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St Michael’s Hall

For many years the need was felt for a Church Hall and Sunday School building.

The Sunday School at St. Michael's had been meeting in the very cramped area of the Crypt beneath the Sanctuary.

The Rev. H. C. Richards (1957-1960) and the Rev. F. L. Oliver (1960-1968) as well as many vestrymen felt that the need for a Hall was very great. This was quite evident to everyone, but many parishioners believed the expenditure was beyond their means.

Eventually plans were drawn by the Architect who had designed the Church (Mr. Reid) and accepted by the Vestry. People became enthusiastic and set about raising money for the project. A start was made by the builder (Mr. J. S. Shum) when two-thirds of the cost was provided.

The attractive hall, which is in keeping with the beautiful Church, was completed and dedicated by our old friend Bishop D. Baker on Saturday, 25th September 1965.

In addition, parishioners donated a piano (in memory of Florence A. Downer), valuable curtains, electric urn, chairs and tables, cups and saucers, electric stove, etc., as well as the money and service of many kinds very freely given, thus continuing the example set by the pioneers.

After the hall was paid for the need for a permanent toilet block was seen as a matter of some urgency. Largely through the efforts of Miss K. Rundell money from the arrangement of flowers for weddings (which Miss Rundell organised for many years) was put aside for this purpose.

In 1975 it was decided to proceed with the erection of a toilet block to be incorporated in the ultimate extension of the hall to the north. The block was completed in 1976 and its opening was marked by the dedication of a plaque on 3rd October by Bishop Dann to the memory of Miss Rundell, who had died before it became a reality.