PLYMOUTH |
The Encyclopaedia of Plymouth History |
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GARRISON CHURCH OF SAINT MICHAEL AND SAINT GEORGE
The Garrison Church of Saint Michael and Saint George was situated on Cumberland Lawn, at Devonport, at the southern boundary of Raglan Barracks.
The imposing interior had graceful columns, which supported moulded arches. The altar, and the reredos, had been embellished at various times with private gifts. It was built in about 1860 and was a large Early English style edifice of red brick, with Bath stone dressings. It consisted of a nave, aisles, transept, side chapel, vestry and a turret. There was a small tower. On the top of the turret was the Church bell, which bore the date 1783 and was cast in Flanders. It was said to have been taken off a French prize. A subscription was raised to erect an organ, which was installed in 1888 by Messrs Hele and Company of Plymouth. The cost was £300. At Parade services, the chancel seats were occupied by the staff and officers of the garrison, while the troops were seated in the nave and aisles. The music would have been supplied by the regimental band. On Sunday evenings, a soldiers' choir led the signing, which would normally be accompanied by the organ but on festive occasions would be joined by the military band and drums. Members of the public were admitted by the south door to the Sunday morning Parade service if there was any room but in the evenings the Church was freely open and only the seats for the officers would have been reserved. Sources:
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