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All
Saints Church
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 All Saints Church |
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All Saints Church, Highbrook was founded in 1884 as the result of the efforts of two sisters, Frances Sarah Kirby (wife of John Blake Kirby) and Caroline Ilsemann Weguelin (whose family was from Bavaria.) Frances laid the foundation stone in the presence of Dr Durnford, Bishop of Chichester. The completed church was opened by Dr Durnford on Thursday 15 October 1885. The architects were Messrs Carpenter & Ingelow of London.
The design is Early Decorated and the main construction is of sandstone from Stepenson Clarke's quarry at Hook Farm. The builder was George Box of Ardingly. During the 20th
Century, the Clarke family made it substantially their family church
and were responsible for much of its funding and Evidence of this is given by the large group of Clarke graves and memorials to the south of the church and by the memorial plaques on the north wall of the choir. For information
about the Church clock and Carillon For some technical information about the bells and others in Sussex click here For background information on the War Memorial click here There have been
nine incumbents, the first being Henry Harris (1884 -1904) and the
present being Alan Carr - (Tel.
01342-810494) since 1992.
All Saints Church is home to a small but committed and faithful congregation. It serves the people of the parish of Highbrook which borders the neighbouring parishes of West Hoathly, Horsted Keynes and Ardingly. It remains a separate parish, with its own Parochial Church Council, churchwardens, and administration, but it shares the ministry of a Vicar with the parish of St. Margaret’s, West Hoathly. Together the two parishes form what is called a Benefice. The parish of Highbrook is part of the local Deanery of Cuckfield and is within the Diocese of Chichester. There is also a new book - Heart and Soul - which tells the history of the church with plans, maps, and pictures. |
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