Page 262 - Reading Mercury

instruments which arrived last week, and we find that the members will commence
practising directly; still it must be borne in mind that there are very numerous
experiences connected with the band, which will require the pecuniary aid of those
anxious to increase its efficiency, and therefore we would here again urge public
support to the concerts above notice in aid of that fund.

CIRCUS
The equestrian establishment of the Messrs Cooke is announced to visit our town on
Monday next, and should the performances only equal the announcement given in the
bills—and no doubt they will—s first-rate entertainment may be ensured by the
numerous holiday amusement seekers, who on Whit Monday generally feel unusually
ready to be amused and pleased.

1862

th
Sat 26 July
RESTORATION OF THE PARISH CHURCH
We are happy to find that the committee have now collected a sufficient sum
towards this object to justify them in at once commencing the works, and that they
have entered into an agreement with Messrs. J. And R. Lawrence, builders, of
Waltham St. Lawrence, to carry out the undertaking. The experience Messrs.
Lawrence have had in similar works is a sufficient guarantee that the contract will be
efficiently carried out on their part. We understand that it is intended to commence in
two or three weeks’ time, and that arrangements are being made for holding Divine
Service in the Town Hall during the period the repairs are being executed.
We may add that although the liberality evinced towards this cause has satisfied the
committee in commencing their good work, a considerable sum will still have to be
raised to enable them to complete their design; but doubtless this will be contributed
by those who have at heart the desire to see this fine old structure restored,, so as to be
an ornament to the town, as well as to provide suitable accommodation for an
increasing congregation in future.

th
Sat 6 Sept.
LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF A NEW CHURCH.
On Tuesday the foundation stone of a new church, which has now been a short time
commenced, on a well-chosen and elevated site--a piece of ground adjoining the road
from Reading to Wokingham, and a short distance from the town-was laid by Mrs.
Walter, the lady of John Walter, Esq. M.P., who, at his sole expense, is now erecting
the building to meet a spiritual want which has long been felt in the parish.
Wokingham is an improving town, the inhabitants have been for a length of time on
the increase, and it has been found that the spiritual wants of its people have been far
beyond what the parish church with its limited means could satisfy; and Mr. Walter,
with that noble generosity which characterises all his public acts, has stepped forward
to provide the means for the holy work. Mr. Walter now possesses a large amount of
property in the parish and neighbourhood fully, and recognising fully, as few men do,
that property has its responsibilities, he has erected schools in the parish of Sandhurst
and at Finchampstead and supports them entirely at his own cost. In addition to this
church, we believe he will erect schools in connection with it, endow the minister, and
make provision for the schoolmaster. Such deeds as these speak for themselves, as

260