God."

Source: The Hampton Hill Parish Magazine - 1888 January

This story follows on from the page The Proposed Tower and Spire Update 1887
The story continues on the page Tower and Spire Update 1888